YZF-R125 race series expressions of interest

Yamaha YZF-R125

Yamaha Motor Australia intends to launch a one model race series aimed at attracting new riders to road racing and unearthing the next Casey Stoner. In order to kickstart this concept we seek serious expressions of interest.

The YZF-R125 race series concept is aimed at riders 13 to 15 years old. And unlike other one model series, the playing field is designed to be entirely level and all hassles normally associated with road racing are removed. All you do is turn up and ride.

The race bike will be a modified YZF-R125 - developed along the same lines as the Italian R125 Cup series bikes. The concept is that the Australian based Yamaha Racing Devlopment team builds, supports, runs, transports and maintains the race bikes. Riders are only required to supply their own transport, accommodation, evening meals and a mechanically capable helper.

Everything else required for racing - including fuel and one set of Dunlop control tyres per round - is paid for by each rider at the start of the season. The only extra cost would be crash repairs.

A sign on fee provides the rider with a minimum of a five round series (possibly eight rounds) with one full day of practice, one or two qualifying sessions and six races over three days per round.

There may also be a pre series test day included.

The plan is that YRD builds the race bikes and maintains them between events. YRD will also transport the bikes to and from events, pay entry fees, take care of garaging and will provide a crew chief to oversee the helpers, a set up/suspension technician, a tyre fitter/general helper to support the other staff and a trainer/rider co-ordinator to help the riders with racecraft and technique. YRD will also provide catering at the circuit for breakfast/lunch/refreshments on race day.

To ensure a level playing field, YRD will guarantee total equality of machinery and tyres by asking riders to draw the keys to each machine before each event. The only adjustments to be made on race day will be gearing, suspension spring preload, ride height and tyre pressures.

Prizes will be provided for each age group commensurate with the level of expertise and achievement. The ultimate prize could be a satellite supported ride on a FX600 or Superstock 600 YZF-R6 for the next year. PR will be managed by Yamaha and available to each rider. Both rider and helper will be provided with a set of pit wear
required to be worn at events.

The race series is aimed at junior MX, dirt track and short circuit riders who want to try road racing but can’t afford the huge current expense of buying, building, running and getting to and from road race events with a bike.

The proposed fee for entering one race series is $17,000 per rider.

If you are interested, please email at YRD yrd@bigpond.com before the end of June 2010.

Major benefits of the YZF-R125 race series

• Rider just turns up and rides, bike and tyres supplied
• No cheating possible due to key lottery arrangement. All bikes run the same specs
• No big spenders allowed - level playing field.
• Emphasis is firmly on racecraft and rider skills
• Reliable, well built, race capable YZF-R125 base model
• One off fee - no spiralling costs or nasty surprises (no need to buy or sell motorcycles)

Vale - Andrew McFarlane

Yamaha Motor Australia, on behalf of Yamaha-Motor Corporation and its associated race teams around the world, wish to pass on their condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the McFarlane family after the tragic passing of Andrew McFarlane.

During his 27 years as a motocross racer, McFarlane represented the brand at a professional level throughout the world and raced at the highest levels. Andrew was an athlete held in the highest esteem among the Yamaha family and his passing is a great loss to the motocross community in general.

"I am stunned and saddened by the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McFarlane family at this time and Yamaha expresses its deepest sympathy to the entire family. Motocross has lost a true competitor and a true professional," said Yamaha Managing Director, Steven Cotterell.

Yamaha wishes to pass on our sincerest and best wishes to Ron, Norma, Cameron, Wendy, Natalie and Tayla and hope you find celebration in Andrew's life.

Rest In Peace
AM #7.

TRIBUTES
CRAIG DACK - CDR ROCKSTAR YAMAHA
"I can still recall that day in Broadford back in 2000 when Andrew took on the world. His effort made every Australian at the track stand up and cheer. The first 20 minutes of the opening moto made for one of the best atmospheres I have ever experienced at a motocross event, all because of the efforts of Andrew and his desire to succeed.

"His loss as a friend, competitor and rider on the Australian scene is huge and he will long be remembered as pioneer of Australian motocross and a popular rider within his peers."

RAY HOWARD - YAMAHA MOTORSPORT MANAGER
"The atmosphere and the look in the riders’ eyes last Sunday said it all. Andrew’s death was devastating to all and leaves an un-fillable hole in the motocross landscape. He was dedicated, professional, talented and determined; all that assets that fuel a competitor to a level so few achieve.

"On behalf of our race teams, we are honored to have worked with Andrew, proud of his achievements and gutted by his death. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the McFarlane family."

ANDREW McFARLANE BIO
Nick name: Sharky
Date of Birth: 5/30/1977
Hometown (city and state): Brisbane, QLD
Height: 1.76 cm
Weight: 80 kg
Home track: Coolum, QLD
How many years riding: 27
Career Highlights: Second world GP, seven-time Des Nation Rep
Results MX 2009: Third
Bike raced in 2010 MX: KTM 450
Riding number for 2010 MX: 7
Team Manager: Jay Rynenberg
Mechanic: Ron McFarlane
First bike: Honda 50
Favorite track: Red Bud
Heroes: Jeremy McGrath
Strengths: Fitness, Starts
Weaknesses: None
If you weren’t riding Motocross, what would you be doing: Some type of motorsport
Toughest Competition: Myself

ANDREW McFARLANE PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGH LIGHTS
* Started racing dirt track aged six in Brisbane
* Placed second in first season as an MX senior
* Only person to win 125 and 250 class SX in same year
* 1999 Australian MX champion (as a privateer with dad as mechanic and Star Yamaha backed)
* 2000 SX Masters champ
* 2000 3rd at Broadford MXGP
* 2001 2nd at Broadford MXGP
* Five years in Europe, highlight was second overall in MX2 2005 with Rinaldi Yamaha
* Race for factory Yamaha/ Kawasaki / KTM and Suzuki teams around the world.
* 27 year race career

Future of commuting on display at Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast

Yamaha will offer a glimpse into the future of commuting when it unveils its revolutionary concept model EC-f at the Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast.

Sure to stand out amongst hundreds of new production motorcycles, the electric-powered machine features minimalist, futuristic styling and has been designed with rider ease-of-use in mind.

Yamaha's Smart Power ideals are present in the EC-f, with focus placed on environmentally-friendly performance and human riding pleasure.

A key feature of the new wave of electric motorcycles is ride stability and smoothness, all while operating with barely a sound.

A lightweight aluminium frame rounds out this incredible concept bike which would not look out of place in a sci-fi flick.

"The Australian Motorcycle Expo is focused on the new and unique," said Event Manager Mark Petersen. "Along with the hundreds of new motorcycle models on the floor we are lucky to have some special concept machines demonstrating the possibility of technology advancements within the industry.

"The EC-f is an example of a future-proof product – sustainable and low impact. It's not something we will see on our streets any time soon, but the technology and philosophy is certain to be built upon as production models continue to evolve.

"It made waves when revealed in Japan last year and we expect it will draw a lot of attention from crowds in its first Australian display on the Gold Coast in a few weeks' time."

Other brands represented at the showcase include BMW Motorrad, BRP, Ducati, Gilera, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husaberg, Hyosung, Kawasaki, KTM, Kymco, OZ Trikes, Piaggio, Sachs Bikes, SeaDoo, Suzuki, TGB, Triumph, Vespa, Victory Motorcycles and Yamaha Motor and Marine.

The three-day event runs from Friday February 19 through to Sunday February 21, with a range of attractions and action demonstrations set to make it the biggest event of its kind yet in Queensland.

Tickets range from $13 for children and $18 for adults. The best value ticket option is the family pass, which admits two adults and two children for $46.

For further event information visit www.australianmotorcycleexpo.com.au