Record grids for Formula Xtreme 2001

The largest grid size ever seen in a modern motorcycle road racing class in Australia is further complimented by the staggering number of over 220 entries (the largest domestic field of solo entries ever seen at Eastern Creek) the weekend's racing in the seven different categories. The huge entry list will guarantee great racing in what is the season's opening major race meeting in Australia.

A sensational grid of 50 of Australia's fastest race bikes and riders will fight for the 45 grid positions available to face the starter at this weekend's opening event of the 2001 Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State.

The premier Formula Xtreme class brings together the fastest and most powerful motorcycles available in the Australian market today, ridden by the countries leading road racers.

The field will include a mixture of Yamaha YZF 1000 R1's, Kawasaki ZX-12R AND ZX-9R's, Honda's CBR929 Fireblade to name but a few of the exciting bikes which will take to the circuit in the four, eight-lap sprint races for the Yamaha Formula Xtreme class.

Rider interest will focus on a number of up and coming young riders who will be battling with an equal number of well-credentialed riders.

Adding an extra dimension is the inclusion of New Zealand champion Tony Rees. Riding for Bikebiz Yamaha at Parramatta, Rees finished third overall in 2000 and will be looking at outscoring the Australians this year.

The young contingent of riders will be headed by Radar's Team Yamaha 18-year-old Victorian Craig Coxhell, who will be partnered by 21-year-old Jamie Stauffer. Both riders have been mooted as stars of the future, along with Red Wing Honda's Alex Gobert, the youngest of the three Gobert brothers.

The three youngsters will have their hands full against the experienced Rees along with Radar's Team Yamaha's third Rider Robbie Baird and fellow Queenslander John Allen, who will give the extremely powerful Kawasaki ZX-12R its Australian race debut.

Adding to the intensity of the Formula Xtreme class are the six support classes - FX Pro-twins, Supersport, Nakedbike, Streetfighter NK Lites, Aprilia Challenge and Formula Oz.

With the exception of Formula Oz, all of the remaining classes are based on allowing ADR compliance motorcycles to race against each other on an equal footing. Formula Oz is designed to allow those racers who have purpose built race bikes to battle against one another.

This weekend's racing commences on Saturday morning with practice and qualifying for all classes, followed by the opening races of the weekend from 1:30pm. Sunday's race program commences at 10:00am with 16 races scheduled. Fans will also be entertained by a lunchtime burn out competition which will take place on the `Burnout Pad' adjacent to turn one on the main straight.

TICKETING
Ticket prices range from $20 for adults, $15 for pensioner concessions, with children under 15 free. Each ticket allows access to all general admission spectating areas, plus grandstand, pit roof and pit areas. Tickets are available at the gate.

2001 Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State calendar:
17-18 February Eastern Creek (NSW)
28-29 April Oran Park (NSW)
19-20 May Queensland Raceway (Q'ld)
16-17 June Phillip Island (Vic)
7- 8 July Eastern Creek (NSW)