Yamaha Racing Team today officially announced their 2010 road race program.
The team will compete in the Australian Formula Xtreme Championship series as well as selected international events such as the Yamaha World Superbike round at Phillip Island.
Yamaha Racing Team will field three riders for 2010, all reigning national champions in their respective classes.
National 600cc supersport champion Bryan Staring will compete in the FX1000 and FX600 classes while Pat Medcalf will once again ride his all conquering YZF-R1 in the FX1000 class only. And reigning 600cc superstock champion Rick Olson will line up on a YZF-R6 in the FX600 category.
YRT plans to enter all riders on 600cc Supersport machines at selected events such as the Yamaha World Superbike ASBK round on Feb 28 2010.
The decision to compete in the Formula Xtreme Series reflects YMA and YRT’s need to be cost effective and policy to promote the growth of grass roots racing by competing with machines that are close to showroom spec’, says Yamaha.
Yamaha claim that the Formula Xtreme Championship offers the best method to achieve this goal, with popular tracks close to large population centres like Winton, Wakefield and Eastern Creek at its disposal and a tried and trusted infrastructure that saw full grids and decent crowds in 2009. Plus guaranteed TV coverage on free-to-air at a regular timeslot (SBS Speedweek) ensures a high level of exposure nationwide for the Formula Xtreme series.
“Yamaha wants to promote growth in road racing in Australia, both in participation and spectator numbers. In order to achieve this, we believe a move toward the grass roots and in particular superstock machines is necessary. Racing bikes that are close to showroom spec makes for close dicing action, it decreases the gaps between privateers and factory race teams which should offer a more level playing field. And it should also encourage customers to head to the showrooms to buy similar bikes,” explains YMA Director and General Manager Steven Cotterell. “The Formula Xtreme Series offers the classes, the infrastructure and the most suitable venues to achieve the goal of re-energising road racing in Australia. Because the FX series is a two part championship that takes place in summer and winter 2010, it offers both a high level of flexibility and cost effectiveness. And the extra events will allow increased exposure for competing race teams,” he continues.
“Yamaha remains dedicated to road racing in a cost effective environment that will continue to promote the sport and foster homegrown riding talent,” adds Cotterell.
Current YRT race calendar (showing dates confirmed at 1 Feb 2010):
Event Dates Classes
WSBK PI/ASBK 1 26-28 Feb Supersport
Wakefield FX 27-28 March FX1000 and FX600
Winton FX 5-6 June FX1000 and FX600
Eastern Creek FX 3-4 July FX1000 and FX600
FX Wakefield 11-12 Sept FX1000 and FX600
Eastern Creek FX 30-31 Oct FX1000 and FX600
