We loved Yamaha's big/little YZF-R125 when we rode it earlier this year and surmised it would make a fantastic basis for a one-make learner/young person's road race series.Obviously great minds think alike because that's exactly what Yamaha Motor Australia is proposing, calling for expressions of interest from promoters to run a one-make series across the Tasman for the hi-tech, fuel-injected Yamaha 125cc 4-stroke singles in 2011.
According to YMA (which manages Yamaha Motor NZ on behalf of the factory) 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.
Here's what the company has to say about it.
According to YMA (which manages Yamaha Motor NZ on behalf of the factory) 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.
Here's what the company has to say about it.
"The 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. With the ultimate prize (possibly) a satellite supported ride on a FX600 or Superstock 600 YZF-R6 for the next year.
"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. With the ultimate prize (possibly) 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 $AUS17,000 per rider.
Yamaha is taking expressions of interest from promoters at YRD yrd@bigpond.com before the end of June 2010. And it has asked for feedback from potential entrants.
"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 $AUS17,000 per rider.
Yamaha is taking expressions of interest from promoters at YRD yrd@bigpond.com before the end of June 2010. And it has asked for feedback from potential entrants.
If this sounds like you the man to talk to is Sean Goldhawk Communications Manager at Yamaha Motor Australia tel 0 61 2 9827 7568.
Tell him KR suggested you call re the possibility of a series just like it in New Zealand!