The YZ65 Cup returned with a bang on Sunday 26 June at Maitland MX track in NSW, scene of the Pro MX Nationals. 25 lucky riders were selected to compete including three girls.
Riders travelled from NSW, QLD, VIC and WA to ride in the event that offers the nine to 12-year-old guns the opportunity to rub shoulders with Australia’s elite riders.
Entrants enjoyed a track walk with championship leader and CDR Yamaha rider Aaron Tanti. This was followed by a practice session two 10 minute plus one lap motos and official presentation. Every rider received a bLU cRU rider pack containing a Yamaha Racing jacket, shirt, hat and cooler bag.
Riders also enjoyed a bLU cRU team BBQ, meet and greet with all Yamaha supported riders and poster signing as well as a CDR Monster Energy Yamaha truck tour. Every rider also received a YZ65 Cup trophy.
Riders travelled from far and including YJR rider Deegan Fort who travelled from WA to attend his first YZ65 Cup and was impressed with the event: “Maitland was my first ride on the East Coast at this event and what an awesome experience. To be part of YZ65 Cup shows what racing in seniors and Aus Pro MX series is like. All the effort Yamaha Australia put in was amazing. I really enjoyed racing against all the riders in NSW and going to a new track I have never been to before. Big thanks to Yamaha Australia, Nick Marshall, Travis and Nathan from WBR, SRD, CDR Yamaha, especially Aaron Tanti for the track walk. After doing this I will be better prepared when I return for the QMP round,” says the Western Australian.
Jessie Harris attended her fourth YZ65 Cup, and this was her last year on a YZ65 – she now steps up to a YZ125: “Hi, my name is Jessie Harris and I’m 12 years old. I’ve been invited to the YZ65 Cup four times, and I’ve loved every minute of it. The experience has been out of this world. I pitted under the Yamaha truck and met some of the best MX riders and was made to feel like a pro. If you own a Yamaha YZ65 then this is something, you have to experience. Thank you, Yamaha!” she says.
Jessie’s mum Vanessa also praised the event: “The way the team at Yamaha make everyone feel welcome and special is spot on. The kids are treated like superstars. I highly recommend experiencing this adventure with your kids. It’s something they won’t forget. Thanks to the bLU cRU family and Yamaha Australia, you guys truly are legends,” says Vanessa.
Other comments on the event:
“Being selected for the Yamaha YZ65 cup and being able to ride at a Pro MX race and be treated like a pro rider was a dream come true”, Jenson Bridge.
“I did not know what to expect at the Yamaha YZ65 Cup but I was blown away. Nothing but excitement for the junior riders and the parents!” Joey Bridge.
Despite the focus being on the experience rather than the result, YMA congratulates the Maitland podium placers:
1st Heath DAVY NSW
2nd Darcy HUSTON NSW
3rd Deegan FORT WA