By Dean AdamsThis just in:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Yamaha U.S. Announces New Role For Josh Hayes
With Yamaha Factory Racing
Cypress, CA – November 17, 2017 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., and Yamaha Factory Racing are proud to announce that four-time AMA Superbike Champion and Yamaha Legend Josh Hayes will continue with the team in a brand-new role for which he is uniquely qualified, as Yamaha Factory Racing Ambassador and Yamaha bLU cRU Rider Coach. The announcement was made by Keith McCarty, Motorsports Racing Division Manager for Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
For 2018, the “Mississippi Madman” will continue as a vital member of the Yamaha Factory Racing team, applying his knowledge and experience as a mentor, consultant, and rider coach, as well as continuing to promote the Yamaha brand and Yamaha Factory Racing in the MotoAmerica paddock and beyond. In addition, Josh will serve as a test rider for the Monster Energy/Yamalube/Yamaha Factory Racing Superbike team.
Commenting on his new role, Josh said, “This is not a retirement announcement. I feel like ‘retirement’ is a choice you make. I never intended to stop racing, but with Yamaha’s vision and goals, it became time to move in a new direction with the young talent that’s been dominating the MotoAmerica Supersport class. I’m thankful to Yamaha, Keith, and the team for giving me the opportunity to accomplish what I was able to in Superbike, and I’m proud that they want me to continue with them, beyond just racing their motorcycles. I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with the younger riders moving up.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Yamaha U.S. Announces Factory Superbike Rider Lineup For 2018 MotoAmerica Road Racing Championship
Cypress, CA – November 17, 2017 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., and Yamaha Factory Racing are proud to announce that two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Garrett Gerloff will join two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier on the Monster Energy/Yamalube/Yamaha Factory Racing Superbike team. The announcement was made by Keith McCarty, Motorsports Racing Division Manager for Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
After winning back-to-back MotoAmerica Supersport titles aboard the Yamaha YZF-R6, Garrett is excited to step up to the race- and championship-proven Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike and join the highly competitive MotoAmerica Superbike Championship as Cameron’s teammate.
“Last year was a dream season for me,” commented Garrett. “I accomplished a lot of things on my list of goals. So, for me, I was ready for the next step. I have wanted to ride a superbike for such a long time now, so, for it to finally happen is amazing. I have some big shoes to fill. Taking the ‘Josh Hayes spot’ isn’t something I take lightly…it is an honor. If I can accomplish just a fraction of what he has, then I will be doing pretty well. Luckily, I’ve been able to ride the R1 Superbike a couple times already, and all I can say is that it is an animal! It’s so fast, but also smooth and agile. I couldn’t ask for a better machine with which to attack the 2018 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. I already feel right at home on the bike and with all of the amazing people on the team. It’s going to be a steep learning curve, but I’m more than ready for a challenge! And, with the whole package together, I know I can’t fail! I’m looking forward to an exciting 2018 aboard my #31 R1 Superbike!”
Cameron, who injured his right shoulder at Pittsburgh International Race Complex last season and had to have surgery to repair the damage, has almost fully recovered. He’ll soon be back aboard his #6 Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike and ready to fight for the 2018 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.
“I’ve been going to therapy and seeing improvements every week,” Cameron said. “I should be 100% soon. I’ve been enjoying my off-season, but I am anxious to get back on my R1 and back with my team. We’ll be at Thunderhill for the upcoming the Dunlop tire test, and I can’t wait! I want that #1 plate back, and my motivation to win has never been higher!”
