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Yamaha Looking To Launch YZF-R125 One-Model Race Series In Australia

Yamaha Australia is considering the launch of a one-model racing series in Australia, in what the company describes as a means of “unearthing the next Casey Stoner.”

While purely a concept at this stage, the series would use a modified ve


Yamaha Australia is considering the launch of a one-model racing series in Australia, in what the company describes as a means of "unearthing the next Casey Stoner."

While purely a concept at this stage, the series would use a modified version of the company's entry-level YZF-R125 sportsbike, aimed at riders aged 13 to 15.

Unlike other one-model codes, the YZF-R125 race series won't require its competitors to own their own bikes. The Yamaha Racing Development team will build, maintain, run and transport the race bikes.

While that will be a huge bonus to many hopefuls, certain things - like fuel, a set of Dunlops for each round, and the cost of smash repairs - will still need to be covered by the riders (or, more likely, their parents).

The series is still in the development stages, but Yamaha says a sign-on fee (expected to be around $17,000) will provide the rider with a minimum of a five-round series (possibly eight rounds) with one full day of practice, a couple of qualifying sessions and six races over three days per round.

Keen to steer clear of any opportunity for sneaky tuning and equipment tactics, Yamaha says it will require each rider to draw the keys at random before each event. Adjustments will still be made to suit each rider's unique needs however, including gearing, suspension spring preload, ride height and tyre pressures.

Prizes too are still being determined, but Yahama says riders could stand to win a ride on an FX600 or a Superstock 600 YZF-R6 with a satellite team, along with Yamaha-managed PR being made available to each competitor.

Yamaha is looking to get responses from hopefuls before the end of June, and the company stresses that without enough feedback, the series may not launch at all.

Those interested should email yrd@bigpond.com.

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