Yamaha Factory-Supported and bLU cRU ATV & SxS Racers Topping Podiums
KENNESAW, Ga. – June 23, 2017 – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, factory-supported and bLU cRU racers are dominating the 2017 season piloting Yamaha’s pure-sport YXZ1000R Side-by-Side (SxS) and unrivaled YFZ450R ATV. Both built in the USA vehicles are frequenting the podium and topping point-standings in multiple major off-road racing series across the nation.
Yamaha continues to be the preeminent SxS manufacturer competing in The Off-Road Championship (TORC) series, currently sweeping the podium in the industry’s only pure-sport SxS, the YXZ1000R, featuring a Yamaha-exclusive manual-transmission. Undefeated so far in the 2017 TORC series, Yamaha factory-supported racer CJ Greaves leads the Pro Stock UTV class with 76 points after going three-for-three in his #933 Monster Energy / Maxxis / Greaves Motorsports / Yamaha YXZ1000R. Additional Yamaha bLU cRU racers Kenny Masch and Zachary Martin round out the pack in second and third overall, respectively, each driving the YXZ1000R.
Following Yamaha’s domination during the 2016 season, the Lucas Oil Regional Off-Road Racing Series’ (LORORS) field of vehicles in both Southern California (So Cal) and Arizona has predominantly shifted, with the majority of racers in the Pro Production 1000 class now driving the unmatched YXZ1000R, offering a vehicle-to-driver direct-connection only available from Yamaha. In the So Cal series, bLU cRU racer Brandon Arthur stands second overall with 246 points, thanks to four of five podium finishes in his #906 Toyo Tires / MAVTV / Yamaha YXZ1000R. He also has back-to-back first place finishes in the LORORS of Arizona. Third overall in the So Cal Series is bLU cRU racer Keith Brooks with his #942 Chaparral Motorsports / Kartek Off-Road / Yamaha YXZ1000R. In five rounds, Brooks secured three podium finishes, including one so far in the top spot.
Leading the LORORS Arizona circuit for the 2017 season is 2016 LORORS AZ runner-up, Pro Stock UTV TORC champion and bLU cRU racer Corry Weller in her #948 Dragonfire Racing / Lucas Oil Racing TV / Yamaha YXZ1000R. So far, Weller landed on the podium in five of six Production 1000 UTV class races in Arizona – three of which were first place finishes.
In the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), bLU cRU racer Nic Granlund captured back-to-back victories over the weekend, winning the SxS Pro Production and Pro Stock classes in round nine while driving his #68 STV Motorsports / Fox / DWT / Weller Racing / Yamaha YXZ1000R. Granlund is currently fourth in the SxS Pro Stock class standings with five podium finishes, and has three podium finishes in the Pro Production class.
For yet another year, Yamaha ATV racers continue to lead aboard the Proven Off-Road YFZ450R, the best-selling 450-class sport ATV in America*. Currently leading the AMA ATV MX National Championship series Pro class for the sixth year in a row is long-time ATV MX champion Chad Wienen with his #1 Wienen Motorsports / Yamaha YFZ450R. Wienen finished on the podium in all six rounds of the 2017 season so far, with four overall wins to date. He is also the only racer in the series to podium in every race, making it 56 consecutively since joining Yamaha, along with securing a total of 34 overall wins.
Furthering Yamaha as the best-selling Sport ATV brand in America** and dominating the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) XC1 Pro ATV class for his third year in a row is reigning champion Walker Fowler onboard his Walker Fowler Racing / Maxxis / Moto-Xperts / Yamaha YFZ450R. In seven races, Fowler has earned 205 points, with a 56 point lead over the competition thanks to six first place wins, placing no lower than second throughout the series.
The Yamaha YXZ1000R and YFZ450R, along with every Yamaha SxS and full-size ATV, are proudly Assembled in the USA at Yamaha’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.
Yamaha’s newly launched ATV / SxS bLU cRU Racing Support Program for 2017 offers a potential total payout of $100,000 in championship bonuses for ATV and SxS racers competing in select classes and series aboard Yamaha’s 2016 or newer YXZ1000R and YFZ450R models. To register or view more information on Yamaha’s bLU cRU program, including all guidelines and requirements, visit www.YamahabLUcRU.com.
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About Yamaha Motor Corp., USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.YamahaMotorsports.com.
SxS vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers 16 years and older.
ATVs over 90cc are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older.
*Based on IHS Markit Total new U.S. ATV registrations in the Yamaha defined 450cc class Sport ATV category for Calendar Year 2016.
** Based on IHS Markit Total new U.S. ATV registrations in the Yamaha defined Sport ATV category for Calendar Year 2016.
