Aussie Yamaha Stars head to P.I.

The Yamaha Racing Team is aiming to maintain its unbeaten run in 2007 by taking the challenge right to its rivals in the support classes of this weekend’s round of the World Superbike Championship, sponsored by Yamaha.The high-profile international series makes its Australian stopover at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, a favourite for riders and fans alike; exhilarating high speeds in a unique island environment make it an iconic location for motorcycle racing.

Yamaha’s factory Superbike and Supersport teams were immensely successful at last year’s event, and the four-rider lineup has every intention of keeping its domination of the podium places alive.Reigning Australian Superbike and Supersport champ Jamie Stauffer will head the team’s charge, backed ably by brother Dan on the YZF-R1 and flanked by young talents Jason O’Halloran and Jeremy Crowe on the YZF-R6.

The #1 plate holder is confident that his whitewash of success at Eastern Creek just a fortnight ago will translate once again to wins in the Superbike and Supersport supports. “We’ve had a great start to the year and I’m really looking forward to this weekend to get back on the bikes and chase some more wins,” said Stauffer.“Both the R1 and the R6 are performing flawlessly as they did last season and there’s a great positive feeling at the team.”“It’s a thrill to be a part of the weekend where the best in the world race and it’s a great chance to have some fun with the event’s non-championship status.”

There is no stopping Dan Stauffer either, who feels he has had the best possible start to a racing season ever following his second placing at Eastern Creek. “We’ve come out of the blocks early with some great pace as was shown just a few weekends ago,” said Stauffer.“The team has put so much into preparing these bikes for the racetrack and the success both Jamie and myself have experience reflects this.”

“Personally I’m hoping to notch up a few more podiums this weekend and give Jamie a run for his money at the front!”

The Supersport trio’s quest to continue its domination of the 600cc machine class kicked off in fine style thanks to Jamie Stauffer’s victory at the ‘Creek, but eager to keep themselves in contention and prove their hunger for wins this season, Jason O’Halloran and Jeremy Crowe are unlikely to let the leader off easily on the track this weekend. O’Halloran lapped consistently within range of Stauffer for much of the round and felt he was comfortably within striking distance as both races went on.“The international events are a good chance to show the world what you’ve got without having to worry about consolidating points or position,” said O’Halloran.“Phillip Island is a true rider’s circuit and is really enjoyable to compete at, with the R6 working as well as it is I see no reason why I can’t be challenging for first place!”

With Yamaha confirming the extension of its naming rights sponsorship of the Australian event until 2011, there will be a number of off-track activities and exhibitions sure to keep race fans of all ages entertained.

Yamaha’s Blue Zone will have an interactive display at Lukey Heights, where the stars of tomorrow will be able to receive expert instruction from the Y-AIM team as they pilot their choice of bike from the popular TTR range around a custom miniature course.

Children and their families from the Starlight Foundation will be special guests at the Blue Zone display on Friday and Yamaha’s fun mini bike range is sure to put a smile on their faces.
Enthusiasts will delight at Yamaha’s Exhibition area on Gardner straight, showcasing a wide range of the manufacturer’s models and a number of custom machines.

Highlights of the expo will include Yamaha’s brand new 2007 YZF-R1 Superbike – the current racetrack ruler in the Australian Superbike Championship, as well as a fully-blinged XVS 1300 Cruiser kitted with a full range of performance and cosmetic accessories from Yamaha’s genuine performance accessory range, GYTR.

With user-friendliness and practicality to keep the newer riders happy but plenty of performance for experienced pilots, Yamaha’s new Scorpio is sure to attract lots of interest as a feature at the expo also. On hand to help with any enquiries regarding its market-leading program will be a team from Yamaha Motor Finance, and a large merchandise area showcasing the entire extensive range of apparel and accessories is sure to keep the punters happy.

And while the stars on the track will be Yamaha’s World Superbike and Australian Superbike and Supersport riders, a break in competition will see former World 500cc star and Australian Kevin Magee take to the tarmac to lay down a series of demo laps aboard the surprising new stage 3 performance-kitted MT-01!