The Yamaha MX Nationals Development Series kicks off at Newry in Gippsland Victoria this weekend for what is expected to be a hugely successful first round.
Anticipation is high in the final countdown to the event. A full grid of riders will compete in the Yamaha Women's Australian Championship and more than 150 other riders will fill the grid in the Rising Star Rookie support classes.
Steven Cotterell, Director and General Manager of Yamaha said the new race series is designed to provide a platform for women and junior riders to compete and to nurture upcoming motocross talent.
"The female and junior dirt bike customers are important to Yamaha and grass roots racing is a key area because the youngsters of today will become the stars of tomorrow. Yamaha Motor Australia is pleased to be in a position to help WEM organize a series that will provide a lot of riders with the opportunity to go racing," he said.
WEM Managing Director, Kevin Williams is excited about the first round, "The support for the Women's Championship has blown us away. To have a full grid in its second official year is amazing" he said.
"I'm delighted that the Women's World Champion, Katherine Prumm has decided to add the series to her busy calendar. It's also great to see that the Craig Dack Rookies have received excellent support with a full grid in this class. This is a great event and it will certainly set the agenda for a successful year of motocross racing," he said.
The series will consist of a total of 3 rounds. In addition, the Australian Women's Championship class and the Craig Dack Rookies 15 Years Lite class will both ride a round of the Nokia MX Nationals: the women at Round 6 in Toowoomba, Queensland and the Rookie Lites at Round 8 in Wonthaggi, Victoria.
According to Yamaha's Steven Cotterell, this is a great opportunity for these competitors to showcase their talent with a round in front of an Australian MX Nationals crowd.
Series dates and venues
Round 1 Newry Vic. Sunday March 18th
Round 2 Lakes NSW Sunday June 3rd
Round 3 Horsham Vic. July 15th
Women's included at MX Nationals Round 6 Toowoomba Qld. June 24th
Rookies Lites 15 Years at MX Nationals Round 8 Wonthaggi, Vic July 22nd
