"The on track success of these little guys has been amazing," states Yamaha Queensland Manager Ray Howard. "We have had tremendous support from our dealers and welcome aboard the Bullet Bikes dealership in Mackay as part of the team," he continues.
Also joining the team sponsor list for 2008 is causal clothing company LooseKid Industries.
"I have watched the team progress over the past two years and have wanted to be part of it since day one. They are the perfect promotional arm for my business and I look forward to a long and successful relationship with the riders and the team," says owner Jason Daniels.
Shaun Redhead (Pro Griffin Yamaha) will spearhead the team after one of the most dominating seasons by any rider. In 2007, his championship list looks something like this; Australian 85cc Champion, Queensland Motocross, Stadium Motocross and Supercross Champion, Southeast Queensland Motocross Champion as well as a heap of local and regional wins.
For 2008, he steps off the 85cc and will now focus on the YZ125 and YZ250F in the 14 years division as he prepares himself for the professional ranks in years to come. Redhead will target Australian and state junior championships as well as the Yamaha Development Series.
"It will be hard to top 2007, but my plan is to go better and I have already been working hard to make that happen. I achieved everything I wanted to in 2007 and there is no reason why I can‰Ûªt do the same in 2008," Redhead warns.
Scott Mann (Jimboomba Motorcycles) had a solid 2007 season finishing every series he contested in the top four. Mann is a determined, dedicated athlete whose strength is posting consistently good results. Unfortunately, Mann broke is wrist at the Australian Junior Motocross Titles, but has now made a full recovery and is desperate to get back on the racetrack.
Mann also steps up an age group and will now contest the 12 to 14 years 85cc on the YZ85cc Big wheel.
"I couldn‰Ûªt have hurt myself at a worse time, but there is not much I can do about it now, apart from get back out there and continue to improve my riding and my results. I have been riding and training for a while now and will be 100% fit and ready to go by the start of the season,‰Ûª Mann said.
The new edition to the team is Joel Dinsdale (Bullet Bikes), the raging bull from Mackay in Central Queensland. If the name Dinsdale is familiar to you, that is because his Father Steve was a former top five rider of the famous Mr. Motocross Series back in the late 80‰Ûªs. Joel is a chip off the old block in more ways than one and is no doubt headed for big things.
Dinsdale has been supported via the team for some time now and is well deserving of his place. He has always ran at the front of every event he contests and at the age of 11 already has several national and state championships under his belt.
"I can‰Ûªt wait to go riding with all the guys. I like that we all hang out together at the races and everyone is so helpful in telling me things and helping me out. I‰Ûªm real happy to be part of this and hope I can keep my results as good as the other guys who have been here," said a gracious Dinsdale.
The Queensland racing calendar kicks off on January 5 with a spate of stadium motocross events. Then its onto the eight round QLD Sunshine state series, QLD Motocross championships all before the grand final of the Australian Junior Motocross championships held in WA in October.
Main Photo: Scott Mann
RIDER PROFILES
Shaun Redhead
Race Team: QLD Yamaha Junior Development Team
Racing Number: 4 or 49
Bikes: YZ250F/ YZ125
Nickname: Ginger
Age: 14
Lives: Forrest Lake
Height: Growing rapidly
Weight: 50 something kgs
Racing Heroes: Chad Reed, Ricky Carmichael
First Bike: PW50
Hobbies: BMX, Play riding
Favourite Food: I will eat anything.
Goals: Win
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Scott Mann
Race team: QLD Yamaha Development Team
Racing Number: 46
Bikes: YZ85cc. TTR 90
Nickname: ‰Û÷The Mann‰Ûª
Age: 12
Lives: Cornubia
Height: No Idea
Weight: Not as much as Redhead
Racing Heroes:
First Bike: KTM 50
Hobbies: my TTR 90
Favourite Food: I don‰Ûªt mind some pizza or pasta
Goals: 2008 Australian Champion
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Joel Dinsdale
Race Team: QLD Yamaha Junior Development Team
Racing Number: 6
Bikes : YZ 85cc
Nickname: "Dinny"
Age: 11
Lives: Mackay
Height: Same as Scott Mann
Weight: Not much
First Bike: I don‰Ûªt remember
Hobbies: I just like riding my bike
Favourite Food: All food is good
Goals: to be the best
