2017

Yamaha’s bLU cRU and Dave McKenna to take ASBK by storm!

Round 4 at Hidden Valley Raceway Darwin NT, is tantalisingly close for the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). On-track action will be electric this weekend, July 7-9. However, there will be plenty more activities to cast your eyes over with the bLU cRU Yamaha Truck and Dave McKenna Yamaha MT-09 Stunt Show that simply cant be missed!

Yamaha Motor Australia Brand Development Manager, Peter Payne discussed the bLU cRU initiative and tyre shredding McKenna stunt show.

“bLU cRU is basically all events and activities surrounding ‘Yamaha Blue’,” according to Payne.” From Yamaha PeeWee 50’s to YZF-R1’s, off-road to road race and whether juniors aspire to be Valentino Rossi or Chad Reed. bLU cRU encompasses all activates that Yamaha are involved in, particularly at a development level.

“The initiative is ramping up! Yamaha now have bLU cRU assist at the Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) and ASBK with YMF R3 Cup,” stated Payne. “Yamaha Racing Development (YRD) provides support for the bigger bore bikes. It’s all about fostering talent, juniors can start on a YZF R-15 and make their way up to a YZF-R1 with Yamaha. It’s about providing a pathway for riders within multiple disciplines.”

(Yamaha Racing Team’s Wayne Maxwell)

There are even plans to build an intuitive bLU cRU website; “If a rider wants to see what races are around his or her area, the website will provide that information,” Payne said. “Whether its motocross, road race, enduro or trail riding, Yamaha want to provide details on how people can join in in, within Australia and New Zealand. Motorcycling is very much community based, the website will tap into that.

“The bLU cRU truck was converted from the original road racing truck. It travels to select events as a display,” Payne mentioned. “This weekend will mostly be focused on road racing; however inside will be bikes for kids and adventure riding. We will even have staff on hand to provide in depth information and guidance.

“Front and centre will be the brand new YZF-R6, GP Juniors and R3 Cup bikes on showcase,” said Payne.”Presenting these bikes really helps to promote progression, which is what the bLU cRU is all about. The adventure WR450R and WR250R bikes, purpose built for the Simpsons crossing effort will also be there. They’re both very special bikes and are highly specialised.

McKenna will be a huge attraction with his MT-09 drift bike. “He has a turbocharged MT-09 that has a lengthened steering lock and 200 plus horsepower at the back wheel, It’s pretty spectacular,” Payne exclaimed. “It took us seven months with Extreme Creations to develop that bike. His MT-10 boasts 250 plus horsepower. It makes a similar noise to a YZR-M1 MotoGP bike, with a supercharger whine to it! You have to hear it in person to believe it. He’s actually attempting to try and break his no handed wheelie record down the main straight, he’s currently done about 800 feet down at Eastern Creek (NSW). With a massive long straight at Hidden Valley, it could be achievable,” Payne concluded.

Make sure to head on down to Hidden Valley Raceway this weekend to see the Dave McKenna Yamaha MT-09 Stunt Show and ASBK Trade Alley featuring the bLU cRU Yamaha Truck.

(McKenna showing off his tricks)

McKenna will perform three MT-09 Stunt Show’s on both Saturday and Sunday. Check the Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway schedule to find out more about times.

Tickets for Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin are now available for purchase online. Snap up your tickets today by clicking here!

Can’t make it to the track? Then make sure you watch the ASBK, Sunday on channel SBS at 2:30 PM AEST or Live Stream on asbk.com.au from 10:30 AM AEST.

Follow Us: Stay up to date with all the latest news and updates from the ASBK in the lead up to Round 4 at Hidden Valley Raceway by liking ASBK on Facebook, following the @asbk on Instagram and checking out the ASBK website here.

To access the digital program, simply click on the photo below. If you wish to download the program to take it on the go, sign up and create an ISSUU account.

2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship Presented by Motul Pirelli Calendar:
Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT	7-9 July
Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick, QLD	25-27 August
Round 6 SMSP Eastern Creek, NSW	8-10 September
Round 7 Spokes.com.au presents Phillip Island Circuit, VIC	6-8 October