The Monster Energy/Yamalube/Yamaha Factory Racing Superbike Team Aims for Victory in Virginia
Yamaha bLU cRU Riders Return to Action at VIRginia International Raceway this Weekend for Round 3 of the 2018 MotoAmerica Series
Cypress, CA – The 2018 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship continues this weekend with Round 3 of the series taking place at the always-exciting VIRginia International Raceway (VIR). Although Superbike was the only class featured in conjunction with the world stage of the U.S. MotoGP in Texas two weeks ago, Yamaha bLU cRU riders in all classes will return to racing action beginning this Friday, May 4, in Alton, Virginia.
Monster Energy/Yamalube/Yamaha Factory Racing Superbike Team
A variety of track and weather conditions during the first two rounds of the series made for an interesting start to the season for theMonster Energy/Yamalube/Yamaha Factory Racing Superbike Team. Cameron Beaubier heads into the weekend with three consecutive podium finishes, and the two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion looks to extend that streak with top finishes at VIR on his YZF-R1.
For Superbike-rookie Garret Gerloff, the season has gotten off to a positive start with two podium finishes thus far. Gerloff is soaking up knowledge and gaining experience on his YZF-R1, and the two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion is focusing on the challenge of a pair of podium finishes in Virginia.
Cameron Beaubier – #6 YZF-R1
“I am really looking forward to getting back on the bike at VIR. I really enjoy the track, and my R1 likes it, too. I was happy to get out of Texas with two podiums, and we are planning to build from there!”
Garrett Gerloff – #31 YZF-R1
“I’m excited to head back to Virginia. It’s a track that I really enjoy and that I’ve done well at in the past. It’s probably going to feel like a whole different beast on the R1, but I’m ready for the challenge and the crazy fast front straight, and I’m looking forward to getting things started!”
2018 MotoAmerica Superbike Standings – Race 4 of 20 Completed
Pos.RiderPoints
1 Tony Elias – Suzuki 88
2 Mathew Scholtz – Yamaha 71
3 Cameron Beaubier – Yamaha 63
4 Josh Herrin – Yamaha 49
5 Garrett Gerloff – Yamaha 48
6 Kyle Wyman – Yamaha 33
Superbike Superpole (Qualifying) is on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. EST, Superbike Race 1 will go green on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EST and Superbike Race 2 is on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. EST.
Monster Energy/Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha Supersport Team
The highly-anticipated Supersport Championship battle returns this weekend at VIR, as Monster Energy/Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha’s JD Beach and fellow Yamaha bLU cRU rider Hayden Gillim head into the weekend with a shared points-lead after splitting race-wins at the season opener in Atlanta. After some time between rounds, Beach is motivated to emerge from VIR as the sole points leader in the class.
JD Beach – #95 YZF-R6
“After having a great opening round at Road Atlanta, I can’t wait to get back on my Graves R6 at VIR. It’s a track I enjoy and I’ve had great battles there in years past. I’m feeling awesome and have been jonesin’ to get back on my road racer!”
2018 MotoAmerica Supersport Standings – After Race 2
Pos.RiderPoints
1 Hayden Gillim – Yamaha 45
2 JD Beach – Yamaha 45
3 Cory West – Suzuki 24
Supersport Qualifying at VIR is Saturday at 10:50 a.m. EST, Supersport Race 1 is scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. EST and Supersport Race 2 will go green on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. EST.
Meet the Yamaha bLU cRU Road Racers Twice This Weekend!
All your favorite Yamaha U.S. bLU cRU road racers will be available for autographs at their Team Transporters during the Dunlop Paddock Autograph Session on Saturday from Noon to 12:45 p.m., and again on Sunday during the Dunlop Hot Pit Walk & Autograph Session on pit lane from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cameron and Garrett from Monster Energy/Yamalube/Yamaha Factory Racing, JD from Monster Energy/Yamalube/Yamaha Extended Service/Graves/Yamaha, and other Yamaha bLU cRU riders will all be on hand along with the Monster Energy and Y.E.S. Umbrella Girls.
Additional Yamaha bLU cRU Notes
With a wide variety of motorcycles eligible for participation in the entry-level MotoAmerica Junior Cup, finding parity through the technical rules for the class proved to be a challenge at the first round of the series in Atlanta. Nonetheless, MotoAmerica claims to have taken steps to create more balance between models through the electronically-governed quick shifter programming that is mandatory for each motorcycle. These technical changes should allow for even more exciting racing as the Yamaha bLU cRU and Graves/Yamaha Supported YZF-R3 riders take to the track this weekend.
For the complete MotoAmerica race schedule and event details, visit: http://motoamerica.com/.
For more Yamaha racing news, results, photos, and videos, visit http://www.YamahaMotorsports.com/Racing
Also, check out “YamahaMotorUSA” on your favorite social media site.