MARIETTA, Ga. – March 19, 2025 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) is excited to announce Estenson Racing as the official Yamaha BLU CRU MotoAmerica Talent Cup team for the 2025 inaugural season. This expanded partnership with Estenson Racing – also Yamaha’s official American Flat Track team – will see the successful program campaign for top honors with up-and-coming racer Sam Drane in the exciting new championship that is designed to provide a stepping stone to higher levels of road-racing competition.
From its early beginnings in 2018, Estenson Racing has enjoyed a lot of success with Yamaha in the American Flat Track series. In addition to three AFT Singles titles, the team rose to being a serious title contender in the premier SuperTwins class. Alongside technical development in the sport of dirt track racing, the team has also worked to bring up-and-coming talent through the ranks, starting with Dallas Daniels, who after concluding a successful amateur career with both Nicky Hayden AMA Horizon Awards for Flat Track and Road Racing, went on to earn back to back AFT Singles titles with the team and contend for the SuperTwins crown since his debut in the premier class.
On the heels of three 85cc AMA Flat Track Grand National titles in 2022 and being named AMA Youth Rider of the Year, Sam Drane was signed to Estenson Racing’s rider development program in 2023. Joining his brother Tom, who heads the team’s efforts in the AFT Singles Championship, Sam has added more amateur titles to his resume, including three AMA Flat Track Grand National Championships aboard the YZ250F. The 14-year-old Australian – who has already demonstrated road racing aptitude riding the Yamaha R3 to victory at Philip Island in the Australian Supersport 300 class – now sets his sights on taking top honors in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup aboard the Yamaha BLU CRU branded Kramer APX-350 MA Moto 3 machine.
Beginning in 2013 as an initiative designed to reward racers and support Yamaha’s YZ contingency program, BLU CRU evolved into a broader customer loyalty program and a global initiative with international collaborations, training camps, and events designed for every rider. It is also the foundation of Yamaha’s talent development program, which is designed to cultivate the next generation of talent in both road and off-road racing and to help pave the way to success in their respective premier class championships, reaching the highest levels in the SuperMotocross World Championship and MotoGP.
New for 2025 is the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Part of the “Road to MotoGP,” which is the collective name for global competitions and programs for young riders around the world that MotoGP supports, the seven-round, 14-race championship is designed to be a stepping stone to higher levels of road racing competition. All riders compete on the same machinery, highlighting rider skill and talent. Participants will also receive coaching and support from former racers and technical staff to help build their skills, race craft, and understanding of the sport. ln addition to competing for the national title, up to five of the top-ranked riders in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup will get invited to participate in the RedBull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event.
The MotoAmerica Talent Cup begins its debut season on the world stage, with the opening round being held in conjunction with MotoGP at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, on March 28-30.
Jeff Sidlovsky – Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS
“We are pleased to announce our expanded partnership with Estenson Racing to lead our efforts in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Together, we have already achieved a lot of success in American Flat Track, and we look forward to continuing that success in this new MotoAmerica class championship. We are also proud to be a part of the MotoAmerica Talent Cup as it is a series designed to nurture young riders and provide a more direct path to higher levels of racing, and meshes well with our BLU CRU initiatives to foster racing.”
Tommy Hayden – Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing Team Manager
“Sam has been a part of our amateur program for the past couple of years. With his brother Tom racing for the team in AFT Singles, he’s been around the shop and trains with the team during the week, so we’ve been working with him and have gotten to know him well. He has an interest in road racing, and the MotoAmerica Talent Cup seemed like a cool class and opportunity for a young up-and-coming rider like Sam. The new series was something that Yamaha was excited about as well, and it all came together. We’re really looking forward to getting the season started at COTA.”
Sam Drane – Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing #59
“I’m really excited to be racing the MotoAmerica Talent Cup this year. I’d like to thank Estenson Racing and Yamaha for the opportunity. It’s going to be really fun, and I’m really looking forward to the year ahead and seeing what it brings.”
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
