2015 is going to be the biggest year in RoadRace Factory History. Biggest? Yes, the biggest. In our efforts to continue to develop new and talented riders that are capable of racing anywhere, we have certainly brought in an incredible mix for 2015 600cc lineup. Already announced was Jake Gagne’s promotion to the 1000cc Superstock Class aboard the new Yamaha R1. But here is some news that may shake things up for you a bit.
Participating in the 2015 Supersport Class aboard Yamaha R6’s will be returning AMA Pro Road Racing Daytona Sportbike Rookie of the Year, Tomas Puerta. Joining him will be an all new cast from around the world, Ben Young (Scotland) and Cameron Petersen (South Africa). The RoadRace Factory has gone international in it’s quest for 600cc dominance in 2015!
Returning rider, Tomas Puerta (Colombia) will be a force to be reckoned with as he is already acquainted with his Yamaha R6 and the team that will be on hand to help him. Ben Young will be making his return to American road racing after a season away in the British Superbike Series in the 1000cc Superstock Class. South African 2013 Super600 Champion, Cameron Petersen, will surely be quick to adapt to the new circuits and team as he has shown prowess in his tenure in the South African Series.
The team will also be flying new colors and sponsors in the Supersport class. Tim Hortons will be the title sponsor for Ben Young’s effort while we are finalizing a new sponsor for Tomas Puerta and Cameron Petersen. Pairing the international riders with a diverse group of sponsors ensures that the team and the series will have a greater reach through multi-media networks and traditional media channels.
Tomas Puerta: “What can I say… I’m really excited for this new opportunity with RoadRace Factory, I’ve been racing with them since 2012 and have learned a lot from the team and I’ve had my best results in my career with them. Coming into a new season and a new championship like MotoAmerica motivates me even more. My rookie season was a little bit hard for us and I think we are more prepare for this season. I’m looking forward to start the season strong and I can’t thank enough Danny and all the RoadRace Factory team for all their support ! Can’t wait to fly to America and start testing with them.”
Ben Young: “I’m really excited to join the RoadRace Factory for this coming season, after having a struggling year in BSB with only a few promising moments. It is exciting to get a great opportunity to come back state side and ride in the new MotoAmerica series. I first met Mick and Danny back in 2008 at the Red Bull Rookies try-outs and I was advanced into the 2009 season before it was cancelled but Danny has always been a straight up honest guy. I can’t wait to work with a great bunch of guys and grow a lasting friendship with every team member.”
Cameron Petersen: “Ever since I was really young, I had ambitions to try and race Internationally. My uncles and father had raced either in Europe or America and more lately a few of my friends, including Brad Binder and Sheridan Morais, which has given me even more motivation. When Danny offered me the deal, it just seemed like the perfect opportunity to try and realize my ambition. With the advent of MotoAmerica, I am hoping a move to the States will pay off. I realize it is going to be tough learning new circuits in a new environment against some of the best riders in the world, but I am really excited about the challenge. I first met Danny at the Red Bull Rookies selection at Barber in 2008. I just can’t express my gratitude enough for giving me this opportunity. Roll on April 12th”
Danny Walker: “I think we’ve really made a strong off season play! We know Tomas is a strong rider and he showed glimpses of that last season in his rookie year. We’re confident that the issues he faced last year are behind us and that he’ll be a strong contender in the 2015 Supersport MotoAmerica class for us. Getting a hold of Ben Young was a bit of a shock for us really. We talked with him a lot while we were in England and it was looking like he was going to get picked up for another season in 1000cc Superstock aboard a different team. When we learned he was available and had desires to race in MotoAmerica, it was a no-brainer. He’s been a super competitive rider during his time in the AMA and a friend of ours. He has also opened the door for us with Tim Hortons, who has been a major backer of Ben’s since the beginning and we welcome them to the team.
Cameron, well what can I say other than, ‘Heck yeah!’. I first met him (and Ben) at Barber in ’08 at a Rookies Cup event and immediately liked this guy, I used to race against his father back in the day and they share an incredibly likeable personality. Mick and I were really disappointed about the cancellation of the Red Bull Rookies Cup in ’09 for both Ben and Cameron. I know that Cameron has had his sights set on racing in America or Internationally. He’s made a quick progression through the ranks in South Africa capturing the Super600 title in 2013. He’s eager to show what he can do and I’m thrilled that we are able to provide him that opportunity. It’s going to be really great having him in the paddock.
Sponsorship wise, we’ve made some awesome deals. We mentioned that Tim Hortons has joined up with their support of Ben. But for Cameron and Tomas, we are close to closing a deal with a new sponsor which we will announce soon along with a complete team structure.
All in all, I’m really stoked for next year! We have a phenomenal lineup, awesome sponsors and a new series to showcase our riders talents. 2015 MotoAmerica is gonna be huge!”