Team Mojo Yamaha - 2019 Phillip Island Classic, International Challenge

The Riders

Mojo Yamaha is fielding seven (7) riders as part of Team USA for the 2019 International Challenge event at Phillip Island Classic in Australia in January 2019. This event pits a US team of top riders against teams from Australia and New Zealand. Amongst others, the US team will include Josh Hayes, Jason Pridmore, Barrett Long, Steve Rapp, Larry Pegram, Michael Gilbert and Dave Crussell.

The Bikes

The team will be riding monster Formula One racers from the early 80’s with excess of 170 horsepower. They are without modern electronic aids like traction control. The team will run Yamaha FJ1100 based engines in an F1 chassis pushed out to 1300cc, and the legendary 2-stroke, the Yamaha TZ750. All bikes are housed in frames produced by the renowned builder Denis Curtis at CMR Racing.

The team will be riding monster Formula One racers from the early 80’s with excess of 170 horsepower without modern electronic aids like traction control. The team will run Yamaha FJ1100 based engines in an F1 chassis pushed out to 1300cc, and the legendary 2-stroke, the Yamaha TZ750. All bikes are housed in frames produced by the renown builder Denis Curtis at CMR Racing.

As we look back at this era of motorcycle racing it may not have been “classic”, but it certainly created a lasting impression. These were the times of massive horse power without improvements in handling and brakes. Fast and challenging bikes to ride, and impressive to watch. Watching these bikes at speed and the extremes of control (mostly) exerted by the riders, is the signature of the period.

The Event

The Phillip Island Classic is one of the most prestigious motorcycle events in the world commanding crowds that are similar in size to the Classic TT at the IOM and Spa. The premier race of this event is the International Challenge which is the focus of Mojo Yamaha. For the last five years Australia and the UK have dominated this event, however, the USA presence has been growing.

Promotion and Sponsorship

To support local promotion, we will have professional broadcast materials, most likely a one-hour documentary that we plan to place on national TV or through an alternative outlet, Netflix or Amazon. These materials provide many opportunities to promote our sponsors through interviews, bike decals/signage and signage in view of the onboard Go-Pro.

The caliber of the competition is significant, previous riders have inlcluded Jeremy McWilliams, John McGuiness, Cam Donald, Troy Corser, Steve Martin, Jed Mecher, to name but a few. And this is not a parade, the fastest laps at Phillip Island are in the 1:36's, which would have placed you on the grid for world superbike just a few years ago.

Mojo Yamaha is looking for sponsorship to transport and support the team for the event in 2019. The build of the bikes using professional resources is already underway and these costs are taken care of.

Team USA 2018