The following press release is from Yamaha:
MARIETTA, Ga. – Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) is proud to announce its substantial 2025 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency program for the Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC). The program returns with a robust $867,000 to support bLU cRU riders excelling in competition aboard qualified models from Yamaha’s complete line of off-road motorcycles, from the PW50 to the YZ450FX. The announcement comes on the eve of the Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC, where in addition to the on-track action, Yamaha will be offering hospitality and some giveaways at the season finale in Crawfordsville, Indiana. YMUS is also pleased to continue its partnership with AmPro Racing, with the unveiling of the team’s 2025 lineup to come at a later date.
The AmPro Racing team looks to finish the season on a high note and sets its sights on returning to the top next season after a rollercoaster year with injuries and adversity. Sidelined with an injury before the summer break, Liam Draper returned to action and made his premier-class debut aboard the 2024 YZ450FX. The 2023 GNCC (Motorcycle) XC2 Champion showed strength from the start and notched three consecutive runner-up finishes in XC1. In the 85cc Big Wheel class, bLU cRU riders have enjoyed an impressive 12-race win streak, with AmPro Racing’s Colton McQuarrie earning seven victories and Hunter Carey five wins. AmPro Racing’s Mike DeLosa continued to make forward strides in the 250A class and secured his first victory of the season at the penultimate round. Teammate Ryder Sigety had a strong debut in the 150B class, with the 2023 GNCC 85cc Champion taking top honors at three of the four rounds attended.
The Ironman GNCC promises an action-packed weekend with a range of exciting activities and giveaways hosted by Yamaha, where they will also be showcasing the all-new YZ250FX. In addition to media guests, who will be participating in both days of racing, Yamaha Ambassadors Johnny Gallagher, Ryan Villopoto, and Damon Bradshaw will be attending the season finale. The trio will be throwing their legs over the industry-leading YFZ450R and will be part of a team race with media and Yamaha Staff during Saturday’s ATV 10 am race start. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the GNCC season finale is the Race for the Cure, with YMUS donating $50 for each Yamaha win and $50 for each Yamaha championship.
The festivities kick off Friday afternoon with the YZ250FX press event, where journalists will get to test the bike before racing on Sunday. Yamaha bLU cRU riders are invited to come by the booth to get Yamaha Racing and bLU cRU logos pressed onto their jerseys, on Friday from 2 pm-4 pm, Saturday from 3:30 pm-5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am-1 pm. Attendees can enjoy hospitality all weekend at the Yamaha display, with popcorn, hot chocolate, coffee, and candy. There will also be the annual beanie giveaway, as well as a Yamaha Bicycle e-bike giveaway, which you can sign up for at the display between Friday afternoon and Sunday at 3 pm. Yamaha apparel will also be available for purchase.
Riders who compete in the Grand National Cross Country Series aboard any qualified Yamaha YZ motorcycles are invited to register for the 2025 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program. For complete details on how to register, visit www.yamahablucru.com.
The comprehensive 2025 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program will be announced at a later date, with information on additional race series, events, and classes included. Also, stay tuned for the dates of special bLU cRU University events.
