Press release:Yamaha is pleased to announce that its inaugural Yamaha Masterclass event at the Mallory Park MX GP circuit in Leicestershire on 2nd June was a resounding success.
To celebrate the launch of the 2009 Team Replica YZ450F, Yamaha organised an exclusive ‘Masterclass’ event, whereby Yamaha owners could lap the GP circuit whilst being schooled in top level motocross techniques by none other than Yamaha Monster Factory rider and multi-World MX Championship race winner Josh Coppins!
With coaching on the day overseen by veteran racer Barry Johnson of the renowned Yamaha Off-Road MX Experience, the day was only set to get better as Josh was then joined by UTAG Dixon Yamaha newcomer Mel Pocock, to show riders the expert’s way to lap the Mallory Park GP circuit just as the world’s best had 2 days previously.
The icing on the cake for the lucky individuals that secured their place on the school was the hospitality laid on by Steve Dixon and his UTAG team members. Riders were able to get up close and personal with Zac Osbourne and Mel Pococks race bikes, receive suspension set-up advice and tweeks from mechanics Mike Whitewick, Ben Popperwell and Zane Mumford, as well as relax and tuck into a feast in the hospitality area rustled up by team chef Nick Matthews.
Whilst taking a well earned lunch break, Josh and Mel gave an insight into their diet and training routines and how they focus on their GP racing, during a Q&A session compered by Barry Johnson.
The whole day was captured by the legendary MX photographer Ray Archer with every rider receiving a copy of the images as a memento of the day. One lucky rider also bagged himself exclusive Thor kit as worn and signed by Josh on the day.
Karl Radley, Marketing Co-ordinator for Yamaha Motor UK:
‘This has been a fantastic event and one of many more to come. It’s great to give something back to our customers and to be able to ride a GP level circuit with top level rider Josh Coppins must have been incredible for these guys.’
