Racing has been in the heart of Yamaha ever since the company was formed in 1955. Even before the first machines left the production line, Yamaha was competing (and winning) at famous events in Japan.

Yamaha has also set a number of milestones in the racing world, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer to win a 500cc Grand Prix (with Jarno Saarinen in 1973) and the first Japanese company to win the 500cc world title, with Giacomo Agostini in 1975. Agostini’s title was also the first time a two-stroke machine had won in the premier class, showcasing the companies then standing as the leading manufacturer of two-stroke equipment.

Since Phil Read’s 250cc world title in 1962, many legends of racing have chosen Yamaha. Americans Kenny Roberts and Wayne Rainey each won three 500cc world titles with Yamaha, while Italy’s Valentino Rossi has taken back-to-back wins in the last two MotoGP championships. In the off-road world, Yamaha leads the way. After pioneering a generation of two-stroke racers, Yamaha turned its attention to creating the four-stroke off-road engines that have taken over the motocross and enduro world. It is using this new generation four-stroke machines that Stefan Everts has dominated world championship motocross, winning six titles between 2001 and 2006. 

Most current racers started out young, riding dirt bikes or mini-moto from as young as five years old and transferring to road racing at around the age of 14. That doesn’t mean though that racing is solely the preserve of the young. 

While superstars like Rossi grab all the headlines, there are tens of thousands of other riders competing for the love of the sport. Whatever type of racing they do, many people enjoy riding at club level. Here you can turn up and race your bike in an enjoyable and relatively affordable area. 

Many club racers started out by doing a race school, which are held at most motocross and road race circuits, or by taking their road bike to a track day or advanced riding course at their local circuit. Most will be content racing in the lower levels but, for those who aim to be the next Rossi, national championship racing will be the next target. Fame and fortune may only touch a handful of riders, but without exception every rider who competes does so for their unquenchable love of the sport. 



When entering a track day or advanced riding course safety always comes first. Carefully read and act upon all safety instructions related to technical state of your bike, personal protection and riding rules.