Yamaha Announces 2011 AMA Road Racing Teams

The Graves Yamaha team will be sponsored by Monster Energy, with the glowing green M prominently displayed on reigning AMA Superbike champion Josh Hayes YZF-R1 and Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrins YZF-R6.

Creating the Monster Energy Graves Motorsports Yamaha team connects our brand with one of the most respected racing programs and two of the best riders in the country, says Alex Dunstan, motorsports manager for Monster Energy. Having the American Superbike #1 plate represent the #1 energy drink in the U.S. is a natural fit for our company and we look forward to kicking off the season at Daytona!

Yamaha and Graves Motorsports will also support the Yamaha Extended Service Pat Clark Sports team, with Chris Clark racing Superbike and Tommy Acquino in the Sportbike class.

Yamaha Extended Service is very proud to be part of this racing effort, says Mo Murray of Yamahas customer support group, and we cannot think of a better way to show our support than with the excitement that road racing brings to thousands of our customers!

Hayes wife, Melissa Paris, will also be racing on a Yamaha, competing in the Daytona Sportbike class for HT Moto Racing.

Also racing on the Yamaha R6 are Team LTDs Huntley Nash in Daytona Sportbike and the duo of Thomas Puerta and David Gaviria in the Supersport class.

Last season we showed what the R1 is capable of by winning the American Superbike title and we cant wait to get started in 2011, says Keith McCarty, division manager for Yamahas Racing Department. From our new partner Monster Energy to all of our associated teams, we feel we have once again assembled the best teams in the paddock!

Yamaha also announced its 2011 road racing contingency program with up to $296,900 offered in various U.S. racing series. For more information about the contingency program, visit http://www.yamaha-motor.com/rrcontingency.