Yamaha R1 Ineligible for Canadian Racing

Just over a month after Yamaha Canada announced its will stop supporting and competing in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, series organizers have removed the R1 from the list of eligible vehicles.

Previously, Yamaha contributed equally with BMW, Buell, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki in supporting the series and its television broadcast package.

At a Dec. 9 meeting ahead of the Toronto Motorcycle Show, the series management group ruled no 2010 Yamaha models will be allowed to race in any of the series classes including the Parts Canada Pro Superbike, 600cc Pro Sport Bike and Amateur Sport bike, or Pro/Am Twin Sports classes.

In addition, the Yamaha R1 from any production year, will not be allowed to compete in the Superbike class. Yamaha YZF-R6 models from 2009 or earlier however will be allowed because of the bikes popularity.

Our biggest concern is the privateer or club level racer with existing Yamaha equipment, says Colin Fraser of series organizers, Professional Motorsports Productions. The vast majority of Yamaha riders utilize 600s, and we agreed that it was in everyones best interests to allow these existing machines to continue to compete.

Series organizers have left the door open for Yamaha however, saying the manufacturer will be reinstated when it chooses to participate once again.

While the Yamaha R1 wont be racing north of the border in 2010, the Buell 1125R will compete in the Pro Superbike, Pro Sport Bike classes, and possibly the Sport Twins Pro/Am class. Harley-Davidsons Canadian distributor Deeley announced its commitment to the series despite the discontinuation of Buell.

BMW will also enter the S1000RR, wit factory riders Francis Martin and Mike Ferreira riding the propeller companys new superbike.

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