Yamaha Announces Monster Energy Sponsorship for 2011

The North American division of Yamaha has just revealed its complete road racing plans for 2011 in the United States, including a new Monster Energy title sponsorship for the Graves/Yamaha team featuring reigning AMA American Superbike champion Josh Hayes riding the cross plane crankshaft equipped YZF-R1, and Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin on the YZF-R6.

Additionally, three new teams will be welcomed back to the Yamaha family - the Yamaha Extended Service/ Pat Clark Sports/Graves Yamaha Team, HT Moto Racing, and Team LTD Racing.

“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,” said 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!”

Melissa Paris, the first woman to ever qualify for an FIM World Championship Supersport round, will also be returning to Yamaha, entering the AMA Daytona Sportbike class with the HT Moto Racing Team in 2011.

New to the Yamaha family is the Team LTD Racing who will field Huntley Nash in the AMA Daytona Sportbike class and Thomas Puerta and David Gaviria in the AMA Supersport class. All three riders will be aboard the YZF-R6 machine.

“Last season we showed what the R1 is capable of by winning the American Superbike title and we can’t wait to get started in 2011,” said Keith McCarty, Division Manager for Yamaha's 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!”