YFZ450R’s Legacy and Racing Champions Honored at U.S. Manufacturing Facility

Iconic Yamaha ATV Celebrates 20 Years with Factory Event

MARIETTA, GA – March 26, 2024 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, a leading manufacturer in the powersports industry, recently hosted a significant event at Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation (YMMC) in Newnan, Georgia, commemorating the 20^th anniversary of the YFZ450R sport ATV. The experience brought together media representatives, current and former YFZ racers and champions, as well as Yamaha employees to honor the illustrious history of the beloved vehicle.

The anniversary celebration aimed to showcase Yamaha’s commitment to excellence and highlight the achievements of the YFZ’s bLU cRU racers throughout the decades. Attendees were treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Yamaha’s state-of-the-art factory, witnessing the production process of Yamaha’s Proven Off-Road ATVs and Side-by-Sides, as well as their innovative WaveRunners and Golf Cars. In addition, the more than 2,000 factory employees were treated to an autograph session with the esteemed racers, featuring a custom 20^th anniversary YFZ poster.

“Yamaha celebrates the enduring legacy of our YFZ450R, from its revolutionary beginnings twenty years ago to its podium success today. We honor the dedication of our racers, employees, and loyal enthusiasts who have made this journey remarkable,” said Ryan Stiver, Yamaha’s ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) Product Line Manager.

Recognized YFZ racers included 9-time Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) champion, Bill Ballance; 7-time GNCC XC1 Pro ATV champion, Walker Fowler; Quadcross champion and former factory tester, Dustin Nelson; GNCC WXC ATV titleholder, Jessica Elioff; bLU cRU ambassador and nearly 30-year pro-level GNCC racer, Johnny Gallagher; former factory tester and first pro racer to compete aboard the original YFZ450, Kory Ellis. YFZ racers unable to attend, but still recognized at the occasion were 8-time ATV MX champion, Chad Wienen; reigning ATV MX champion, Joel Hetrick; current GNCC XC1 Pro ATV titleholder, Brycen Neal.

Also at the celebration, Jessica Elioff recognized International Women’s Day with YMMC staff before securing her third consecutive victory that weekend in a challenging GNCC race at Aonia, GA.

“As a racer, being part of Yamaha’s celebration for the 20^th anniversary of the YFZ450R is truly special,” stated 7-time GNCC XC1 Pro ATV champion, Walker Fowler. “The YFZ has been more than just a machine to us;…