Yamaha Motor Australia press release:

CDR Yamaha Off Road will front the 2016 season with the same rider line-up as 2015, as both Chris Hollis and Tom McCormack return to the championship winning team and form an impressive 1-2 punch for the upcoming season.

Armed with the all new Yamaha WR450F and competing in the 12 round Australian Off road Championship, the Australian Four Day Enduro, plus other selected events, the team will again have a huge presence in the off road scene and be out to secure as many national championship wins as possible.

Despite an injury riddled 2015 season, Chris Hollis proved that he is one of the fastest men in Australia in off road racing and with his years of knowledge and experience, he has been chosen to lead the team and showcase the all new WR450F for Yamaha.

Hollis charged home to third in the AORC in 2015 after missing two rounds due to injury and his speed in the final few rounds was nothing short of impressive. The Port Macquarie charger is happy to be back with the CDR Yamaha squad and is looking forward to racing the new bike in season 2016.

“It’s a pretty exciting time to be in off road with the introduction of the new WR450F and being a selected rider to represent such an important bike to the Australian public,” Hollis explains.

“To have a bike based on the world championship winning YZ450F, yet tweaked to suit off road conditions, gives us the best of both worlds and with CDR Yamaha handling the technical development of the bike, it will be a real weapon in the bush.

“I’m proud to be back in CDR Yamaha colours and look forward to another great year working with a dedicated and successful race team.”

Tom McCormack is also back after his 2015 ended before it started with an injury prior to round one of the AORC. But after an extensive rehab program and his dedication to getting back to 100%, McCormack is back on the bike again and ready to shake things up as he moves up to the E2 class for 2016.

Like Hollis, McCormack will also pilot a WR450F and after 12 months on the sidelines, he can’t get out there fast enough.

“Sitting on the sidelines and watching my mates riding for the past 12 months has only made me want to ride and race even more. It has been a frustrating year in so many ways but my health and fitness are now really good and I have just got back on the bike and feel like I haven’t missed a beat.

“CDR Yamaha have been good enough to give me another shot after my injuries and I’m so determined to not let anyone down. They are the best team in off road with the best bikes in off road and it’s my job to get them up there where we all belong,” McCormack ends.

CDR Yamaha team owner, Craig Dack, is happy to have both headline riders back on board for 2016 and is eager to begin work on the new WR450F as soon as it lands.

“In Chris and Tom we have two experienced and dedicated off road riders that are in the prime of their careers. Both are multi-time national champions and only injury slowed their progress in 2015.

“Having the new WR450F at our disposal is also an exciting prospect as we have great technical staff here at CDR Yamaha and unlocking the secrets of a new bike is always a strength of our team.

“The riders will commence testing as soon as the bike is available and we will be ready for action come round one of the Australian Off Road Championship,” Dack ends.

To follow the CDR Yamaha team on social media; www.facebook.com/cdryamaha or @cdr_yamaha