Yamaha Motor Australia press release:

In just over a weeks’ time, the Yamalube Yamaha Racing team embark on their 2016 MX Nationals campaign as all roads point to Horsham, Victoria, when it hosts the opening round of the MX Nationals.

Yamalube Yamaha Racing are Yamaha’s official MXD team and are the reigning championship holders of the MXD crown with Wilson Todd taking the win in 2015. Todd has since moved to Serco Yamaha and the MX2 division leaving Mitch Evans and Jordan Hill representing the team in 2016.

Evans, the 17 year of Cairns based rider, enters the MX Nationals with confidence after an impressive debut season in the professional ranks in 2015. Evans battled injury at the opening rounds of the 2015 championship but bounced back strongly in the latter half of the year to take three podiums at the final five rounds in the MX Nationals and then went on to win the SXD class at the Australian Supercross championship.

It’s that experience that Evans believes will be a valuable asset as he chases 2016 glory.

“If nothing else, 2015 taught me the importance of finishing every race and keeping myself in contention throughout the whole year,” Evans explains. “Last year I missed the first five rounds due to injury so I understand the importance of patience and consistency.

“The weather has made it hard to get any racing in up here in North Queensland with a few cyclones hanging around recently but I have worked pretty hard over the off season and feel I’m in good shape leading into round one.

“I’m good, the bike is good and it’s time to go racing,” Evans ends.

Jordan Hill joined the team for the 2015 Australian Supercross Championship and immediately posted good results. Hill racked up 2-1-2 results and only a round missed due to injury slowed his progress. He was rewarded with a full time rider in 2016 and has been working hard to make every post a winner in 2016.

Hill shifted to Queensland and has performed well in some pre-season events, including podium race finishes in MX2 races at Conondale and Hervey Bay.

“The off season has gone well and working with the team has been great. Having the support of a team around me is awesome and they have been encouraging me to do my best.

“Horsham was kind to me last year and I won that round so I have good memories of racing there so hopefully I can return there this year and match that result.

“We recently had a shakedown of the race bike and did our team photo shoot and everything is in place. I can’t wait to start racing,” Hill enthuses.

Round one of the MX Nationals hits Horsham on April 3. For more information on the MX Nationals: www.mxnational.com.au

To follow the Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team on social media; www.facebook.com/YamalubeYamahaRacing or @yamalube_yamaha_racing

A range of 2016 media images are available for download at: http://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/content/yamalube-yamaha-racing-media-images

2016 Team Sponsors: Yamaha Motor Australia / Yamalube / GYTR / AXO / Dunlop / EKS Brand / Artrax / Cycra / CV4 / DID / NGK / JT Sprockets / Unifilter / Bell Helmets / ETS Racing Fuel/ Unit / Mudbuster/ Pro Taper / Serco MX Decals