Image: iKapture.

Yamaha Motor Australia’s motorsport manager Ray Howard has commended the efforts of Yamaha-supported riders in the 2018 Pirelli MX Nationals, which saw the Japanese manufacturer lift all three major championships of the series.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team’s Dean Ferris charged to 10 overall victories from 10 rounds to be crowned the premier class champion for the third-consecutive year, while Serco Yamaha’s Wilson Todd and Bulk Nutrients WBR Yamaha’s Bailey Malkiewicz earned maiden titles in MX2 and MXD respectively.

It’s a rewarding result for the brand that has invested heavily in the sport, not only as a major partner of the MX Nationals, but also fielding four factory teams across the three class, not to mention the numerous privateers receiving support from the company.

“On behalf of Yamaha Motor Australia, I would to acknowledge, congratulate and simply say thank you to all our riders and staff on an amazing 2018 MX Nationals championship campaign,” Howard commented. “Winning all three major classes is an amazing accomplishment and a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of each and every member of our racing family.

“Each year as a company we set our goals high and we have exceeded them yet again. Dean, Wilson and Bailey have done an amazing job this year and we are so proud of their efforts and success. Yamaha has a proud racing history and heritage, it’s the DNA of our company and these riders, along with the teams and supporters, have continued this legacy.

“Dean winning all 10 rounds this year is an achievement not yet seen in the MX1 class and is a feat that will take some beating in the future. Wilson rebounding after the devastation of 2017 where he was less than 10 minutes away from winning the championship when he fell, to staying on top this year in a great display of his mental toughness to secure the MX2 championship. And Bailey joined Yamaha this year and proved he is a star of the future with his brilliant performance this year.”

In 2018, Yamaha also introduced its all-new YZ65 model and implemented the YZ65 Cup at the Ranch MX and Coolum rounds, which has been hailed a major success.