Source: Supplied.

CDR Yamaha Off-Road will enter the 2016 season with the same rider line-up as last year, as both Chris Hollis and Tom McCormack return to the championship-winning team aboard their WR450Fs.

Competing in the 12-round Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), the Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE), plus other selected events, the team will again have a strong presence in the off-road scene with Hollis and McCormack.

“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,” said Hollis.

“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.”

After an injury prior to the 2015 AORC series, McCormack is has gone through an extensive rehab program and is back on the bike again, ready to shake things up as he moves up to the E2 class for 2016.

“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,” McCormack explained. “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.”

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,” said Dack. “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.”

Both Hollis and McCormack 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 on 19-20 March in Victoria.