Source: Supplied.

Active8 Yamaha has renewed its contracts with Australian Off-Road Champions Josh Green and Beau Ralston for 2016, coming off a memorable season where both won their respective titles.

Reigning E1 champion Green will step up to the E2 division alongside defending champion Ralston, the pair to ride the all-new WR450F in the AORC and Australian Four-Day Enduro, while also contesting the Finke and Hattah desert races.

“I’m really looking forward to next year and the challenge of racing a 450 again in the E2 class,” Green commented. “The new bike looks great and judging the success of the YZ450F, it will be an amazing bike.

“It’s also good that I can continue with the Active8 Yamaha. AJ and I have a great working relationship that has been successful over the years and with the team continuing to grow, it’s awesome to be a part of that.”

Relative off-road newcomer Ralston came of age on the discipline this year after transferring from motocross, the E2 champion setting his sights on the Outright crown for next season.

“Back with Active8 Yamaha and getting the deal done early is important as it shows that Yamaha and the team have faith in us,” Ralston explained. “We have a really good crew of people here that take their job seriously, but also enjoy racing so I was happy to stay and continue racing for them.

“After winning my class in 2015, the goal now is to chase Outright wins and with the new WR450F and the team of people around me, I think we can get some great results in 2016.”

The 2016 season gets underway at the opening round of the 2016 AORC season in Victoria on 19-20 March.