Image: John Pearson.

Yamaha Motor Australia will enter the 2016 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) with a versatile E1 squad to match their updated range of 250cc enduro machines.

South Australia’s Riley Graham is excited for the season ahead following a strong 2015 showing as a top three E1 contender and top 10 ranked MX Nationals MX2 rider.

“It’s an exciting time to be joining Yamaha with the extensive range of off-road bikes they have with the introduction of the new WR and YZ’s on both two stroke and four stroke models,” said Graham.

“I like to race as much as I can to keep my fitness and skills up as I work during the week so to be on a brand that has such a versatile range of bikes is awesome.”

With increased support for 2016, Graham plans to compete in a broad range of events and disciplines throughout the season.

“Yamaha have also stepped up to offer me a great package and the increase in support means that I can prepare myself better for the racing season and give it my best shot in 2016,” he added. “It will be a busy season for me as I will compete in as many events as I can including Hattah and even more motocross events to go along with the AORC and A4DE.

“I have been on the blue bikes for a while now and I’m really keen to get the season started. The bikes feel great and I’m ready to go so the first round of the AORC can’t get here fast enough for me.”

Joining Graham for the 2016 season will be 2014 E1 championship runner-up Scott Keegan who looks forward to returning to the 250cc class aboard his Yamaha.

“Yamaha has been extremely successful in the E1 class over the past few years winning several championships in the hands of Tom McCormack and Josh Green, so I’m confident I’m on the right bike,” Keegan said.

Much like his teammate, Keegan has also found the transition smooth and looks forward to going racing under the blue awning.

“I have been on the WR250F for a few weeks now and I’m impressed with its performance straight out of the crate,” he added. “It will only take a few personal tweaks to the bike and I will be ready to go.

“I thank Yamaha Australia for this opportunity and look forward to working with a company that is excited to go racing and I hope to keep their winning tradition alive in the E1 class.”

The opening round of the Australian Off Road Championship kicks off on 19 March in Queensland.