Yamaha Motor Australia will be the major sponsor of the 2018 King of the Valley motocross event to be held at the Oakdale Junior Motocross Club this weekend, between 1-2 December.

To be known as the Yamaha bLU cRU King of the Valley, the annual event this year celebrates its 36th annual running – first held in 1982. The classic annual race meeting is now one the oldest fixtures on the Australian racing calendar, traditionally held at the start of each summer.

The new partnership will see Yamaha’s bLU cRU out in force with a dedicated pit area for Yamaha riders, ensuring the paddock is a sea of Yamaha bLU cRU blue throughout the weekend. CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team owner and motocross legend Craig Dack will also attend the weekend and view the future superstars of our sport.

One of the most hotly-contested categories will be the 65cc juniors, with a strong contingent of Yamaha YZ65 Cup riders expected to line up at the start gates. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for injured riders Daniel McCoy and Tyler Darby, who both suffered life-changing injuries requiring ongoing medical care.

Raffles will be held throughout the weekend, including a super raffle at the Oakdale Workers Club on Saturday night. The massive prize pool includes two brand new motorcycles, a Yamaha YZ65 and Yamaha TT-R 50E, as well as riding gear from the factory Yamaha Racing team. There will also be a major announcement made by Yamaha, as well as appearances by special Yamaha guests.

“Yamaha understands the importance of supporting local motorcycle clubs and we are proud to get behind this great event,” said Matthew Ferry, Yamaha national sales and marketing manager. “Oakdale JMCC has produced many top-level riders over the years and events like the Yamaha bLU cRU King of the Valley are sure to continue this trend. It should be an amazing weekend and we invite everyone to come out and watch some great racing with the bLU cRU.”

Oakdale JMCC president Andrew Blanchette is pleased to have the support of the bLU cRU: “We would like to thank Australia’s premier motorcycling manufacturer Yamaha and bLU cRU for supporting our 30-year event, King of the Valley. Investing time and money into our young children at grass roots and through the YJR program is setting strong values to parents and children racing in the sport – it provides a pathway for future champions. We hope to continue our relationship with Yamaha long into the future. Thank you again.”

The two-day race program will see the junior divisions race on Saturday and Sunday, while the seniors will race on Sunday only. Entry for spectators is by a gold-coin donation, which will go towards the event’s fundraiser. Full event details including rider registration is available at www.oakdalemx.com.au.