When spring rolled around, the nation’s motocross riders began ramping up their training schedules and while the weather may be changeable, the key sponsorship of the 2025 New Zealand Motocross Championship’s has remained consistent.
Yamaha Motor New Zealand will retain its top position as naming-rights sponsor for the second consecutive year. The brand, which has racing embedded in its DNA, also sponsored the national motocross series in 2024 and 2020 and Yamaha Motor New Zealand Motorsport Manager Josh Coppins is pleased to be continuing the partnership with Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ)
“Yamaha has enjoyed being part of the New Zealand Motocross Championship and sponsoring the series with MNZ for the third time now. It’s has been a great partnership to date, and we are looking forward to this season too.”
“It’s an ever-growing partnership, because at Yamaha we believe in supporting motocross and we are hoping to elevate the championship. Our promotion across the four-round nationals next year will be aimed at giving the riders the exposure they deserve and shining a spotlight on the sport at the same time,” Coppins says.
Motorcycling New Zealand Operations Manager Vicky Hicks says the organisation is pleased to welcome Yamaha New Zealand back as the main sponsor for the 2025 Motocross Championship.
“The continued support from Yamaha Motor New Zealand underscores their commitment to our sport. Together, we look forward to creating a great championship.”
Entries are not yet open for the four-round national series but most of last season’s front runners are likely to return to defend their titles.
West Auckland rider Hamish Harwood won the premier MX1 class in the 2024 Yamaha New Zealand Motocross Championship in March, finishing the series 14 points ahead of Australian professional Jed Beaton and 59 points ahead of Invercargill’s young talent Jack Treloar.
Raetihi rider Karaitiana Horne won the women’s class title ahead of Opunake’s Taylar Rampton and Auckland’s Holly Russell.
Oparau’s James Scott fended off Opotiki’s defending champion Cody Cooper and Australian visitor Caleb Ward to win the MX2 (250cc) class.
In the 125cc class, Appleby’s Wills Harvey took the winner’s trophy ahead of Bombay’s Reuben Smith, and third-placed Seth Morrow, from Invercargill.
Inglewood’s Cameron Hunger wrapped up the overall win in the non-championship MX3 class.
The 2025 Yamaha New Zealand Senior Motocross Championship will also see the YZ65 Cup races for juniors staged as a component of the Pukekohe-based third round of the senior series on March 8.
Coppins says that Yamaha is excited to continue the YZ65 Cup partnership.
“Levi Townley started with this programme when it began in 2018 and this year, he is a Junior World 85cc Champion. Obviously, it’s a pathway that works and it is something we want to continue and grow the next world champion.”
“It shows Yamaha’s commitment to the series and the sport through providing the pathway for our bLUcRU riders to start at the grass roots level and that’s where the YZ65 Cup is so important,” Coppins concludes.
The national motocross series pits Kiwi riders from the length and breadth of the country against each other and often attracts international competitors, which further raises the level of racing. Many of the class winners, or runners-up in the various categories often spread their wings and go on to sign with professional motocross teams, race for their country, or travel overseas to contest international competitions.
2025 Yamaha Motor New Zealand Motocross Championship calendar:
Round 1, Tauranga, February 15, 2025
Round 2, Rotorua, February 22, 2025
Round 3, Pukekohe, March 8, 2025
Round 4, Taupo, March 16, 2025