Yamaha fields 4Stroke Snocrosser

The Yamaha Factory Snocross team enters the 2007-08 season with one-liter, triple-cylinder, four-stroke engines designed to meet new racing regulations which allow Yamaha’s 1000cc four-strokes to compete head-on with 600cc two-strokes from Arctic Cat, Polaris and Ski-Doo.

The latest 4-stroke Yamaha race sleds are loosely based on Yamaha’s production Nytro series and were seen in action at the season-opening WPSA National in Duluth, Minn. Nov. 23 to 25.

Prior to the opening event, Yamaha’s test crew spent a week testing in extreme northern Manitoba. “Our crew is very pleased with the sled’s final pre-race workout,” says Yamaha race manager Greg Marier. “Pro racer Steve Taylor is in the best shape of his life and is determined to put himself on the podium early and often this season.”

Swedish National Snocross Champion Johan Eriksson is a late addition to the Yamaha team and will drive the No. 160 sled. He was called on to replace Cory Davis as the factory snocross rider in the Semi-Pro Open class this season.

“Cory had a mishap on a practice lap and hairline fractured his collarbone,” says Marier. “He will have to sit out the first national event, but he will be back on his modified FX Nytro race sled in time for the second stop, the double header at Canterbury in Minnesota.”

Eriksson will substitute during Cory’s expected 4-week recovery.

“We’re excited to have Johan available to come to the US and compete in Cory’s stead,” Marier says. “He is a tough competitor who has been racing for 13 years.”

When race fans come to any WPSA National event, they can stop by the new Yamaha Racing Communications Center (YRCC) to have their picture taken on an actual Factory FX Nytro Race sled with the Yamaha Snocross girls. Snowmobilers can participate in the FX Nytro demo rides at select events.

  Related Reading: Taylor and Davis head Yamaha snocross team