Keeping Yamaha’s racing legacy alive and active, that is the objective with which the Yamaha Racing Heritage Club was born five years ago. Throughout this time, the Japanese manufacturer has strived to help maintain the competition machines that made an era along with the owners of that little piece of history.
A way to preserve history and mechanics with emblematic models that, instead of being in museums, continue to roll and in perfect condition. That is exactly what they are going to do this weekend in Misano, where together with the Yamaha Racing Experience, some of the most emblematic models and some of their riders will take to the track.
Without a doubt the most anticipated is Giacomo Agostini. The most successful rider in the history of the Motorcycle World Championship continues to give gas despite his age. Some of his titles came, precisely, with Yamaha and although he was part of his legend with MV Agusta, to this day his connection with the Japanese continues.
It is no wonder, because in addition to winning the 350 title in ’74 with Yamaha, in 1975 he achieved what was the brand’s first 500 title at the controls of the YZR500 0W23. One of the motorcycles that, precisely, Ago will ride in Misano. The unit has recently been restored by the Yamaha Racing Heritage Club with support from Yamaha Motor R&D Europe.
Ago will be the star of the poster, but he will not be the only Yamaha myth on the track
But Agostini will not be the only Yamaha legend present at Misano. At his side will be the also incombustible Carlos Lavado, who is precisely celebrating the fortieth anniversary of his second 250 title. In the case of Lavado I will be present with the YZR250 0W82.
Next to both will be another emblematic rider with Yamaha even though he did not achieve titles with them. Luca Caladora will ride precisely with the YZR250 0WB9 with which he finished third in the World Championship in 1990, and also with the YZR500 0WK1 from 1998. A motorcycle with which he was flying in Jarama until it stopped.
Beyond the riders themselves, there will also be other iconic models such as Eddie Lawson’s YZR500 0W81, Norifumi Abe’s YZR500 0W86, Haga’s YZR-R7, the 1998 YZF750 and the 2008 YZF-R1.
To round off the program, current riders of the brand in WorldSBK and the World Endurance Championship will also be present at Misano. Andrea Locatelli and
