Yamaha MX Masterclass: Taking the Stars and Style to the Public

The 2009 editions of the Yamaha MX Masterclass, a unique method of bringing off-road motorcycle riders and Yamaha enthusiasts closer to the Yamaha Monster Energy Factory team and the secrets behind their Grand Prix winning skills, have so far been a success with participants in Germany, the UK and France all sampling the wisdom of MX1-GP world champion David Philippaerts and Josh Coppins.

The Yamaha MX Masterclass was initially conceived as part of the package surrounding the launch of the popular YZ450F Team Replica; unveiled at the 2008 Motocross of Nations in England last September. Customers and special guests of Yamaha Motor distributors are invited along to exclusive track-days at which either Coppins or Philippaerts are giving tips, help and advice as well as dedicating time to autographs, photos and Q+A sessions.

The very first Masterclass took place under rainy conditions in Germany in April, with both riders present, and since then has occurred in the heat of Mallory Park two days after the British Grand Prix with Coppins in charge and at Ernée, the day after the Grand Prix of France, where Philippaerts braved showers to coach a group of riders in improving their starting and cornering technique. Other Yamaha representatives, such as Utag Yamaha.com’s Mel Pocock and Yamaha Monster Energy Ricci MX Team’s Nico Aubin, have also been involved.

The initiative by Yamaha Motor distributors and Yamaha Motor Europe – which still has to visit the Benelux in July – has been able to bring Yamaha’s racing philosophy and personal connection to fans and break down the traditional barriers forged between sports stars and the public. The Masterclass is the only scheme of its kind in operation and is a valuable tool for the manufacturer in promotion of their off-road competition activities.

“I thought it was an interesting idea when it was mentioned for the first time at Donington Park last year,” said Philippaerts. “We can often only sign autographs or other items for fans at the races and even then we don’t have much time, so it was good to interact with the people in a more relaxed way and to see just how seriously some of them take their riding.”

“We were not too lucky with the weather and doing any of the big jumps wasn’t really possible,” he continued about the recent French experience. “However I could see their enthusiasm with all the questions before we started riding and then the fact that they wanted to get out there in the mud was also positive. For me personally it was a nice experience; it was also strange to see so many replicas of my bike!”

“I enjoyed it,” commented Coppins. “It was a chance to properly meet people and it is always nice when you see the enthusiasm they have for the sport or the bike or even you as a racer. What was also good for me was to be able to coach and watch riders of different levels, some of them were pretty impressive.”

“Aside from the small time at the races and the normal promotion avenues we wanted to be able to count on more occasions that our riders can be in touch with the public and the MX Masterclass was for us a great way to enhance the relationship with Yamaha customers and also show that we are trying to give something back to the people who like and support the brand,” remarked Yamaha Motor Europe’s Racing Communications Manager Leon Oosterhof. “David and Josh have been willing and very helpful with their expertise and it is pleasing to see the positive reactions of the participants.”