Yamaha Tops the Box at THE PENTON | RUSSELL IS BACK!

Kailub Russell secured his 68th career overall win this past weekend at one of the most prestigious races on the circuit. Liam Draper led the majority of the XC1 race, finishing just 3 seconds behind Russell. Hunter Carey made a remarkable comeback to win the 3-hour afternoon race in the 4-stroke B Lites class. Danielle McDonald battled at the front throughout the day, ultimately finishing 4th in the WXC class. Shawn Remington Jr. claimed victory in the 65 (10-11) class, while Krue Russell finished 2nd in the 65 (9) class. Our other amateurs, Ryder Sigety and Dylan McDonald, secured their championships in their respective classes this weekend. The final round is approaching at the renowned Ironman Raceway.

DANIELLE MCDONALD LANDS ANOTHER PODIUM at the Mountaineer

The Mountaineer GNCC made a challenging race weekend for racers really testing how far they will push the limits with low visibility and rocks.  WXC rider Danielle McDonald scored herself another hard fought 3rd place podium in the morning race. McDonald battled up front all morning really making things interesting showing she is one of the top women. Kailub Russell in the afternoon race worked his way up to 4th place in XC1. Hunter Carey gave the PM race another go in 4stroke B lites finishing a solid 2nd place. Ryder Sigety gets another win in 150A extending his points lead along with Dylan McDonald who grabbed the win and extended his points lead in 250B. The yz 65 kids, Shawn Remington and Krue Russell, grabbed a top 5 in both their classes. Next round coming up will be the famous John Penton October 10th-12th. 

Brandon Gregoire | J-Day Off-Road | Spotlight

Far up in the northeast region is the home of the J-DAY offroad series. This unique series gives it all to you from GP style, trees, moto, endurocross. 2024 champion Brandon Gregoire seeks to keep his #1 plate in both AA and pro A 125 classes. Brandon currently is leading the pro A 125 class and is CLOSE in points in AA. We caught up with Brandon in between races: 

-How is your jday season going so far?
BG: “My season is going alright! The first half of the year was a tough one for me personally. I’m excited to close out the year in a dominant way and consistently put my Ampro Yamaha on the top step of the box over the last four rounds.”

-What has been your favorite race so far? 
BG: “My favorite race so far this year was Round 2 at Dozer. Technical wood sections paired with fast flowing trails makes it one of my favorites of the year.”

-Will we see you at anymore GNCCs this year? 
BG: “Yes, I will be at some more GNCC’s this year.”

-What advice would you give to these younger riders coming up? 
BG: “Truly all anything takes is hard work. The only reason you won’t reach your goals is if you quit. Most of the time you don’t realize in the moment just how close you are to achieving those  goals. Keep pushing, and get it done!”

Buckwheat 100 | Liam Holds on for 2nd!

Summer break is over and hearing the sweet sounds of “10 secondsssss” begins again. Round 10 of the GNCC series kicked back off for the Buckwheat 100 in Newburg, WV. This course is one of the faster courses with a mix of good dirt, rocks and roots. Just what we love! Sunday morning youth yz65 riders, Shawn Remington Jr. & Krue Russell started the day off of racing battling up front in their age group classes both claiming podiums. Remington Jr. claimed 3rd in 65(10-11) & Russell finished 2nd in 65(9). WXC rider Danielle McDonald, who just returned from an amazing 2nd place finish in ISDE for team Australia, came back to the states on fire! McDonald battled with the top girls all race and finished 3rd in WXC. Afternoon pro bike race looked a little different for the team with the transition of our two amateur riders to the afternoon after they both wrapped up their championships in their classes at Snowshoe Mountain before summer break. Colton McQuarrie lined up in 150B on his yz125x grabbing the win and Hunter Carey lined up in 4-stroke B lites on his yz250fx. Kailub Russell and Liam Draper had great starts off the XC1 pro line which made for some tight racing. Liam worked his way to the front leading a few laps and grabbed a 2nd place podium in the class. Dylan McDonald finished 1st in 250B and Ryder Sigety grabbed another win in 150A. We return in a few weeks back to West Virginia for the Mountaineer.

AmPro Amateur Spotlight: Hunter Carey – GNCC 85 Big Wheel Back-to-Back GNCC 85 Big Wheel Champion

The results don’t lie—Hunter Carey has proven himself as one of the top youth riders in the GNCC series. After securing the 2024 GNCC 85 Big Wheel Championship, he lined up again this year determined to back it up. With an impressive winning streak and the confidence to mix it up with the supermini classes from the third row, Hunter has even flirted with overall podiums on his YZ85LW. We caught up with him over summer break to hear about his season and what’s ahead.

How is your GNCC season going so far?

HC: “The 2025 GNCC season has been a really good year. I trained hard in the off-season and worked on my nutrition to prepare myself. I was able to lock up another 85 Big Wheel championship before the long break with eight 1st place finishes and a 5th place finish. I’m ready to get back to racing!”

You’ve now earned two GNCC titles in the 85 Big Wheel class. What do you think has been the key to your success?

HC: “I believe the key to my success is having a solid program and a good team all around. Learning to stay smart in all the different conditions is huge—you never know if we’re racing in a mudder or in the dust. Having a strong training program, keeping a good nutrition plan, and having great support behind me all make for solid race craft. I always keep an open mind and never stop pushing forward.”

YZ85, YZ125, or YZ250? Which is your favorite?

HC: “This year is my final year on the YZ85. I’ve been riding both the YZ125 and YZ250F and having an absolute blast on both! They have different personalities, so it’s hard to choose. I’ll finish out my local races on the YZ125, but I’ll be lining up on the YZ250F in the PM class for the remainder of GNCC.”

What has been your favorite race so far?

HC: “Wild Boar has always been a favorite. We don’t have sand here in Indiana, and it’s probably one of the toughest, most physical, and usually hottest races for me coming from the North. I’ve always done great there, and the sugar sand sections are my favorite. I like to hold her wide.”

What are you looking forward to in the next rounds?

HC: “The next few rounds will bring a new challenge moving to PM. Instead of an hour and a half, I’ll be racing for three hours on a much longer course, so pacing myself will be key. I’ll be on a YZ250F and that’s a wild animal. We know we’ll need to pit, so we’re working on strategies. Overall, I’m really looking forward to the next four races.”

Any goals or plans for the rest of the season?

HC: “My goals are to keep an open mind and stay calm going into the three-hour races. I want to use these last four rounds to prep for next year—not just for me, but also to help my team get up to speed.”

What advice would you give to younger riders coming up?

HC: “Number one, keep it fun! Training every day can be tough, but get as much seat time as you can. Find a good group of friends to ride with—you’ll push each other to get better. Number two, focus on nutrition. I’ve been working with Jacob Fetty for two years and he’s taught me how to prepare days in advance for a race, and how to recover after. That’s made a huge impact on my results. Number three, get plenty of rest. By 8 or 8:30 I’m back at the campsite relaxing. Like my mom says, you don’t need to be the cool kid staying out until 11. Put it all together and your results will show.”

AmPro Amateur Spotlight: Colton McQuarrie – Schoolboy (12–17)

At AmPro Yamaha, our amateur program has always been about more than racing. It is about building the future of the sport. From GNCC woods to J-Day sprint tracks, our amateur riders put in the work, gain experience, and carry forward the winning tradition that AmPro is known for.

This season, one rider has been turning heads: Colton McQuarrie. Making the move into the Schoolboy class aboard his YZ125X, Colton has proven he is ready to battle with the best. He is currently in championship contention in both the J-Day Offroad and GNCC series. J-Day brings a sprint-style, moto GP format, while GNCC demands grit and endurance over three hours of racing.

Despite the contrast, Colton has adapted quickly, landing on multiple overall podiums across both series. We caught up with him during the summer break to hear his perspective before the season kicks back into high gear.

Colton, how has your J-Day season gone so far?

CM: “Pretty good so far. We have won every race and taken the Amateur Overall for J-Day every moto.”

What’s been your favorite race?

CM: “Unadilla. I always have a blast there.”

You’re ripping on the 125. Any plans to hop on a 250?

CM: “It all depends on what Randy and Donnie tell me. I’ll go wherever they say.”

What are you looking forward to as racing picks back up?

CM: “Very pumped to go to the 3-hour!!” (GNCC)

How do you adjust between J-Day and GNCC formats?

CM: “For GNCC, it is all about pacing myself. For J-Day, it is a sprint. On the bike, I stiffen my suspension one or two clicks for J-Day since it is faster-paced and more moto-style.”

What advice would you give to younger riders chasing the dream?

CM: “Never let a bad race or season get you into a negative mindset. You can have completely opposite seasons, which I have experienced myself. Stay positive.”

Colton’s results speak for themselves. His work ethic, attitude, and ability to adapt make him a true AmPro rider. We are proud to have him representing the next generation of our amateur program, and we cannot wait to see what he brings to the track as the season continues.

Liam Draper Claims 2025 U.S. Sprint Enduro Championship

In just a few short seasons, Liam Draper has gone from relative newcomer to dominant force in American off-road racing. The New Zealand native and AMPRO Yamaha factory rider has officially clinched the 2025 U.S. Sprint Enduro Championship, capping off a breakout campaign that showcased his precision, consistency, and pure speed.

Originally making waves in the GNCC and NEPG scenes after relocating from New Zealand, Draper has steadily evolved into one of the most well-rounded riders in the paddock. His technical skill and sprint-race mentality have translated seamlessly to the unique format of Sprint Enduro — and this year, it all came together.

With multiple overall wins and class victories throughout the series, Draper’s championship run was marked by smart riding, minimal mistakes, and a killer instinct in the final test. Backed by the relentless support and development of the AMPRO Yamaha team, he proved that talent and hard work — when paired with the right program — can deliver top-tier results in record time.

From the Southern Hemisphere to the top of the U.S. podium, Liam’s journey is only just beginning.

The Hoosier – Round 7: Dry Dirt, Hot Pace, and AMPRO Momentum

The legendary Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana finally blessed us with prime conditions for Round 7 of the GNCC series. And when the track’s good—AMPRO’s amateurs go even better.

Hunter Carey came out swinging on his YZ85LW, going back and forth for the Youth overall podium, ultimately missing it by mere seconds but keeping his 85 Big Wheel win streak alive. Krue Russell dominated once again, crushing the 65 (9) class with authority, while Shawn Remington Jr. stayed consistent with a strong 3rd in 65 (10–11).

Our Schoolboy standout, Colton McQuarrie, put in another big ride—taking the win in 150B Schoolboy and nearly grabbing another overall podium. Danielle McDonald bounced back from the mud with fire, landing 3rd in class and 3rd overall in WXC, putting herself solidly back on the box.

In the afternoon pro race, Evan Smith came out hot, battling up front in the early laps before a crash ended his day. Liam Draper stayed locked in, keeping his momentum alive with a 2nd-place finish in XC1, proving again why he’s one of the most versatile riders in the series. Kailub Russell rounded out the crew with a 7th in XC1.

Powerline Park – Round 6: AMPRO’s Future Shines in the Mud

Back for a second year at Powerline Park in the hills of Ohio, Round 6 delivered a brutal test of grit and throttle control. Mud, bottlenecks, and chaos made this one a rider’s race—and once again, our amateur squad showed why the future of AMPRO Yamaha is burning bright.

Colton McQuarrie did it again, throwing his YZ125 onto the overall podium in the 150B Schoolboy class and mixing it up with some of the fastest WXC lines out there. Hunter Carey extended his win streak in 85 Big Wheel aboard his YZ85LW, showing consistency and speed that just won’t quit. On the smaller bikes, the Remington/Russell combo took care of business with Shawn Remington Jr. taking 1st in 65 (10–11) and Krue Russell winning the 65 (9) class.

In WXC, Danielle McDonald fought hard in the slop to take 4th, just off the box, while in the afternoon, the rain finally let up and our pros went to work. Liam Draper grabbed a killer start, going 2nd into the woods and battling all day in the XC1 class to finish 3rd overall. Meanwhile, Shawn Remington Sr. added another W to the family name, winning Masters A (50+).

Old Gray GNCC, TN – Round 5 April 12-13

Round 5 of the GNCC series begins to head north to Monterey, TN at the Old Gray venue. It was a beautiful weekend to go racing. Sunday mornings youth race, AmPro riders Hunter Carey and Shawn Remington Jr both pulled the holeshot in their bike classes. Hunter Carey brought his 85LW to another win making it 5 in a row extending his points lead in the 85 big wheel class. Shawn Remington Jr. puts his yz65 on the podium again finishing 3rd in 65 (10-11) class. Krue Russell finishes 5th in 65(9) class. The AM race, Danielle McDonald pulled a great start and battled up front but unfortunately had front brake issues and salvaged an 8th in WXC. Colton McQuarrie battled his way to a 2nd place in 150 B Schoolboy. Shawn Remington grabs 2ndin Masters (50+). In the PM pro race, the boys were off to a good start. Kaliub Russell puts his yz450fx on the podium for a 2nd place in XC1. Liam Draper finishes 5th and shortly behind was Evan Smith in 11th. Ryder Sigedy finishes 5th in 150A and Dylan McDonald grabs 2nd in 250B. Round 6 continues to move even more north to Powerline Park in Ohio on May 3-4.

Camp Coker GNCC – Round 4 March 29-30

Round 4 of the GNCC series continues in the sands of Society Hill, SC. It was a good weekend to be on blue! Mother nature was kinder to us than she has been giving us a beautiful weekend to go racing. Saturday morning in the youth race, AMPRO riders all pulled the holeshot! Hunter Carey took his yz85lw to another win in the 85 Big Wheel class extending his points lead. Krue Russell pulled the holeshot on his yz65 and put it on the podium with a 2nd place in 65 (9) class. Shawn Remington Jr. finished 5th in 65 (10-11). Moving on to the following race with the AM amateurs, Colton McQuarrie had his work cut out for him but successfully put his yz125x on the top of the box with a 1st in 150 B Schoolboy extending his points lead going into round 5. Danielle McDonald pulled the holeshot on the WXC line and dug deep to claiming her first podium in the class with a respectful 3rd. As the pros lined up, the boys got off to a good start on the XC1 line, Liam Draper led some laps and had a good battle for the lead going on putting his YZ450fx on the box with a 2nd place & 2nd overall. Kaliub Russell had a good start and ran 2nd for a but but claimed 5th place in XC1. Evan Smith returned to racing off an injury and worked his way up to 7th in class. Next round is in 2 weeks in Tennessee!

Talladega GNCC – Round 3 March 8-9

This was our first year at Talladega and what a beautiful property. Unfortunately, mother nature couldn’t let us go without her on Sunday. The youth race kicked off early Sunday morning ending up being a 2 lap race due to lightning in the area so for riders and everyone’s safety, the race was called early. YZ65 rider Shawn Remington Jr. had an impressive ride in tough conditions putting his YZ65 on top of the box in 65 (10-11) class. In the same race, Hunter Carey dominated the 85 big wheel class on his YZ85LW extending his points lead. Following when the weather let up was the 10 a.m. race where Danielle McDonald returns to GNCC racing on her YZ250FX in WXC off an injury. A couple of rows to start behind was Colton McQuarrie on his YZ125X in 150 B Schoolboy who rode to a dominating win. As the pro guys lined up to tackle the Talladega mud, Liam Draper was off to a great start with a hole shot and leading the first part of the lap. Unfortunately out of his control he bent his front rodar but salvaged a 4th place. Kailub Russell also rode a strong race taking his YZ450FX through the line in 5th place putting himself 2nd in the points chased of XC1. Ryder Sigety rides his YZ125X to 3rd in 150B. The team is ready for Camp Coker March 29-30.

Wild Boar GNCC – Round 2 March 1-2

The team had a successful weekend in the sandy Florida whoops and mud. Saturday morning, the amateurs started off in the Youth 8am race bright and early. Hunter Carey backed up his win from round 1 and dominated round 2 with over a 5 minute win in 85 Big Wheel. Shawn Remington Jr. grabbed another 2nd place on his YZ65 in the 65 (10-11) year old class. The following class, Krue Russell took his YZ65 to an impressive 2nd place. Colton McQuarrie goes back to back wins on his YZ125x in the 150 B Schoolboy class in the 10 am race with a 5th overall. As the XC1 boys line up to go out for the afternoon pro bike race, Kailub Russell was off to a great start and putting himself battling for the lead all day in XC1. At the end of the day, he landed himself a 2nd place on the podium in XC1. Liam Draper dug deep coming from the back of the pack to 4th place coming through the checkered flag. Great comeback from round 1. Round 2 is at a new venue in Talladega, AL. Lets shake n’ bake.

Big Buck GNCC – Round 1 Feb 15-16

Kicking off the series down in Union, SC was round 1 of the GNCC series. Mother nature did show up for the weekend putting the riders to the test. Saturday, AmPro Amateurs raced in the youth race in the evening for this round. Defending 85 Big Wheel champion Hunter Carey, grabbed the holeshot and never looked back landing himself on top of the box. Shawn Remington Jr. finished 2nd in 65 (10-11) on his YZ65. Starting the row behind him, Krue Russell finished 5th in 65 (9) on his YZ65 as well. Sunday AM race, Colton McQuarrie lines up in the 150 B Schoolboy class on his YZ125x and sets off to an impressive ride finishing 1st in class and 2nd OVERALL out of the whole AM race. Following was the afternoon pro bike race with the toughest conditions all day. Kailub Russell fought hard finishing 5th in XC1. Unfortunately, Liam Draper ended his race early with a mechanical out of anyone’s control. Round 2 will be down south in the Florida sand March 1-2.

AmPro Yamaha Reveals 2025 Off-Road Team

January 28, 2025, 12:30pm

MARIETTA, Ga. – AmPro Yamaha Racing is excited to reveal its pro team for the 2025 off-road racing season, featuring a formidable lineup with a mix of seasoned champions and promising new talent to battle for top honors in the premier off-road series in the east. In the Grand National Cross Country Series, eight-time GNCC XC1 Champion Kailub Russell and 2023 GNCC XC2 and National Enduro Series Pro 2 Champion Liam Draper will lead the campaign in the premier class, with Draper also making a title run aboard the YZ450FX in the U.S. Sprint Enduro Pro 1 Championship. The team is also pleased to announce the addition of Evan Smith, 2024 JDay Off-Road Pro and Pro 125 Champion Brandon Gregoire, and multi-time Australian National Champion Danielle Mcdonald. Smith will head the team’s efforts in the National Enduro Pro 1 Championship as well as race select GNCC XC1 rounds, with Gregoire defending his JDay Off-Road titles and racing select rounds of the GNCC XC2 Championship. McDonald will make her full-time U.S. debut in 2025, racing for top honors in the GNCC WXC Championship.

Russell, the winningest rider in Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) history, makes his highly anticipated return to full-time racing in 2025. With an already storied career, earning an unrivaled eight consecutive XC1 titles and 67 overall victories from 2013 to 2020, the North Carolina rider is looking to add to that tally as he makes his debut with the team aboard the AmPro Yamaha YZ450FX. The 2025 GNCC season kicks off in less than a month’s time at the Big Buck Farm in Union, South Carolina, on February 15-16.

Returning for his third year with the team, Draper looks forward to his first full season in the XC1 class. In 2023, he made a stellar debut with AmPro Yamaha and earned a pair of 250 titles. The New Zealand rider has also enjoyed success aboard the YZ450FX, making an impressive GNCC premier class debut at the end of last season with four consecutive overall podiums in XC1 and finished runner-up in the U.S. Sprint Enduro Series Pro 1 Championship. This year, Draper is primed to race for the title in both the GNCC XC1 and U.S. Sprint Enduro Pro 1 Championships. Last weekend, he got his Pro 1 title campaign off to a good start with a runner-up finish at the U.S. Sprint Enduro season opener in Hephzibah, Georgia.

New to the team for 2025 is Smith, who will lead the team’s campaign in the National Enduro (NEPG) Pro 1 Championship and will also race select GNCC XC1 rounds this season. The rider from Georgia showed strength last season, finishing third in the Enduro Pro 1 category and sixth in the GNCC XC1 class. Smith is eager to make his debut aboard the AmPro Yamaha YZ450FX and to get his title campaign underway as the NEPG season kicks off at the Sumter National in South Carolina on February 9.

Hailing from Monson, Massachusetts, Gregoire is another exciting new addition to the team. The 2024 JDay Series Champion in both the Pro and Pro 125cc categories will lead the team’s campaign in the competitive Northeast Off-Road series and looks to defend his titles aboard the AmPro Yamaha YZ250FX and YZ125. Gregoire will also race select rounds in the GNCC XC2 Championship.

McDonald joins the team in 2025 to make her full-time racing debut in the U.S. At a young age, the 17-year-old has enjoyed a lot of success with multiple national titles in Australia, including four Australian Enduro Championships, four Hattah Desert Racing Championships, and an Australian Motocross Championship. She has also excelled in international competition, earning two silver medals from the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). Last year, McDonald made her GNCC debut, racing a few rounds with the AmPro Yamaha Racing team, and comes on board full-time in 2025 to race the WXC Championship. Still working on returning to full fitness from a knee injury late last season, the young Australian is eager to get the 2025 season started. An update on her first round of the season will follow at a later date.

The team is also excited to announce their AmPro bLU cRU amateur support riders. 2023 GNCC 85 Champion (11-15), Ryder Sigety returns and will race for top honors in the GNCC 150 A class, with Colton McQuarrie also returning to lead the campaign in the GNCC 150 B class. Both riders are excited for the opening 2025 GNCC round in South Carolina as they begin their first full season in the bigger bike classes. Joining the team to defend his GNCC 85cc Big Wheel (11-15) title is Hunter Carey.

In addition to their title campaigns in the off-road racing series in the east, the team will be on hand at select bLU cRU special events to support Yamaha riders honing their off-road skills. Additionally, they will be assisting in the development of the AmPro bLU cRU Amateur Team riders at GNCC, U.S. Sprint, and J-Day offroad events. For information on upcoming off-road bLU cRU events, visit yamahamotorsports.com.

The AmPro Yamaha Racing team would also like to thank its partners for their support: Yamaha, Yamalube, GYTR, Moose Racing, FMF, Scott Goggles, Sunex Tools, Shoei Helmets, Sidi Boots, Cycra, Tramell Tire, 02 Blast, Dunlop Tire, Moose Balls, Factory Connection, Flexx Bars, ODI Grips, DP Brakes, TM Design, Fastway, ProFilter, Seat Concepts, VP Racing Fuels, DID Chain, Work Connection, IMS, Antigravity Batteries, Evans Coolant, X-Trig, Bullet Proof, Spec Bolts, G2, Senge Graphics, Matrix, E-Line, Motion Pro, Vortex, Pro-X, Wiseco, and MotoSport.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) is proud to continue its substantial bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency program in 2025 for the GNCC, National Enduro, U.S. Sprint Enduro, and the JDay Off-Road Series. From the PW50 to the YZ450FX, the program boasts a robust $1.2 million across all four championships to support bLU cRU riders excelling in competition aboard qualified models from Yamaha’s complete line of off-road motorcycles. Riders who compete aboard any qualified Yamaha YZ motorcycles are invited to register for the 2025 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program. For complete details on how to register, visit www.yamahablucru.com.

Donnie Luce – Amateur MX/ ATV / Off-Road Coordinator for YMUS

“The AmPro Yamaha team is coming into 2025 with a lot of momentum after a successful end to last season as well as a renewed focus on strengthening our team with the addition of Kailub, Evan, and Brandon. We are looking forward to showcasing our 2- and 4-stroke Off-Road models in the premier off-road series in the east.

Randy Hawkins - AmPro Yamaha Racing Team Owner

“With our team of riders and mechanics, the 2025 season is going to be exciting and fun. The team has been working hard, testing, and training this off-season, and it’s all coming together. We’re looking forward to the start of the season and seeing the blue wave.”

Kailub Russell- AmPro Yamaha Racing #557

“I’ve had a very steady offseason building and learning this new YZ450FX. I’m excited to kick off the season with the team. I think the bike and myself should be very capable of running up front and battling to win.”

Liam Draper - AmPro Yamaha Racing #198

“I’m super excited to get the 2025 season started! The pre-season training has been going well. Kailub and I have been hard at it and can’t wait to go racing.”

Evan Smith - AmPro Yamaha Racing #347

“I am very excited to be joining AmPro Yamaha for 2025. To be a part of a strong team with such a decorated past in racing and to have them backing me, I can’t wait to go racing. I have my eyes set on the NEPG title, and with such a great program behind me, I can’t wait to see how the year unfolds.”

Brandon Gregoire - AmPro Yamaha Racing #1 and #913

“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity that AmPro Yamaha has given me for the upcoming race season. I’m stoked to be teammates with Kailub Russell, widely regarded as the best rider to ever compete in GNCC racing, as well as Liam Draper, one of the top riders of our current era. I’m eager to learn from both of them and apply their insights to my own program. This year, I’m focused on defending both of my JDay Off-Road titles and putting my name on the map as a contender in GNCC racing.”

Danielle Mcdonald - AmPro Yamaha Racing #261

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the AmPro Yamaha Racing team this year. It has always been a big dream of mine to race full-time in the U.S. and to finally be here feels surreal. I am extremely excited about the upcoming season and can’t wait to start racing!”

MARIETTA, Ga. – December 4, 2024 – AmPro Racing and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) are excited to announce a multi-year deal with Kailub Russell that will see the winningest rider on two wheels in the Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) return to racing the XC1 Championship full time in 2025. 

From 2013 until retiring in 2020, Russell reigned supreme with eight consecutive XC1 motorcycle titles and earned an unprecedented 67 overall victories. Reenergized from his time away from racing, the North Carolina rider is eager to return to action and begin a new relationship with AmPro Racing, Yamaha, and the bLU cRU. Russell will make his debut aboard the AmPro Yamaha Racing YZ450FX at the opening round of the 2025 season, where the series will kick off a historic 50th season of GNCC Racing.

Donnie Luce – Amateur MX/ ATV / Off-Road Coordinator for YMUS
“Winning Championships is not new to Kailub Russell, and we are very excited to assist him in adding to his already historic legacy in GNCC and off-road racing on the YZ450FX. Having an eight-time Champion join your team only further validates what Randy Hawkins and his entire AmPro Yamaha team have been building for over 25 years. We look forward to seeing him back in action and representing the bLU cRU in the premier class.”
 
Randy Hawkins - AmPro Yamaha Racing Team Owner
“When this opportunity came up, I was pretty excited. I’ve known Kailub since he was riding 85’s, and he’s always had such a passion for winning, and that hasn’t changed. So, having him come back from retirement and want to join the team and put his trust in our program is a big deal for us. I also think that it is good not only for the team and Yamaha to have Kailub back racing but also for the sport. We’re really excited for the upcoming GNCC season and to have both Kailub and Liam (Draper) for our 450 program. We are anticipating great things from both riders.”

Kailub Russell - AmPro Yamaha Racing 
“I’m very excited to come back to GNCC after four years of watching. I was at a point where I just needed a break from racing. I realize now that life goes by even faster away from racing, and I don’t want to miss out on being able to do what I love. 

“I’m very happy AmPro Yamaha is giving me the opportunity to come back. It’s exciting to see how stoked the whole team is to have me join, and I can’t wait to return to the races!”
 
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company's ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars (sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company), Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama. YMUS subsidiaries YMMC, based in Georgia, and YJBM based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine and divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders (Wisconsin) and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. (Indiana), and Skeeter Boats (Texas) with its division G3 Boats (Missouri). 

Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. (Yamaha Financial Services), an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., offers financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide.  Yamaha Financial Services provides retail and commercial financing for the diverse line of Yamaha brand motor products based out of Cypress, CA and Marietta, GA.