Yamaha Weekend of Champions Returns to Laguna Seca

If you've ever wondered what it'd be like to hang with - and get autographs from - a large handful of Yamaha's world-class factory riders, this year's MotoGP event at Laguna Seca (July 21-23) is your chance to find out. Eighteen of Yamaha's best - including Wayne Rainy, Eddie Lawson, Broc Glover, Scott Russell and many others - are scheduled to be on hand. A don't-miss sort of thing, doncha think? -MC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 23, 2006 -- Yamaha sweetens the July 21-23rd Red Bull US Moto GP race weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with the return of its "Yamaha Weekend of Champions" autograph signing sessions with 18 national and world championship winning riders from motocross and road racing disciplines. The event adds an extra element of excitement for Yamaha fans cheering on Moto GP riders like Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards or AMA riders Jamie Hacking, Jason DiSalvo and Eric Bostrom.

Autograph seeking fans will receive free collectible posters depicting road race champions Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson, Randy Mamola, Scott Russell, Steve Baker, Jamie James, Thomas Stevens, Rich Oliver, Kel Carruthers and Don Emde along with motocross champions Mike Bell, Broc Glover, Doug Henry, Jeff Emig, Rich Burgett, Marty Moates, Gary Jones and Damon Bradshaw. The autograph sessions will be held at various times throughout the weekend at the Yamaha display area inside the track.

"Yamaha has a long and important history in motorcycle racing, from the support they've given to events including the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix to the support that they've given to their long list of champion riders," said Gill Campbell, CEO/General Manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. "It's a fantastic opportunity for motorcycle fans to participate in Yamaha's Weekend of Champions. It's equally special because, after all of the assistance that Yamaha has given Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, they have become 'champions' to us."

For a full schedule of Yamaha events including TTR demo rides, Freestyle motocross riding displays with riders like Nate Adams as well as consumer "how-to" seminars, visit the Yamaha website at www.yamaha-motor.com.