Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. continues its commitment to developing and redefining speed in the country. Continuously raising the level of quality and design to fit the global standard in terms of racing and related products; Yamaha introduced the R-Series in the archipelago in a grand display of the perfection of acceleration with the R-Day and the Yamaha Grand Prix finals. The two events filled up a Philippine long weekend with high octane excitement that was highlighted by the grand launch of the YZF-R3.
The R-Day turned a warm and balmy Saturday into a scorching adventure on the racetrack. Conceptualized as an exclusive event for the YZF-R15 owners and media guests; this would be a grand introduction into Yamaha’s world of racing. The event intended to give the riders the opportunity to take their machines to its full potential and unlock the R-Series DNA for a better understanding and appreciation of how the YZF-R15 is built for roads beyond the circuit. Riders also had the opportunity to learn from Yamaha Japan’s top instructor Yoshiaki Kato in an exclusive racing circuit clinic where they were taught advanced skills needed during a race.
Of course, the main event featured the YZF-R3, the everyday supersports bike of the R-Series. A step up from the YZF-R15, the YZF-R3 has a higher displacement at 320cc and bears the iconic racing circuit design that was inherited from the YZR-M1. The unit was introduced on the circuit when it was ridden by actor JC Devera alongside Yamaha GP riders, Masato Fernando and Vingie Coloma. This latest offering from the R-Series allows riders to win their daily race with a global class performance on local roads.
The R-Day wouldn’t be enough to display is greatness in the industry. There is still a race to be won, the Yamaha Grand Prix 6 Finals; the last lap that will determine the best in the Philippines. The ride to global greatness in its very core is the development of pure homegrown talent to be part of the worldwide racing stage. The finals were opened by the wowowin dancers who started the spark to a blazing program. YMPH President, Mr. Toru Osugi introduced the YZF-R3 to the public and thanked the crowd, racers, and enthusiasts for their presence on the circuit. Actress and singer, Arci Munoz who increased the heart rates of the male attendees with her spectacular song number was also in attendance. Hip-Hop prodigy Abra with Alex and Rjay completed the trio of LDP who performed with beats of DJ Buddha put the bounce the step of the crowd. An exclamation to the performance would be a duet of Arci and Abra with their song Illusyon.
Sales and Marketing Director, Kaoru Ogura officially opened the race which had categories of the Inter Club AT, Inter Club UB, AT 130 Open, AT 160 Open Novice and Expert, and for the first time ever; Sniper 150 Mx i and YZF-R15. After asphalt burning competition and fiery competition, Yamaha Team Philippines emerged. Representing the country are John Emerson Inguito, Masato Fernando,James Mendez, Aljon Valencia, Victor Laude, Arlan Dela Cruz, Paul Mark Doblada, Durraine Dan Carlos, Axl Teves, and Vingie Coloma.
The ultimate racing weekend was an immersion into Yamaha’s sporting world of high powered machinery and unparalleled velocity. A pair of days that acquainted the country to the mastery of speed with the quality and performance that only Yamaha can provide. A better future for Filipino riders is fast approaching and it comes in the form of the YAMAHA R-SERIES.