Yamaha Celebrates ATV Championships, Donates to Feed the Children

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., made its annual donation to the Feed the Children charity Friday, Nov. 18 at Yamaha’s corporate headquarters in Cypress, Calif. Company officials presented two checks totaling $25,000 along with a truck load of donated items to the organization. As part of the festivities, Yamaha also celebrated a successful 2011 racing season with several championship-winning Yamaha Race Team members in attendance.

“The annual Feed the Children and Race Team celebration is something everyone at Yamaha looks forward to each year,” says Bob Starr, Yamaha general manager of motorsports communications. “As we move into the holiday season, it’s a great time to reflect upon the hard work and donations collected over the year that have a direct impact on families in need. Thanks to all of the Yamaha employees and the Star Touring and Riding Association for their efforts.”

ATV racing champions Dustin Nelson and Walker Fowler were on hand to celebrate their successful ATV racing seasons. Both Nelson and Fowler boasted perfect campaigns: Fowler closes out the 2011 GNCC series with the XC2 championship, going undefeated and notching a record 13 straight wins. Nelson was also perfect and clinched his fifth QuadX Championship after winning all eight races in the series.

Dustin Nelson’s 2011 QuadX season started with a mud race – not exactly how he planned to begin the season. Just hoping to make it through the difficult race, Nelson and his YFZ450R were victorious, beginning his winning streak. Nelson credits the GYTR-equipped engine for powering him and his YFZ450R to great starts, as well as providing reliable power that allowed him to lead the pack race after race.

“Coming out of that first mud race with a win was a great way to start the season. The smallest mistake can derail your entire season,” says Nelson. “After winning that race, I started to build the momentum and confidence that carried me through the season and onto the championship.”

Joining Nelson at the Yamaha event was GNCC XC2 champion and Yamaha-sponsored rider, Walker Fowler. With a record 10 GNCC Class Championships, Fowler is no stranger to the podium, but his perfect XC2 season aboard the YFX450X is something that had never been done before.

Punctuating Fowler’s standout season was recognition by the entire racing community as he received the industry’s highest honor, the ATV Athlete of the Year Award, at the annual AMA Awards Championship Banquet on Sunday, Nov. 20 in Las Vegas.