RFX, Crescent Racing and Yamaha form new team

RFX Racing, Crescent Racing and Yamaha UK announced today that they have joined forces for 2018 to launch RFX Crescent Yamaha.

The new team represents a new and exciting partnership for the British motocross championship.

The combination of Crescent Racing’s technical preparation with RaceFX’s organisational skills and professionalism is the perfect blend for a new team to take on British motocross racing.

“At RaceFX, going racing is firmly embedded in our companies DNA and is something we all really enjoy,” said MD of RFX / Team Principal, Paul Irwin.

“Joining forces with Paul and his team at Crescent, who share our passion, is something we’re all looking forward to.”

Crescent Racing’s well regarded technical preparation in the road racing world and its passion for motocross, will help power the officially supported Yamaha UK team.

“Crescent has a long history in professional racing and a strong relationship with Yamaha via both our World Superbike team operation and streetbike and off-road sales,” said MD of Crescent / Team Principal, Paul Denning.

“To develop this partnership with Paul, James and the guys at RFX makes absolute sense and will give Yamaha one of the most professional platforms in the UK Motocross paddocks. We will ensure the riders have as close to Factory level bikes as possible. We look forward to driving RFX Crescent Yamaha towards the podium!”

RFX Crescent Yamaha will feature two riders in the MX1 class aboard the all-new 2018 YZ450F.

Jake Shipton – also Yamaha mounted in 2017 – is joined by Nathan Dixon who moves up from MX2.

Joel Rizzi, an undeniable star of the future, will join the Yamaha bLUcRU initiative racing a GYTR equipped YZ125 in the EMX125 championship. Rizzi will also race in the British championships.

All three riders’ machines will feature Yamaha’s GYTR technology and technical development by Crescent Yamaha, using key partners such as Akrapovic, KYB / Technical Touch, X-Trig and of course RFX’s own accessories and controls.

Henry Williams, who is making the move to race full time will stay with the team to race MX2. Ben Clark will join the team to chase podiums in MX2 Experts and MXY2.

“Yamaha and Crescent have a very strong partnership and this further expansion into British motocross makes sense for all of us,” said General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., Branch UK, Adam Kelley.

“Crescent’s collaboration with RaceFX, one of the best-presented teams in the UK, will see Yamaha acquiring a very strong presence in MX1 and equally importantly, with the young riders’ BLUcRU initiative.

“Yamaha is fully committed to the off-road market – the all-new 2018 YZ450F is a huge step forward in performance and technology. The full YZ range offers class-leading quality for all riders. We are confident that RFX Crescent Yamaha will represent us very well, and we wish the team all the best for the new season.”

Irwin concluded: “At the centre of this deal is the fantastic opportunity to work directly with Yamaha, which is going to give our riders the best opportunity to challenge for podiums. We have an awning full of talented riders all with very clear goals. 2018 can’t come soon enough.”