Yamaha’s R1DT prototype cars will see their first actual race action this Saturday, November 11 at Perris (CA) Auto Speedway as part of the 22nd Annual Oval Nationals.
Although the cars are still in the prototype stage, Yamaha has prepared eight R1DTs which feature a tube chassis and a fuel-injected, inline 4-cylinder engine from Yahmaha’s R1S production motorcycle.
“The R1DT is still a concept at this point, but our goal is to make a production car that meets Yamaha’s high standards for performance, quality and reliability,” said Dave Park, Yamaha’s R1DT project manager. “The Yamaha R1DT Invitational should help us gather valuable feedback from racers, fans, promoters, and sanctioning bodies to continue refining the R1DT racer concept toward a production-ready design.”
The invitational will be the first time that multiple R1DT cars are on the track competing. The roster for the invitational features drivers with a multitude of racing backgrounds:
- Cory Kruseman: Two-time Chili Bowl Champion; Numerous Midget, non-winged and Sprint Car Championships
- CJ Greaves: TORC Series three-time Pro 4 Champion; Three-time Pro 2 champion; Current Pro Stock UTV Champion
- Donnie Moran “Million Dollar Man”: Won the largest payday ever racing a Dirt Late Model at the Eldora Million; Multi-Crown Jewel champion including the North South 100, Eldora Dream 100 and World 100
- Dustin Nelson: Two-time Lucas Oil Regional Off-Road Racing Champion in a Production 1000 Side-by-Side; Record six-time ATV QuadCross Series Champion; AMA Four-Stroke national Champion (Motocross)
- Josh Hayes: Four-Time AMA Superbike Champion; Second in all-time AMA Superbike wins
- Ken Gushi: Formula DRIFT and D1 veteran; Youngest competitor to race in the D1 Grand Prix and Formula DRIFT at 16 years old
- “Slammin” Sammy Halbert: AMA Flat Track Grand National champion; 2006 AMA Flat Track Rookie of the Year; Gold and Silver X Games medalist
- Natalie Decker: 2013 ARCA Midwest Tour Rookie of the Year; 2012 Super Stock Class champion; Will drive full time for Venturini Motorsports in ARCA Series in 2018
“The Yamaha R1DT concept car is an exciting new concept that has the potential to introduce dirt track enthusiasts to Yamaha quality and performance while simultaneously attracting more motorsports enthusiasts and racers to the exciting world of dirt track racing,” Park said. “Over the course of the year, we have seen growing anticipation from both fans and racers to see what this vehicle is capable of, and we’re excited to see these amazing professional racers climb into these cars and turn some laps together in what we expect will be a fun and exciting exhibition race.”
The Yamaha R1DT concept brings some unique features to dirt track racing, like symmetrical suspension components, variable engine output, data acquisition, and the ability to run on pump gas. It is designed to be a budget friendly, turnkey, low maintenance solution.
For more information and updates on the Yamaha R1DT prototype car, visit www.facebook.com/yamahadirttrack, www.twitter.com/yamahadirttrack, and www.instagram.com/yamahadirttrack.
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