Yamaha to return with Curtain and Olson

Yamaha Racing Team (YRT) will continue with Kevin Curtain and Rick Olson for its assault on the 2013 Australian FX Superbike Championship – with Curtain also making a wildcard appearance at the Phillip Island round of the Supersport World Championship on February 24.

“The signing of these two riders was a priority to us,” said team owner John Redding.

“Both have proven themselves to be in the elite of Australian road racing with Kevin at the top of his game and always a championship treat and Rick still on an enormous learning curve that doesn’t appear to be ending any time soon.

“They finished 1-2 in the 2012 Australian FX Superbike Championship ,so for us it was just a matter of getting the contracts done and we are proud to have them represent Yamaha and our team of sponsors in 2013.”

YRT will again contest the FX championship aboard R1 and R6 machinery. Curtain (pictured) will again go on double duty, this time competing on his R1 in the FX Superbike class as well as the Formula OZ category. Olson also steps up his work rate taking on two classes in a day racing the R1 in the FX Superbikes and then steps back to the R6 for the FX600cc.

“I couldn’t be happier to stay with YRT and again work with a great team on awesome bikes,” Curtain said.

“I have been here for a few years now and everything still feels fresh and exciting and I’m still motivated to win races and championships. 2012 was a great year for me on the track winning both classes but the competition continues to improve and that drives me to do the same.”

Olson is back for his third year on the factory squad.

“This team works hard to win championships and help riders achieve their goals and that’s the kind of team I want around me,” he said.

“John and the guys in the workshop spend countless hours ensuring every detail is right and our race bikes are always in top shape. It’s great to have the contract out of the way and done and now we can focus on the upcoming season.”

The YRT racing year gets underway at the opening round of the 2013 Australian FX Superbike Championship from March 1-3 at Eastern Creek.

2013 YRT Calendar
WSBK PI Feb 22-24
R1 FXSBK EC March 1-3
R2 FXSBK Winton April 5-7
R3 FXSBK Wakefield May 3-5
R4 FXSBK QR Aug 16-18
R5 FXSBK EC  Oct 4-6
R6 FXSBK EC (+ FX500) Nov 15-16

To follow the YRT on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yamaharacingteam or on twitter: @YamahaMotorAus