The Pair have re-signed with the off-road team ahead of the 2016 season.
By Hayden Gregory
The CDR Yamaha team will assume the same rider line-up as 2015 showing faith in Chris Hollis and Tom McCormack. The riders will jump aboard their WR450F’s for the Australian Off Road Championship (AORC), Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) and a number of other selected events.
Hollis impressed last year stringing together a number of impressive rounds to secure third in the AORC. This was despite his injury woes which left him missing a few rounds earlier in the season. All focus is now on 2016 and the goal is a championship title.
“It’s a pretty exciting time to be in off road with the introduction of the new WR450F and being a selected rider to represent such an important bike to the Australian public,” Hollis explains.
“To have a bike based on the world championship winning YZ450F, yet tweaked to suit off road conditions, gives us the best of both worlds and with CDR Yamaha handling the technical development of the bike, it will be a real weapon in the bush.
“I’m proud to be back in CDR Yamaha colours and look forward to another great year working with a dedicated and successful race team.”
Teammate Tom McCormack had a more difficult year in 2015, injuring himself before the AORC series even got under way. An extensive rehab program has ensured Tom is fit and raring to go in 2016 as he steps up to the E2 class.
“Sitting on the sidelines and watching my mates riding for the past 12 months has only made me want to ride and race even more,” McCormack shared. “It has been a frustrating year in so many ways but my health and fitness are now really good and I have just got back on the bike and feel like I haven’t missed a beat.
“CDR Yamaha have been good enough to give me another shot after my injuries and I’m so determined to not let anyone down. They are the best team in off road with the best bikes in off road and it’s my job to get them up there where we all belong.”
CDR Yamaha owner Craig Dack is very pleased to have both riders back on board, recognising their talent and potential for the team.
“In Chris and Tom we have two experienced and dedicated off road riders that are in the prime of their careers. Both are multi-time national champions and only injury slowed their progress in 2015.
“Having the new WR450F at our disposal is also an exciting prospect as we have great technical staff here at CDR Yamaha and unlocking the secrets of a new bike is always a strength of our team.
“The riders will commence testing as soon as the bike is available and we will be ready for action come round one of the Australian Off Road Championship,” Dack concluded.
Both riders will be in action come round one of the AORC – March 19/20 in Victoria
Australian Off Road Championships (AORC)
March 19/20 – Victoria (Rds 1&2)
April 23/24 – South Australia (Rds 3&4)
June 18/19 – New South Wales (Rds 5&6)
July 23/24 – Victoria (Rds 7&8)
August 13/14 – New South Wales (Rds 9&10)
September 11/12 – Victoria (Rds 11/12)
