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Yamaha PH Racing Team shuffles lineup for 2025 competition

New team motto: ‘Change the race’

Yamaha Philippines Racing Team presents its 2025 roster. PHOTO FROM YAMAHA

The team is poised to revolutionize Filipino racing with a powerhouse roster, competing in the Asia Road Racing Championship and nurturing future champions through the bLU cRU program.

This bold move embodies Yamaha’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its vision to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.

The Carmona Racing Circuit played host to a thrilling celebration of speed and excellence, as top-performing teams were recognized for their outstanding achievements from the previous season.

Their unwavering dedication served as a powerful inspiration to Filipinos, igniting a passion to chase their own dreams.

‘Wonderboy’ McKinley Kyle Paz is set to return to the SS600 category. PHOTO FROM YAMAHA

Leading the charge for the team in international competition is the trailblazing “Wonderboy McKinley Kyle Paz.

A pioneering force in Filipino racing, Paz has achieved remarkable success, including a podium finish in the first round of the ARRC’s SS600 category, securing his team’s top spot overall.

His impressive résumé also includes a trio of championships in the 2024 Inside Racing Grand Prix: UB155 LTD GP, SS200 GP, and UB150 Open GP.

‘Rocketboy’ April King Mascardo seeks redemption this season. PHOTO FROM YAMAHA

After a lengthy recovery from a serious injury that prematurely ended his ARRC campaign, “The Rocketboy” April King Mascardo has made a triumphant return to the track. Despite his early exit from the season, Mascardo’s impressive performance yielded a third-place finish in the first round.

He also racked up notable achievements in the IRGP, including runner-up spots in the UB155 LTD GP and the SS200 GP, as well as a championship win in the UB150 Open GP.

Gian Carlo Mauricio hangs the suit for the school uniform. PHOTO FROM YAMAHA

Gian Carlo Mauricio is shifting gears to focus on his academic pursuits, but his three-year racing career has left an indelible mark on Philippine motorsports.

Highlights of his tenure include a thrilling championship win in the second round of the ARRC in China, as well as dominance in national tournaments alongside teammates Paz and Mascardo.

Yamaha’s satellite racing teams also made their mark last season, with impressive achievements across various categories.

The 4S1M Yamaha Racing Team, led by “The Hitman” JE Inguito, secured a notable fourth-place finish in the UB150 category of the ARRC.

Meanwhile, the SEC Yamaha Racing Team celebrated multiple championships, including JD Purino’s 2024 MORAC UB King title and Bethany Tolentino’s MORAC SS LW Open Championship.

These victories contributed to the team’s unprecedented four-peat as the UB Team Overall Champion in MORAC.

Meet the young guns of Yamaha Philippines Racing Team. PHOTO FROM YAMAHA

Yamaha Motor Philippines remained committed to cultivating young talent by recognizing the achievements of its riders in the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU Asia-Pacific Championship.

The honored riders included Mytchell Ngo, who earned the Strong Comeback Award with an 18th-place finish; Zain Doblada, who received the Most Improved Award with a 15th-place finish; and Moy Reyes, who secured an impressive ninth-place finish in the rider standings.

Additionally, coach Joey Rivero was acknowledged for his guidance as the official coach of the Yamaha bLU cRU Rider Development Program.

The Yamaha Sniper livery looks flash. PHOTO FROM YAMAHA

The Yamaha Philippines Racing Team is embarking on an exciting new chapter, marked by the unveiling of fresh liveries. This new era also welcomes the latest addition to the team, completing the lineup.

Racing aspirants try out for a slot on the racing team. PHOTO FROM YAMAHA

To identify the ideal candidate, Yamaha held the Yamaha Challenge Cup, a stringent selection process that pushed aspirants to their limits.

The evaluations assessed physical and mental prowess, including flexibility, strength, endurance, reflexes, racing aptitude, and behavior.

Team riders Paz and Mascardo played a crucial role in the tryouts, carefully evaluating each candidate’s skills to ensure they would mesh with the team’s dynamics.

Rookie EJ Sobretodo smiles as he earns himself a racing team slot. PHOTO FROM YAMAHA

In the end, EJ Sobretodo was recognized as the standout performer, securing his place on the racing team. EJ has rightfully secured his place in the lineup. He is set to compete in the UB150 category alongside Mascardo.

The quest for greatness transcends the finish line, pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable on the track. Yamaha is driven to embody the spirit of a true champion, from dominating local and international competitions to cultivating young talent.

As the 2025 season begins, the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team is primed to excel on all fronts, revolutionize the competition, and redefine the future of Filipino racing.



Maki Aganon

Maki is completely obsessed with motorcycles. If he’s not out there riding all over the Philippines, he’s just probably at home composing another rant, or simply looking at new bikes on the Internet. He writes the ‘First to Arrive’ column.



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