An expanding family

It’s funny how quickly seasons fly by. In the first October weekend the Yamaha Classic Racing Team had its last outing of the year. In a way that’s a good thing, because it clearly means that we’ve been enjoying ourselves once again. And we surely did at Imola. Although the Imola Revival of the 200 Miles only celebrated its second edition, to me it has already become one of the most enjoyable events of our calendar. The reasons for that are simple. The Italian atmosphere is unique, people are smiling and easy going and tradition rules in the paddock. Jos Schurgers had a most unfortunate coming together with a slower rider – nothing has changed since his Grand Prix days! – and crashed heavily, but apart from that it was an unforgettable weekend. You tend to get used to people coming up to you and thanking you for keeping the Yamaha legacy alive, but we sincerely appreciate every compliment we get. Some of those are special. Like the one we received from our special guest Don Emde. I had not met Don personally, but thanks to the wonders of email we got to know each other pretty well. And what a true gentleman this Daytona 1972 winner proved to be. Don rode a Yamaha 350, specially painted in his Daytona winning colors. Don’s win in 1972 was historic as he was the first Daytona 200 winner on a 350. When he flew to Italy to take part in the 1972 Imola 200 the organizers did not allow him to race the 350. I’m sure they feared the Ducati’s would not stand a chance taking on Don and his nimble 350 twin!

It had been some time since he rode a racing bike, but soon Don got into the groove again and produced some fast and clean laps. Don was overjoyed and overwhelmed by the fans and almost felt the pressure being out on the track. He even apologized to me when other riders were a little more aggressive on entering the first chicane. Well, these events are about going fast, but it’s all about enjoying yourself and entertaining the crowds. And that’s what Don did. The event program showed a picture of a young Don, but people quickly recognized him and he probably signed more autographs and directed more TV interviews than during his racing career. Don, clearly touched by the warmth of the fans and the reception by our team, sent me a wonderful ‘thank you’ email which gave me the impression this was not a one off. The YCRT is ever expanding.

The whole Imola experience was one to remember. Before we drove down to the circuit a number of us – including Don and Steve Baker – visited the Yamaha Motor Racing headquarters in Milan and we enjoyed a tour through the work shop. That was a sort of birthday present to our much appreciated Chris Groeneweg who celebrated his 75^th birthday that day. Chris has been with us from the start and I think spannering for the YCRT keeps him young. Well, at least I like to think so.

Margriet and I mixed ‘business’ with pleasure. On our way back to the Netherlands we visited my good friend Luciano Battisti. Luciano, whose father raced Motobi’s a long time ago, is such an enthusiastic racing addict, who does not only cherish Yamaha but also Benelli. He helped me out with spare parts for our new FZ750 Lawson Replica project and I provided him with some parts that he needed. That’s what we do: we help each other out and that underlines the special atmosphere between many of us in this Classic racing paddock. Luciano – who has a former Morbidelli mechanic working on his bikes (almost) full time! – is also a keen supporter of our new four stroke plans and the comments I have been getting from many people have convinced me even more that Superbike is the way to go for the future. As much as I love the Imola event, next year we should be careful not to do a ‘simple’ re-run of the 2011 show. Ago, Phil Read, Stevie (the three of them were involved in the ‘Yamaha 50 years of GP Racing’ celebration), Kork Ballington, Dieter Braun and Tepi Länsivuori were all there, but next year could be even more interesting if the grid shows some fresh blood. As far as this is concerned the Spa Bikers’ Classics is showing the way. How about Fred Merkel on a Honda, Wes Cooley on his Suzuki and Rob Phillis on a Kawasaki? A reliable source tells me that even John Kocinski might put on his leathers again if we go Superbike.

I’ve still got quite a few interesting things coming up in the next few months, but already we are looking forward to 2012. We’ll get the YCRT show on the road again before you know it!

Ferry Brouwer  (october 2011)