Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1529824
Draper Signs Contract Extension A mPro Yamaha Racing an- nounced a two-year contract extension with Liam Draper. The two-time 250cc off-road class champion from New Zealand will bump up to the XC1 class and compete in the GNCC and U.S. Sprint Enduro Series Pro 1 Championship aboard a Yamaha YZ450FX. "Since joining the AmPro Ya - maha Team, Liam's progression and race results have continued to make an upward trend," said Donnie Luce, Amateur MX/ATV/ Off-Road Coordinator for YMUS. "We look forward to seeing this continue during his first full season in XC1 on the YZ450FX, especially after he wrapped up his 2024 season with four consecu - tive overall podiums in GNCC. We look forward to another great season with him and the team representing the bLU cRU." AmPro Yamaha Racing Team owner Randy Hawkins, said, "Liam's a very serious guy and wants to win, but he has also been enjoyable to work with and gives 100 percent. From his two titles aboard our 250 in 2023 to this year with our 450, what - ever we ask of him he works to achieve and has delivered." Draper said, "I'm super excited to renew my deal with AmPro Ya - maha Racing and looking forward to the future with this team that gave me my first championship here. I'm also excited to be mov - ing up to the 450 full-time." CN Hewitt Steps Down T riumph Motorcycles and Bob- by Hewitt have mutually parted ways, effective immediately. Hewitt served as the Team Princi- pal for Triumph's SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) team in the United States for the brand's debut season racing AMA Super- cross and Motocross, as well as the three SMX Playoff rounds. "Triumph would like to thank Bobby for his contribution in developing the foundations of the U.S. SMX program with Triumph, leading into the British brand's first racing operation in off-road com- petition," a release from Triumph said. "The partnership celebrated the launch of Triumph Racing, including the brand's debut season in AMA Supercross and Pro Mo- tocross with the all-new TF 250-X. The Triumph Racing team earned a heat race win in 250SX and a po- dium in Pro Motocross with Jalek Swoll, moments that will remain in Triumph's history." Hewitt said via social media, "I would like to thank Triumph Motorcycles for giving me the ability and opportunity to build Triumph Motorcycles Racing Pro - gram from the ground up for the past two years. Putting together a new team and rider lineup for the 2024 and 2025 SMX race season will forever be one of my greatest accomplishments. "I especially want to thank this year's riders for the 2025 SMX race season, for believing in me and the program. I believe it is the strongest group of riders I have ever assembled, and I am looking forward to seeing them succeed this race season. "Now that the Triumph Racing Program and foundation have been assembled, it is time for me to explore the next challenge and other opportunities. I would like to wish Triumph Motorcycles and the riders all the best in the future." CN WIND IN THE P28 Liam Draper signed a two-year contract extension with AmPro Yamaha and will move up to 450s in GNCC and the U.S. Sprint Enduro Series. Bobby Hewitt—Triumph's Motocross and Supercross Team Principal—and Triumph Motorcycles have parted ways.