The 2025 Shop Yamaha R3 Cup is shifting up a gear, expanding to four rounds and kicking off under lights at the ASBK Night Race at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 28-29. A global Yamaha bLU cRU initiative, the R3 Cup has carved out a solid reputation as a proving ground for young racers.

Now, with an extra round on the calendar and nearly $20,000 in prizemoney courtesy of Yamaha Australia’s online store, ShopYamaha, the stakes are even higher. Yamaha’s National Marketing Manager for Parts and Accessories, Tara-Lea Albury, is thrilled to see the series grow.

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“We’re excited to bring back the ShopYamaha R3 Cup for 2025 and expand it to four rounds,” Albury said. “We’ll also continue offering a $200 ShopYamaha voucher to the fastest qualifier at each round.

“Last year, it was great to see the riders embracing ShopYamaha branding on their race bikes, and I’m looking forward to another action-packed season working with the ASBK team and crowning a new champion.”

The ASBK management team sees the R3 Cup as a key part of the broader racing landscape, strengthening ties between the Australian championship and international R3 competitions. It also plays a crucial role in rider development, forming a natural progression from the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup through to competition across Australia, Asia, and Europe.

Motorcycling Australia’s National Operations Director, Martin Port, highlighted the significance of the series. “The ShopYamaha R3 Cup began in Australia nearly a decade ago as a joint project between Motorcycling Australia and Yamaha Motor Australia, and it’s fantastic to see it reach its 10th year,” Port said. “This series has become an integral part of racing programs worldwide. We’re working closely with the R3 Asia-Pacific Championship and R3 World Cup to ensure young riders have a clear pathway to international competition.

“With a grid full of fearless young racers, we’re expecting some of the closest and most exciting battles of the season.”

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