Yamaha riders, fans of the tuning-fork brand and track day enthusiasts turned out in force for the inaugural YAMAFEST at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 29, with the sold-out event delivering a strong first result for the Yamaha-supported MotoSchool team. Press: YMA

YAMAFEST brought together a wide mix of riders and machines for a day that blended on-track sessions, new model reveals and a celebration of the Yamaha brand. While the event welcomed riders of all makes and models, Yamaha owners were given a special opportunity to celebrate their favourite marque alongside like-minded enthusiasts.

As expected from an event carrying the YAMAFEST name, Yamaha machinery was front and centre throughout the day. The Yamaha display area featured a selection of classic and current models, alongside the Yamaha Racing Team truck and a display showcasing the new Dunlop Q5 tyre range.

One of the key drawcards for attendees was the opportunity to hire one of MotoSchool’s new Yamaha YZF-R9 triple-cylinder supersport machines and experience the bike on track at SMSP. The new 2026 YZF-R7 was also presented to the crowd during the morning rider briefing by Yamaha Motor Australia’s Sean Goldhawk, giving riders an early look ahead of its official Australian arrival later this year.

For MotoSchool owner Haydan Parker, the success of the inaugural YAMAFEST was the result of an idea that had been developing since the partnership with Yamaha was first formed. “I’ve always been really passionate about creating a brand-specific day since we launched the partnership,” Parker said. “The fact that the first YAMAFEST sold out shows the strength of both the partnership and the Yamaha brand”.

Paul’s YZF-R9 hire experience
Triple-cylinder enthusiast Paul Marelic was among the first riders to head out on track aboard the fleet of new YZF-R9 hire bikes provided by MotoSchool. For Marelic, the opportunity to ride the new CP3-powered supersport machine at Sydney Motorsport Park was simply too good to miss.

“I’ve got my own bikes, but I’ve wanted to sample the new YZF-R9 since it was released,” he said. “So I couldn’t pass up the chance to ride one at Sydney Motorsport Park. What I’m really looking forward to is experiencing the three-cylinder engine. I’ve never tried a triple on track.”

Annie Condon

Annie’s first time on track
At the other end of the experience scale was Annie Condon, who used YAMAFEST to tackle her first-ever track experience aboard her Yamaha YZF-R3 — the same bike she rides daily as a commuter.

Condon’s surname is well known in the local motorcycle scene. Her father, Mark Condon, owns BikeBiz Parramatta, and the family has long been involved in racing. For Annie, however, the day was about building confidence and enjoying the experience.

“My first session was a bit scary, but now I know what to expect next time I go out,” she said. “I commute daily, so this is a little more fun than Parramatta Road. The corner onto the straight is my favourite.” Annie was also spotted checking out the new 2026 YZF-R7 during the event, suggesting a possible step up from the R3 could be on the horizon.

Enjoying the event — and also cutting laps on a YZF-R9 — Yamaha Motor Australia’s General Manager Sales & Marketing Land Mobility, Matthew Ferry, said events like YAMAFEST play an important role in building connections with riders.

“YAMAFEST provides a way for Yamaha Motor Australia to connect directly with its customer base and create experiences that make riders feel part of the Yamaha family,” Ferry said. “It celebrates the shared enthusiasm that sits at the heart of the brand.” He also thanked MotoSchool and the Yamaha Motor Australia Land Mobility team for their work in delivering a successful first event.

Read our full feature and check out our gallery the event here…

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