Yamaha Motor Europe has announced that Todd Kellett, the reigning FIM Sand Race World Cup Champion, will be making a special appearance for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team at the upcoming MXGP of Sardinia in Riola-Sardo, replacing the injured Jago Geerts.
Kellett, known for his exceptional sand-riding skills as demonstrated by his recent victories at the Enduropale du Touquet in France and the Enduro del Verano in Argentina, will join Calvin Vlaanderen under the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team awning for the third round of the FIM Motocross World Championship. Kellett adds an exciting dimension to the team and the MXGP series as they prepare to tackle one of the most challenging sand races on the calendar.
Lining up for one event only as a reward for his World Cup success, Kellett will showcase his sand racing prowess aboard a factory YZ450FM at the MXGP of Sardinia before shifting his focus back to defending his World Cup title.
“I’m pleased I have been given the opportunity to race the MXGP of Riola, Sardinia for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team. It’s an opportunity that I am very grateful for, and the team have been very supportive. We have done some testing and the bike is next level! I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in this adventure. It’s not the “usual” race format for me, but we will give it 110% in the soft stuff and see what we can put on the table!”
— Todd Kellett , Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP rider
“We’re looking forward to having Todd at the MXGP of Sardinia in Riola. Over the past few years, Todd has gone from strength to strength. He’s at the top of his game at the moment, having won Enduropale du Touquet in France and Enduro del Verano in Argentina. So, as a token of appreciation for his Sand World Cup success last season, we’re giving him this amazing opportunity to race a round of MXGP on our factory YZ450FM. Filling in for Jago Geerts, who is still recovering from the elbow injury sustained in Argentina, Todd will only join the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team for one event, as his main priority remains defending his Sand World Cup title.”
— Alexandre Kowalski, Yamaha Motor Europe Off-Road Racing Manager
Words and Image by Yamaha Motor Europe
