After a strategic restructuring of team operations towards the end of 2023, Yamaha is all set to tackle the hotly contested 2024 EMX250 Championship with the VRT Yamaha Official EMX250 team and its three talented riders- Ivano van Erp and brothers Karlis and Janis Reisulis.
Under the expert guidance of owner Mikael Vrignon and managed by former Enduro World Champion and motocross star Pierre-Alexandre “Pela” Renet, the VRT Yamaha Official EMX250 team is gearing up for a thrilling campaign. Their mission? To conquer the EMX250 Championship while upholding Yamaha’s Manufacturer’s Title.
Drawing upon Yamaha’s illustrious history of nurturing champions, the VRT Yamaha Official EMX250 team aims to guide its three riders along the path blazed by Yamaha’s current Factory MXGP and MX2 stars: Maxime Renaux, Jago Geerts, Thibault Benistant, Rick Elzinga, and Andrea Bonacorsi, all of whom have climbed its pyramid.
In 2023, Van Erp and K.Reisulis stepped up to Yamaha’s Official EMX250 team, diving into the fiercely competitive EMX250 class as talented young rookies. Despite facing challenges, both riders made notable debuts, with Van Erp securing a race win and overall victory in Latvia. However, the young Dutchman’s momentum was halted by a fall while leading at his home race in Arnhem, The Netherlands, while K. Reisulis rebounded from an early injury to conclude his inaugural term in EMX250 on the podium in Great Britain.
Now recovered and eager to bounce back, both riders are set for their second year in EMX250 aboard the GYTR-kitted YZ250F, where they both hope to frequent the podium.
As for J. Reisulis, his name requires no introduction. The 15-year-old Latvian asserted himself as a dominant force in the EMX125 championship in 2023, amassing an impressive tally of 12 race wins, six overall victories, and a flawless 100% podium record to clinch the EMX125 title in his debut season with Yamaha.
Following his extraordinary season aboard the YZ125, J. Reisulis has been promptly elevated to the VRT Yamaha Official EMX250 team, where he will campaign a GYTR kitted YZ250F in the EMX250 Championship during his rookie season.
The 2024 EMX250 Championship will unfold over 10 rounds within the FIM Motocross World Championship from March to September. Each round comprises two races of 25 minutes plus two laps, with the combined results determining the overall standings. This series serves as a pivotal pathway for emerging talents aspiring to climb the ranks to MX2 and, ultimately, MXGP.
The EMX250 Championship will kick-off alongside the MXGP of Spain in Madrid on the 23rd and 24th of March.
Thorsten Lentink, Yamaha Motor Europe MX Racing Specialist
This year, we’re entering the EMX250 season with renewed energy and focus. With a fresh team and bike, we’re ready to tackle the challenges ahead, while helping our talented young riders make their mark. We’re confident we’re going to the gate with an amazing set-up and three very strong riders who have come up through our 125cc program. For Karlis and Ivano, going into their second year in the EMX250 class, we have high hopes, while for Janis, the main priority will be to build in his rookie year and gain experience. We’re looking forward to it, and on behalf of Yamaha Motor Europe, I’d like to wish the team and riders the best of luck this season!
Words: Press Release
Images: Yamaha Racing
