Racing

Yamaha Weekend of Champions Party at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Letting our hair down at the industry’s biggest party.

July 21, 2007

Of the many passes, tickets and other regalia issued at the MotoGP weekend in Monterey, the most coveted is an invite to Yamaha’s big pre-race party at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium on historic Cannery Row. This year, Yamaha spread their love around; they invited 300 Yamaha owners who submitted photos and video of their customized Yamaha sportbikes for the 2007 Yamaha Virtual SuperSport Bike Show and their guests.

It was a chance for Joe R6-pack to mix and mingle with everybody in the motorcycle industry. From motojournalist to factory racer to custom builder, they were all there enjoying the good food, jazz combo and amazing displays of marine life in the huge facility.

As part of the weekend festivities, Yamaha brought back their “Weekend of Champions,” with 18 motorcycle racing champs from all disciplines, from roadracing to motocross. In attendance were Giacomo Agostini, Steve Baker, Mike Bell, Damon Bradshaw, Ricky Burgett, Kel Carruthers, Don Emde, Jeff Emig, Broc Glover, Doug Henry, Jamie James, Gary Jones, Pierre Karsmakers, Eddie Lawson, Randy Mamola, Rich Oliver, Wayne Rainey, Scott Russell and Thomas Stevens.

I left before the booze ran out, in case things got ugly when the British journalists were told there was no more Bombay Saphire, but we were sure to snap some photos for you to check out.

Sound Off! Who's your favorite champion?

...and the R1 is for Ben. Yes, of course the numbers light up.

Mike McCoy of McCoy Motorsports built a pair of custom dragbikes for the Bostrom boys. This R6-based bike is for EBoz?

This Star Warrior-based custom was built by Gregg?s Customs. They built almost everything on this bike, from the chrome-moly frame and swingarm to the machined wheels.

Yamaha Weekend of Champions Party at Monterey Bay Aquarium

...and the R1 is for Ben. Yes, of course the numbers light up.

Mike McCoy of McCoy Motorsports built a pair of custom dragbikes for the Bostrom boys. This R6-based bike is for EBoz?

This Star Warrior-based custom was built by Gregg?s Customs. They built almost everything on this bike, from the chrome-moly frame and swingarm to the machined wheels.

Kel Curruthers has done it all with flying colors; AMA racer, GP champion, team manager, and enough trophies to choke a whale.

Randy Mamola and Mike Bell hanging with a friend. Yamaha has no comment regarding the yellow hat, which is not available through the GYT-R catalog.

Dining in front of one of the big open-water exhibits.

Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini share a moment onstage. They have 22 world titles between them.

Eddie Lawson chatting with party-goers.

Fabio and a couple of Bostroms.