It's a Yamaha Masterclass!
By TMX Archives on 25th Jun 09
YAMAHA has displayed an admirable recognition of the importance of customer relations over the years, and the finance crisis has not dampened its enthusiasm. In the week after the recent GPs at Mallory Park and Ernee Josh Coppins (pictured above) and David Philippaerts called on the wealth of knowledge about the sport which has seen them rise to the very pinnacle of the sport to meet the fans and pass on tips to kids a genuine Masterclass'!
The promotional campaign was part of the 2009 edition of the Yamaha MX Masterclass, a unique method of bringing off-road motorcycle riders and Yamaha enthusiasts closer to the Yamaha Monster Energy Factory team and the secrets behind their Grand Prix winning skills, have so far been a success with participants in Germany, Britain and France all sampling the wisdom of MX1-GP world champion David Philippaerts and Josh Coppins.
The Masterclass was initially conceived as part of the package surrounding the launch of the popular YZ450F Team Replica, which was unveiled at the 2008 Motocross of Nations in Britain last September.
Customers and special guests of Yamaha distributors are invited along to exclusive track-days at which either Coppins or Philippaerts give tips, help and advice as well as dedicating time to autographs, photos and Question and Answer' sessions.
The very first Masterclass took place in rainy conditions in Germany in April, with both riders present, and since then has occurred in the heat of Mallory Park two-days after the British Grand Prix with Coppins in charge and at Ernee, the day after the Grand Prix of France, where Philippaerts braved showers to coach a group of riders. Other Yamaha representatives, such as Utag Yamaha's Mel Pocock and Ricci Yamaha teamster Nico Aubin, have also been involved.
I thought it was an interesting idea when it was mentioned for the first time at Donington Park last year, explained Philippaerts. We can often only sign autographs or other items for fans at the races and even then we don't have much time, so it was good to interact with the fans in a more relaxed way and to see just how seriously some of them take their riding.
We were not too lucky with the weather and doing any of the big jumps wasn't really possible, he continued about the recent French experience. However I could see their enthusiasm with all the questions before we started riding and then the fact that they wanted to get out there in the mud was also positive. For me, it was a nice experience. It was also strange to see so many replicas of my bike!
I enjoyed it, added Coppins. It was a chance to properly meet people and it is always nice when you see the enthusiasm they have for the sport or the bike or even you as a racer. What was also good for me was to be able to coach and watch riders of different levels some of them were pretty impressive.