Yamaha bLU cRU Riders Claim 10 Titles at Mini O’s
The NSA/Rock River/Yamaha Amateur Factory Racing Team led the charge for the bLU cRU at this year’s Mini Olympics / Nov 28, 2023 /
Yamaha bLU cRU riders enjoyed another successful outing at this year’s Mini Olympics, securing 10 class championships last week in Gainesville, Florida. The NSA/Rock River/Yamaha Amateur Factory Team led the way, with Avery Long claiming three pro-class titles and guest rider Lotte Van Drunen enjoying a standout debut in the U.S. with a pair of championships.
Riders flocked to the Gatorback Cycle Park for a week of supercross and motocross racing during the Thanksgiving holiday for the 52nd running of the Mini O’s. Long got the week off to a flying start, securing the supercross number-one plate in 250 Pro Sport and 450 Pro Sport. When the program switched to motocross, the NSA/Rock River/Yamaha Amateur Factory rider’s success continued with another championship aboard his YZ250F in the 250 A class.
“It was a really good week. I’m super happy with my riding and my progression over the past few months,” Long said. “I definitely feel that I have taken the next step, which I’m really happy about. I also felt that I was the fastest rider there in the A class. My speed was really good all week, and I won a lot of motos and had some great rides. I can’t really ask for much more, except maybe to be a little more consistent in some of the motos. I’m stoked to take home three titles. I was hoping for more, but I’m really happy with how I rode and really look forward to the next race.”
Making the trip overseas for her debut in the U.S. as a guest rider with the NSA/Rock River/Yamaha Amateur Factory Team, Van Drunen quickly found her stride and secured the Women 12+ Championship in supercross. Although it took some time to adapt to a different style of motocross track than she’s used to, the fast rider from the Netherlands grabbed the holeshot in the first moto and rode to victory. Van Drunen backed that up with another great start in Moto 2 to quickly take the lead and secure her second title of the week and the fifth championship for the team at this year’s Mini O’s.
“As a kid, it has always been a dream of mine to come ride in the U.S., so to finally make that happen is unbelievable,” Van Drunen said. “It was a little hard to get used to a bike that I’ve never ridden before, and also the tracks are way different, but I felt pretty comfortable on the supercross track. I didn’t get a good start, but I fought my way into first. To be the fastest in supercross was unexpected, but I’m proud of myself that I made it happen anyway.
“I needed some time to get used to the outdoor track because it is way different than what we have in Europe,” Van Drunen continued. “I got the holeshot in the first moto and won, and then in the second moto, I started in second but passed the leader pretty quick for the win. I won everything this week, and so I’m absolutely proud of myself. Without the team, NSA Yamaha Racing, this wouldn’t have been possible. They were awesome and made me feel so welcome.”
Triangle Cycles/Yamaha’s Kyle Paleologos also enjoyed a stellar outing at this year’s Mini O’s, leaving with three motocross number-one plates. In addition to a pair of titles aboard his YZ250F – the 250 C Jr. (12-17) Championship and 250 C Limited Championship – he also secured the 450 C Championship.
“I’m glad I was able to race motocross at Mini O’s this year,” Paleologos said. “The racing was great, and hanging out with friends and family was a lot of fun. I felt really good about my starts and riding, especially when the track got more technical and rough. The goal going into the week was to get some medals and maybe a title, so leaving with three feels great. I had a very busy schedule, so I greatly appreciate Triangle Cycles and bLU cRU Trackside Support’s help getting me through the week.”
Landon Hartz added another 450 title to the bLU cRU’s motocross tally, claiming the 450 B Championship aboard his EBR Performance/Altus Motorsports YZ450F. “It was an unbelievable week winning the 450 B Championship in motocross,” he said. “All the blood, sweat, and tears put into it every day is worth it for that feeling! I’m more motivated now than ever, and I’m ready to get back to work!”
Earlier in the week, Boone Lloyd continued to reign supreme aboard his PW50. The young rider from Virginia added another championship to his already successful 2023 season, taking top honors in the supercross 51 (4-6) Shaft Drive Limited category.
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