Yamaha Marks 70 Years with VMXdN Foxhill Fireworks

Yamaha celebrated its 70th anniversary at VMXdN Foxhill with legends like Chiodi, Sipes, and Nicoletti, thrilling fans with vintage two-strokes, a new YZ450F debut, and a dramatic Team USA victory.

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Yamaha Racing Heritage Club (YRHC) turned back the clock in spectacular style as legendary riders and screaming two-strokes lit up the 2025 Veterans Motocross des Nations (VMXdN) at Foxhill. The UK event doubled as the perfect stage to celebrate Yamaha’s 70th anniversary, blending modern machinery with pure motocross nostalgia.

A Star-Studded Line-Up

Fans were treated to a rare gathering of motocross greats. This includes three-time FIM 125cc World Champion Alessio “Chicco” Chiodi, AMA Supercross winner Ryan Sipes, former MX2 World Champion Ben Townley, Canadian 450 National Pro Champion Phil Nicoletti, U.S. legend Doug Dubach, and two-time Red Bull Straight Rhythm 125cc champion Carson Brown. Each rider brought signature style and plenty of two-stroke noise to Yamaha’s celebration of racing heritage.

New Meets Old

Before the first gate drop, Yamaha unveiled a showstopper: the 2026 YZ450F 70th Anniversary Edition. It made its UK debut in special red-and-white livery. The bike features a new engine, exhaust system, updated frame, and hydraulic clutch. A nod to the future while paying tribute to Yamaha’s classic racing colours.

Adding to the nostalgia, Rob “Doc Wob” Walters prepared immaculate 2002 YZ250s dressed in graphics inspired by Andrea Bartolini’s 1998 YZM400F. Chiodi, Sipes, Townley, and Nicoletti piloted these throwback machines in the Crescent Yamaha VMXdN International Team Race, giving fans a live-history lesson in Yamaha’s motocross dominance.

Racing Drama to the Wire

The Foxhill circuit, notorious for its brutal hills and deep ruts, demanded everything from the riders. After four motos, Team USA (Nicoletti, Sipes, and Christophe Pourcell) and Team Italy (Chiodi, Ivo Monticelli, and Davide Philippaerts) finished deadlocked on points. A countback of moto wins handed the overall victory to Team USA, with Team Italy second and Team GB completing the podium. Seven of the nine podium bikes were Yamaha YZ250s, a testament to the brand’s enduring two-stroke pedigree.

Townley, representing Team Rest of the World, overcame a tough Saturday to grab a holeshot and a top-ten finish on Sunday, helping his team secure seventh overall.

Masters of the Evo Classes

Carson Brown delivered a flawless sweep in the Big Van World Evo Ultra category, winning all four motos for the overall. Doug Dubach showed trademark consistency in the Range Evo Plus Over 50 class, claiming second overall with three runner-up finishes and a third.

Fans, Heritage, and Celebration

Beyond the racing, the Crescent Yamaha stand showcased Yamaha’s latest off-road lineup and hosted rider meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and heritage displays. The combination of vintage machinery, modern tech, and legendary talent turned VMXdN Foxhill into a living museum of Yamaha motocross history.