2011 Laguna Seca MotoGP

Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S. has announced its list of customer-focused activities for the July 22-24 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.

Celebrating 50 years of Grand Prix Racing and its sixth year as a marketing partner, Yamaha is a proud supporter of the U.S Grand Prix and this historic facility.

Returning by popular demand is the SSB Yamaha Custom Showdown custom bike show. Presented by Silver Star Casting Co., Yamalube and SuperStreet Bike Magazine, the show will include Pro built bikes by many of the country's premier Sport Bike builders as well as the 10 winning bikes of the 2011 Yamaha Virtual SuperSport Bike Show contest.

A show within the show, the Yamaha Virtual SuperSport Bike Show is open until July 25 with 50 winners to receive passes to The Red Bull Indianapolis U.S. Grand Prix. To register or just check out the bikes please visit yamahamotor.com/ssvirtualbikeshow.

A unique part of each show, including Laguna Seca, is that customers get to vote for the final winners at the race. To see these very cool bikes and cast a vote for your favorite entry, please visit the SSB Yamaha Custom Showdown in the Yamaha Marketplace.

For the kids, Yamaha's Learn To Ride Program gives children between the ages of 2 - 12 an opportunity to try the TT-R 50 and TT-R 110 in a controlled environment complete with instruction and supervision.

Whether a first time rider or seasoned racer, riders of all abilities are encouraged to experience the TT-R's with class leading features such as electric start, automatic-clutch transmissions and YZ styling. The TT-R demos will take place Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Yamaha Marketplace. A photo of all riders' experiences will be captured and full safety gear is provided.

Saturday night will see Yamaha and GE Capital welcome MotoGP Champion Jorge Lorenzo, Ben Spies, Colin Edwards, Cal Crutchlow, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey and Kenny Roberts to the stage for a question and answer session hosted by Moto GP commentators Nick Harris and Gavin Emmett from 6-7 p.m. followed by a live performance by the band The Dirty Heads. Fans are encouraged to join in the fun with questions of their own for these MotoGP stars and Yamaha legends.

Speaking of legends don't forget to watch "King Kenny" Roberts return to the track aboard a 50th anniversary factory YZF-M1 MotoGP bike on Saturday, courtesy of Yamalube, followed by laps aboard his 1980 World Championship winning YZR 500 two stroke on Sunday prior to the start of the MotoGP finale.

Also on Sunday don't miss the chance to say hello to AMA American Superbike Champion Josh Hayes and Josh Herrin of the Monster Energy/Graves Motorsports team as well as Chris Clark and Tommy Aquino of the Yamaha Extended Service/Pat Clark Motorsports team as they sign autographs in the Yamaha Marketplace.

They will be joined by HT Moto/GYTR AMA Daytona Sportbike competitor Melissa Paris as well as 2 time XDL Street Freestyle Champion Bill Dixon.

Bill Dixon will show why he is the reigning XDL Champion as he takes his R6 to the famed Laguna course on Saturday at 3 p.m. for a high energy demo full of stoppies, burnouts and backward wheelies.

In further celebration of our 50th Anniversary of GP Racing Yamaha will debut a custom line of 50th Anniversary gear for sale. Additional Yamaha merchandise, including authorized Ben Spies and Jorge Lorenzo gear, will be available for sale in the display so please be sure to drop by to get a first look at this new gear and pick up your commemorative souvenirs from the race.

Last but certainly not least is the opportunity for a photo aboard the #1 Jorge Lorenzo MotoGP Championship winning M1. No need for a camera, our helpful staff will snap the photo and make available to you in seconds prior to leaving our area.

Other attractions in the Yamaha Marketplace include our Star Motorcycles Lounge where you can check out some cool STAR custom bikes, get an autograph from a Silver Star/MMA fighter or enjoy some liquid refreshments. You will likely not miss the Lexus LFA Super Car featuring engine components co-designed by Yamaha and plus a rare collection of Yamaha TZ two stroke racing machines.

Gill Campbell (CEO/General Manager, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca) says: "Yamaha's support of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix is invaluable. Yamaha enables us to offer race fans amazing live music, autograph sessions with their favorite riders and so much more. And, it all happens in the family friendly environment of the aptly named Yamaha Marketplace."

For a full schedule of events and to visit our special 50th Anniversary Racing website please click here.

To purchase tickets through the Mazda Raceway Laguna website please click here.