Slaw
Late in 2024, NSA Yamaha, the official amateur team for Factory Yamaha, announced it was closing shop, leaving many of the top amateurs looking for a new home. Following a few months of speculation on where Yamaha would turn next, we now have our answer.
In May, Yamaha announced that Altus Motorsports would serve as the new official amateur motocross team in a comprehensive program designed to give young talent a clear path from 65cc to 250cc competition aboard Yamaha machinery. The family-owned dealership in Altus, Oklahoma, has been a Yamaha National Trackside Support Dealer since 2017, with Jordan Nassaney, Altus Motorsports’ General Manager, as the driving force behind their off-road racing endeavors.
“We can sign these kids after they get off of 50s, and hopefully keep them throughout their amateur career,” Nassaney said. “I’ve grown up racing, so racing’s always been in my blood. I love being able to help these kids be successful. To push them and see them win is amazing. It’s very rewarding, trying to get them to the next level and helping them grow and eventually turn pro.”
Coming on board as the team manager is Ed Torrance. Having been involved with Yamaha’s amateur race program for over a decade, Torrance brings with him a wealth of experience and a history of championship success with Yamaha in the amateur ranks.
“I think it’s a great program because Yamaha has a stepping stone to the next level,” Torrance said. “We assist in the development of these young riders and work to give them the tools for success as they transition to the big bikes. These younger riders that come up through our team will further develop their skills and win championships on Yamahas before hopefully making a successful transition to Star Racing or any other Yamaha-affiliated Teams. Star Racing has a long history of producing champions in the pro series due to everything they do, and we are trying to do the same in the amateur ranks.”
The Roster
With a new program comes new—or in this case, some returning—riders to the lineup. Starting with reigning WMX Champion Lachlan Turner, who will compete in the WMX Pro Motocross Series and at Loretta Lynn’s. Through three rounds of the series in 2025, Turner is the points leader with a 13-point advantage over Mikayla Nielsen.
Owen Covell, who enjoyed a standout 2024 season aboard the YZ125, will make the move up to the 250B and 450B class championships, fielding the team’s efforts in those divisions. Also moving up to the big bikes is McKayden Fitch, who will compete for top honors in the 250B Limited and 450B Limited classes. Both Covell and Fitch will attend the SMX Next – Moto Scouting Combine events to further prepare them for the pro ranks.
Colby Lessar returns with Altus Motorsports in 2025 to lead the new effort’s title runs in the Schoolboy 1 and 125cc B/C Championships. Leading a group of fast, young up-and-comers is Tayce Morgan, racing the YZ85 Big Wheel in the Mini Sr. 1 & 2 classes, with Jaydin Smart heading up the 85cc 10-12 categories. Battling for titles aboard the YZ65 are Talon Hinson in the 65cc 10-12 category and Tate Brush in the 65cc 7-9 category.
Main image: Yamaha
