Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing Expands MotoAmerica Effort for 2026
Estenson Racing returns to lead Yamaha BLU CRU’s MotoAmerica Talent Cup title campaign and expands to the Twins Cup with rising star Sam Drane / Feb 13, 2026 /
Returning for a second year as one of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.’s (YMUS) official MotoAmerica teams, Estenson Racing is expanding its road racing efforts for 2026, fielding entries in both the MotoAmerica Talent Cup and Twins Cup with up-and-coming rider Sam Drane.
Estenson Racing has enjoyed success with Yamaha across multiple disciplines. From its early beginnings in 2018 in American Flat Track aboard Yamaha machinery, they’ve earned four AFT Singles and an AFT SuperTwins title. The team is coming off a stellar 2025 season, with Sam’s older brother, Tom Drane, earning his first AFT Singles Championship aboard the Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F and Dallas Daniels bringing home the prestigious Grand National Championship aboard the Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07, marking a first AFT SuperTwins title for both Daniels and the team.
Last year, Estenson Racing also successfully transitioned that championship-winning pedigree to road racing, competing as an official YMUS team in the inaugural season of the MotoAmerica Talent Cup aboard the Yamaha BLU CRU branded Kramer APX-350 MA Moto 3 machine. Designed as a development platform to provide a clear pathway to higher levels of road racing, the Talent Cup proved to be an ideal training ground for Sam Drane in his debut MotoAmerica season.
The young dirt tracker, who had early success road racing back home in Australia, quickly established himself as a title contender in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup with the Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing team. He earned his first win in the series at the third round at Road America, ultimately finishing the season third overall with a total of nine podiums.
With a full season of experience road racing in the U.S., Drane enters 2026 with his sights set on the MotoAmerica Talent Cup crown, as well as continuing his development with a move up to the Twins Cup Championship.
“It is going to be a great year,” Drane said. “I’m really looking forward to stepping up into the Twins Cup, and the upcoming 2026 season as a whole. It is going to be a big learning curve, but I am excited to give it my best shot. I would really like to thank Estenson Racing and Yamaha for their continued support, and I’m happy to take the next step in my career with them.”
Drane will make his debut aboard the Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 at the Daytona International Speedway, on March 5-7, as the MotoAmerica Twins Cup season kicks off at the iconic venue in Daytona Beach, Florida. With Daytona Bike Week rapidly approaching, the team is hard at work making preparations for the opening round.
“We are really looking forward to growing our road racing program in MotoAmerica in 2026 and having Sam move up to the Twins Cup class on the new R7,” said Tommy Hayden, the Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing Team Manager. “Everything came together pretty quickly, but I’m confident in our guys and know the team will do whatever it takes to be ready for Daytona.”
“Estenson Racing has a proven track record of success with Yamaha across multiple disciplines, and it’s been exciting to see that championship pedigree translate to MotoAmerica,” said Jeff Sidlovsky, Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS. “The MotoAmerica Talent Cup plays an important role in developing young riders, and Sam has shown strong potential in his first season. Expanding into the Twins Cup is a natural next step, and we’re looking forward to seeing Sam and the team continue to grow in 2026.”
The Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing would also like to thank its valued partners for their continued support in 2026: Yamaha Racing, BLU CRU, Yamalube, Truline Logistics, Mecum Auctions, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Hinson, Twin Air, REV’IT, Arai and Sidi.