Yamaha Motor Australia has revealed it will back the Australian 4-Day Enduro (A4DE) as the title sponsor for 2018, with the event set to take place at its birthplace in Cessnock, New South Wales, on 3-7 April.

The 2018 edition will mark the 40th anniversary of the prestigious off-road event, which will be hosted during a new time slot in April, rather than in the later months of the year like it has in recent years.

Yamaha brand manager Peter Payne, who contested the first A4DE in 1978, said Yamaha’s long involvement in the event is only fitting with the best-selling enduro bike being its WR450F, and commented that it represents something the brand’s bLU cRU riders can aspire to.

“Yamaha has had a long involvement with this iconic event, which is only fitting seeing as we produce Australia’s favourite enduro bike – the WR450F,” said Payne. “The A4DE is the annual pinnacle for our enduro racers and represents something to aspire to for our bLU cRU members.”

“Cessnock is the dirt bike heartland offering some of the most popular riding areas in Australia. Great trails are guaranteed and with the additional vintage Class attracting the popular older bikes and riders, the 40th anniversary A4DE is all set to be a real celebration of dirt bike riding.”

The 2017 edition of the A4DE was slated to be hosted in Toowoomba last month, however due to lack of rider entries, the club opted to cancel the event.