Yamaha Motor University Celebrates Technical Excellence at the 21st Annual Barber Vintage Festival
Will Anderson Crowned 2026 United States Technician Grand Prix Champion
Press Release Disclaimer: This is a press release distributed through the XPR Media network. It has not been independently verified by our newsroom.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yamaha Motor University (YMU) proudly concluded a successful weekend at the 21st Annual Barber Vintage Festival, where powersports enthusiasts, industry professionals, and aspiring technicians gathered to celebrate motorcycle heritage and technical excellence.
Featured at this year’s event was the 2026 United States Technician Grand Prix (USTGP), Yamaha’s premier technician competition, which brings together the nation’s top Yamaha technicians to compete in a series of rigorous diagnostic and troubleshooting challenges. After an impressive performance throughout the competition, Will Anderson of RC Hill Powersports in Orlando, FL earned the title of 2026 United States Technician Grand Prix Champion, demonstrating exceptional technical knowledge, precision, and professionalism under pressure.
In addition to this year’s champion, Yamaha Motor University recognizes the outstanding achievements of Devin Paulsen of Vern Eide Motoplex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who earned Second Place, and Jeff Policky of RideNow Powersports Tucson in Tucson, Arizona, who secured Third Place. Their exceptional performance demonstrated the high level of technical expertise, professionalism, and dedication represented by Yamaha technicians nationwide. Together, the top three finishers showcased the skill, precision, and commitment to excellence that define the United States Technician Grand Prix.
THE BEST TECHNICIANS. THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGES. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP.
The USTGP showcases the critical role highly trained technicians play in delivering outstanding customer experiences and maintaining Yamaha’s reputation for quality and reliability. Participants are tested across multiple disciplines designed to mirror real-world service scenarios, highlighting the advanced skills required in today’s rapidly evolving powersports industry.
“Congratulations to Will Anderson on an outstanding achievement,” said John Grubb, YMU Manager. “The United States Technician Grand Prix represents the highest level of technical excellence within our dealer network. Will’s performance throughout the competition exemplifies the dedication, expertise, and commitment to continuous learning that we strive to foster through Yamaha Motor University.”
Throughout the festival weekend, attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about Yamaha Motor University’s industry-leading training programs and technical certifications. Yamaha representatives connected with technicians and enthusiasts, reinforcing Yamaha’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of powersports enthusiasts and professionals.
Since its establishment in 2003, Yamaha Motor University has served as Yamaha’s premier training organization, equipping dealership technicians with the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to support today’s advanced powersports products. Through comprehensive education and professional development programs, YMU continues to help strengthen the industry’s technical workforce nationwide.
Widely recognized as one of the largest motorcycle heritage events in the world, the Barber Vintage Festival provided the ideal venue to celebrate the skills, passion, and innovation that drive the powersports community forward.
Event Information
- Event: 21st Annual Barber Vintage Festival
- Date: October 9-11, 2026
- Location: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama
- Featured Competition: United States Technician Grand Prix (USTGP)
- 2026 Champion: Will Anderson
About Yamaha Motor University
Established in 2003, Yamaha Motor University (YMU) is Yamaha’s dealer training division dedicated to developing technical excellence through comprehensive education, certification programs, and hands-on learning experiences. YMU supports Yamaha dealership professionals by providing industry-leading training designed to enhance technical knowledge, customer satisfaction, and professional growth across the powersports industry.
About the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, private operating foundation dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, exhibition, and history of motorcycles, vintage vehicles, and motorsports located at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Home to one of the world’s largest motorcycle collections, the museum serves as a premier destination for enthusiasts, educators, and motorsports fans while hosting signature events such as the annual Barber Vintage Festival.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mike Ulrich
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA
714-503-7112
Mike_Ulrich@Yamaha-Motor.com
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3537f88-9761-4164-ac6a-66c172164c4b
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b7a7ed3f-e724-4c85-b4f9-0ad29cbd84ff
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1687d1af-2b20-4f6a-8c85-7edca24623d1
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7912baef-58b9-4088-89e6-c00ebac16b1f
Media gallery
