Since 2007 — Norick's Will
Passing the baton
to the next generation.
Team Norick carries forward one rider's dream and will as an ongoing challenge.
Our Philosophy
Philosophy
Norifumi "Norick" Abe became the youngest Japanese champion ever in the All Japan Road Race Championship 500cc class, and went on to battle the world's best on the Grand Prix stage. He founded this team out of a single conviction: to raise riders who can compete on the world stage.
After Norick's sudden passing in 2007, his father Mitsuo Abe — despite his doubts about whether the team could continue — was encouraged by many to carry on that will. Speed is not determined by talent alone: with the right environment and coaching, always keeping a challenger's spirit and a strong drive to improve, a person can reach the world. Team Norick exists to hand that path to the next generation.
History
History
Origin
The youngest champion, Norifumi Abe
At 17, Norifumi 'Norick' Abe becomes the youngest-ever champion of the All Japan Road Race Championship 500cc class.
To the world
Grand Prix racing
He takes on the world's best on the WGP (now MotoGP) stage, thrilling fans across Japan.
Foundation
"To raise riders who can compete on the world stage"
With that conviction, Norick founds Team Norick, a development team for young riders.
2007
Carrying on his will
On October 7, Norick passes away in an accident at age 32. His father, Mitsuo Abe, encouraged by supporters and Webike, continues the team as its director.
Today
An unending challenge
Director Mitsuo Abe carries on Norick's will, devoting his life to developing young riders. That method has been reborn as the Yamaha on-road racing academy, "Norick Academy".
Message
Director — Mitsuo Abe
A legendary former auto-race champion with an unrivalled record. Drawing on decades of rider development and methods learned training alongside the world's top riders in Europe, he has devoted his life to nurturing the next generation.
"Let's aim for the top of the world together" — those words led him to carry the team forward, together with Norick's will, to this day.
Riders
Riders
Active riders competing at the top national level. Their challenges "today" drive the team forward.
Kairi Moriyama
Hayato Ichikawa
Alumni lineage
Riders who grew up with Team Norick and continue their challenges on national and world stages.
- Kota Nozane
- Sena Yamada
- Yuya Kondo
- Takumi Kamiwada
- Yuki Okamoto
- Miu Nakahara
- Keito Abe
- Kai Aota
- Maiki Abe
- Teppei Kugawa
*Profiles are current as of August 2026 and may be updated as newer information becomes available.
The Norick Academy program
A Yamaha on-road racing academy organized and run by Team Norick, for riders with circuit experience who are determined to get faster, and for young riders aiming for the world stage.
Visit the Norick Academy site →