Josh Grant will return to JGRMX and Yamaha for the 2013 season. Image: Simon Cudby.

Yamaha Motor Corporation US has announced its race teams 2013 American supercross and motocross seasons, starting at the Monster Energy Cup this Saturday night.

Leading the 450 charge is Joe Gibbs Racing (JGRMX) with their solid lineup of Justin Brayton, who finished third in supercross during 2012, and Josh Grant, who gave JGR their maiden win in supercross at the season opener in 2009 and their first motocross win at Red Bud that same year.

Star Racing is once again leading the 250 charge with class veteran Kyle Cunningham taking over the reins as team captain, mentor and competitor for rookies Jeremy Martin and Cooper Webb.

Cunningham is looking forward to entering the 2013 season healthy and ready to make his mark in the highly competitive 250F class.

After an amazing amateur career that saw him win over two dozen titles, Martin made his professional debut at the end of the 2012 motocross season.

Hampered by a shoulder injury he suffered just before the Loretta Lynn’s amateur national championship, Martin’s physical fitness wasn’t quite ready for 30-plus minute motos, but with a top 10 finish at the final national at Lake Elsinore, he showed he has the speed and determination to dig deep.

The final member of the team is amateur sensation Webb, who is scheduled to make his debut into the professional ranks at the start of the 2013 outdoor season. During the first half of the year Cooper will continue to refine his skills at key amateur national events.

“We’re excited to have some familiar faces as well as some rising talent on our teams for the 2013 season,” said racing division manager Keith McCarty. “It’s a very capable group of teams and riders and we are looking forward to some exciting racing in the upcoming season.”

Rock River Powersports will once again field a competitive team for the 2013 race season, in addition to running Yamaha’s highly popular ‘Pro Parts’ program at all 2013 supercross and national events, with emergency parts available at a special price to help keep YZ riders on the track.