Tye Simmonds has stepped up his program for 2013 heading into the MX Nationals series. Image: Alex Gobert.

Berry Sweet/Lucas Oil/Yamaha team owner Craig Anderson is looking forward to a strong 2013 season with his newest recruit, Tye Simmonds, competing in the premier class aboard his Yamaha YZ450F.

Simmonds recently relocated himself from his hometown of Bourke to Anderson’s base in Newcastle, creating a focused environment for himself where he can prepare under the guidance of his highly experienced team owner and manager.

Anderson and Simmonds have been constantly testing and putting in the hard work in lead up to round one of the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals, making continuous progress in all areas.

“Everything has been going really well, he’s really happy with the bike and we just tried some more stuff today,” said Anderson. “We’re getting the bike a little bit more suited to him, as he gets fitter, stronger and faster he needs to change the bike – which is always the way anyway.

“He’s been training his ass off, so that’s a good thing. I expect him to do really well, I’d really like to be fighting for race wins and be right up front.”

Simmonds scored two MX1 podiums during the 2012 outdoor series, before injury sidelined him for the remainder. Anderson is expecting to see Simmonds back at that level in 2013, battling with the best for moto wins.

“Since we started working together, which was basically as soon as supercross finished, the whole goal was to go there and be prepared to win motos, and I expect that,” Anderson added.

“I expect him to keep putting his best foot forward all of the time, and he’s certainly been putting in the effort. If he can continue to put in the effort that he has been putting in, I think we should be fine.”

Simmonds will be the lone rider for the Berry Sweet/Lucas Oil/Yamaha squad in 2013, allowing himself and Anderson to concentrate solely on their MX1 program.