Yamaha Motor Australia press release:

Two new faces will front the start-line in 2016 for the Serco Yamaha team as the team revamps their new season campaign. Representing Yamaha’s factory MX2 supported team will be Wade Hunter and Wilson Todd, both North Queenslanders and both on board the all-conquering YZ250F.

Wade Hunter joins the team after an impressive 2015 season that saw him lead motos during the MX Nationals and become a podium regular during the Australian Supercross Championship, highlighted by a strong finish at the Aus-X Open in Sydney.

He joins the team after the 2014 MX Nationals champ, Luke Clout, took up a last minute ride in the AMA Supercross championship after he and Serco Yamaha team owner, Gavin Eales, agreed to release Clout for this opportunity of a lifetime.

Over the past few seasons, Hunter has been on a steady climb and now with might of the Serco Yamaha team behind him, he is confident the 2016 season will be his best yet.

“It’s been a hectic couple of days getting this finalized with the late change of Luke heading overseas, but it’s all done and I’m ready to go with Serco and look forward to getting started,” Hunter explains.

“I had a good break over Christmas and my body is 100% now so its head down and into a big pre-season of riding, testing and training.

“I look forward to working with Gavin and his team in 2016 and know that I will have the best bike in the MX2 category so it’s time to step up and win some races,” he signs off.

Alongside Hunter at Serco Yamaha, will be the 2015 MXD champion and long-time Yamaha supported rider, Wilson Todd. The North Queensland has kept a low profile in recent months as he recovers from knee surgery that sidelined him for the Australian Supercross Champion but Todd is already back in full training and ready to get back on the bike.

The 17 year old was rewarded with the coveted Serco ride after impressing in last years’ MXD Championship where he lead the series from round two, won five of the 10 rounds contested and won the championship by 58 points.

“It has been a goal of mine to race for Serco Yamaha and I’m exciting to finally reach it. I also understand that the real work starts now and I’m a professional racer, in with the best riders in the country, so there is no time to be complacent,” Todd states.

“My knee is good and feels strong so I have been able to resume full training for some time. My off bike fitness is returning to where it needs to be and now that I have the all clear from the doctors, I can get back on the bike any day now and start riding again.

“We only have just over two months until round one but I will be going hard day and night to ensure I’m ready to go and do my best for Serco Yamaha,” he ends.

Team owner, Gavin Eales is optimistic about the 2016 season with two very enthusiastic riders.

“We released Luke from his contract so he could chase his goal of racing in the US and we wish him nothing but the best of luck and hope to see him do well. In his place, Wade Hunter will step into the team and he brings plenty of experience and a good work ethic to the team.

“Wilson Todd will step up and make his debut in MX2 and I’m excited to see what Wilson can do. He showed great speed at the end of the 2015 MX Nationals and he has exceptional supercross skills so we think he is an exciting addition to the team,” Eales ends.

Hunter will carry his familiar number 23 into the season while Wilson Todd will run number 2 in his debut in MX2.

The opening round of the MX Nationals will take place at Horsham in Victoria on April 3.

To follow the Serco Yamaha team on social media; www.facebook.com/sercoyamaha or @sercoyamaha