Image: MXN.

Kawasaki Motors Australia has announced that Jake Moss has resigned from the National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team mid-season. The confirmation comes after he has been absent from the past two rounds of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals series.

Moss and twin brother Matt – also a National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team rider – have been mysteriously missing from the Conondale and Shepparton nationals, as speculation continues to swirl regarding their absence.

“Jake Moss has made the decision to step away from racing in the 2016 MX Nationals under the National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team banner,” a statement confirmed. “Following much consideration, Jake regretfully tendered his resignation from the team, deciding to focus on his family and career away from competitive motocross and supercross racing.

“The National Pump Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team will continue to compete in the MX1 only for the remainder of the 2016 MX Nationals series. Kawasaki Motors Australia appreciate Jake Moss’ efforts during his time competing for our factory racing team and we wish him the best of luck with his future endeavours.”

The 28-year-old Jake Moss was sitting eighth in the MX2 title-race on board the factory-backed KX250F following the opening six rounds, but has since slipped down the order to 12th position after sitting out rounds seven and eight.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time with the Kawasaki team and hope that in the future I may well be back to contest titles again,” a comment from Jake Moss said, also included in the Kawasaki Motors Australia announcement.

Winner of the 2007 MX2 Australian Motocross Championship and with an established international career to his credit, many will recall Jake Moss’ second-place finish in the opening 450 Class moto at Southwick’s Pro Motocross round in 2009.

There has still been no official word in regards to where the Moss brothers have been in recent rounds, with the race team, national governing body Motorcycling Australia (MA) and series promoter Williams Event Management (WEM) declining to comment on the matter when contacted.

It is not certain what the future holds for multiple Australian motocross and supercross champion Matt Moss, still fifth in the MX1 point-standings despite skipping the past two rounds. Attempts to contact him since Conondale have been unsuccessful.