Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

Queensland-based rider Jesse Dobson isn’t ruling out the possibility of stepping down to the MX2 category in 2017, revealing that an option is available to contest the class as he continues the search for a MX1 seat.

Dobson moved directly from MXD to MX1 in 2014, bypassing the quarter-litre category altogether. He is adamant he wants to remain in the premier division after contesting the class for the last three years, which included a fill-in ride with the KTM Motocross Racing Team in 2016.

“I’ve got an option to do a bit of a Lites thing,” Dobson revealed to MotoOnline.com.au. “I feel like I’m a 450 rider and it’s where I belong – I don’t want to take a step back. I wouldn’t mind [racing MX2], but it’s a big change. I know that I would feel competitive on it, especially with there being a 30-minute moto followed by a 20-minute moto.

“There’s no doubt that I’ll be up the front battling with the likes of Wilson Todd and whoever else is going to be in that class. It’s not ideally where I want to be, but it wouldn’t hurt doing it as I’m still so young. I’ll just see where it goes and what option is best for me to take, and I’ll go from there.”

The 19-year-old displayed promising speed and results throughout the year, recording top five finishes at the Wanneroo and Shepparton rounds of the Motul MX Nationals series. Dobson stated he would be lining up at the opening round of motocross in April next year regardless if it’s a supported ride or privateer effort.

“I’m looking to be lining up at round one no matter what, even if I have to buy a bike myself, then that’s what I’ll be doing. I’m trying to put something together, but I’m just playing it by ear for the moment,” he added.