Source: Supplied.

Reigning Monster Energy Supercross 250SX West champion Justin Hill will defend his title in 2018 with the JGR-operated Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing Team.

Hill, who was formerly a member of the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki outfit, signed a two-year deal that will see him graduate to premier 450 class in 2019.

“It’s an honour to be a part of the Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing effort,” said Hill. “I have known [team manager] Jeremy Albrecht for a while now, and have always respected the JGRMX program.

“I was blown away after taking a tour of the team’s headquarters in Huntersville, it’s amazing how they invest so much time and money into finding solutions in an effort to gain a competitive edge. I knew immediately that I needed to be involved with them.”

The newly-signed rider will also take on the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship aboard the RM-Z250, making him one of Suzuki’s first title favourites in the quarter-litre division in recent years.

“I won my first big bike championship on a Suzuki and have fond memories of the brand,” he continued. “Comfort on the bike, as well as confidence in the team, are crucial to a rider’s success. JGR expressed their faith by offering me a multi-year deal that extends into the 450 class.

“I’m looking forward to defending my 250SX West supercross title on the Suzuki RM-Z250, making a big push outdoors in what will be my last year in the 250 class, and then taking the pathway up to the 450 class with JGRMX in 2019.”

Following the closure of RCH Racing, the JGR team was appointed as Suzuki’s sole factory effort, where it will host Justin Bogle and Weston Peick in the premier division, along with two 250 riders in both the 250SX West and 250SX East Championships. Only two 250 riders are slated to contest the outdoors series, with the additional team members still to be announced.