Image: Marc Jones (Foremost Media).

A familiar face will return to the Pirelli MX Nationals this weekend as Jordan Hill has been signed to join the factory-supported KSF Ecstar Suzuki team.

Hill, who has been competing in selected Queensland events this season, will return to the nationals, riding the RM-Z250 in place of Isaac Fergusson after he parted ways with KSF.

“It is an unreal feeling to have this opportunity to return to racing with a team like KSF Racing,” Hill commented. “I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to return to racing the MX Nationals while working full-time, let alone a high-quality team ride.

“I am really grateful to go racing with a good bunch of people who understand that I need to still focus on work and my apprenticeship while easing my way back into racing. The opportunity only just came about, so I am heading into the weekend a little blind.

“I’ll have the opportunity to ride the new bike on Saturday before diving straight into racing on Sunday. The aim is to get through the weekend and get to know the race bike and familiarise myself with the team. We have a short break between this round and the next, so it will give me the opportunity get into the swing of things by Wonthaggi.”

Meanwhile, MX1 team rider Keiron Hall will make his debut on the RM-Z450 in MX1, returning from a thumb injury that forced him to miss the Newry opener after undergoing surgery.

“The thumb is starting to feel good and we will head out for practice and qualifying at Appin this Sunday and see how it feels,” Hall explained. “It will be the first time I have had a chance to ride since the operation, so there are no great expectations this weekend – it will be an opportunity to get back out there and take it from there.”

The addition of Hill and Hall this weekend will take place alongside Jesse Madden, the MX2 regular who was 10th at round one of the season. Queenslander Jesse Dobson is anticipating a potential return for the Wonthaggi double-header next month.