Source: Supplied.

Joey Savatgy will graduate to the premier class with Monster Energy Kawasaki for the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross championships.

Savatgy, a long-time member of the Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki squad, will replace outgoing rider Josh Grant and is set to race alongside two-time motocross champion Eli Tomac.

The number 17 has come incredibly close to claiming the 250SX Western and Eastern regional titles in 2016 and 2017, however fell just shy of the crown on both occasions. He will make his debut with the team at the Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas on 13 October.

Savatgy will join a host of premier class rookies in 2019, including 2019 250SX West and 250MX champion Aaron Plessinger (Monster Energy Yamaha), 250SX East champion Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and former supercross champion Justin Hill (Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing).