Image: Supplied.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy has confirmed the signing of Luke Clout for the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championship, where he’ll join former KTM Motocross Racing teammate Kirk Gibbs in the new year.

Clout, a former MX2 champion, was highly-impressive throughout the year as he established himself as a future championship threat, collecting a number of podiums and a race win along the way.

“Being at Serco Yamaha a few years ago, I always looked at CDR Yamaha as the next step in my career but there wasn’t a spot available for me at the time, which I completely understand,” Clout stated. “It may have taken me an extra few years to get here, but I’m so happy and proud to be racing for CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team in 2019 and I can’t wait to get stuck into testing and the new season.

“It’s no fluke that CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team win as often as they do as they use the best products and have the best technical staff in Australia. My plan is to fully commit to their program and buy into the CDR Yamaha way as it has been so successful for so many riders over time.

“I took a couple of weeks off to recover and rest from the 2018 season and now I’m feeling good and excited about what the year will bring. It’s now its wide open into 2019 where I hope that I can get more championship success under my belt and represent the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team and brand well.”

The talented New South Welshman has been on the radar for a significant amount of time according to team owner Craig Dack, who believes the popular number four enters 2019 as title favourite across both disciplines.

“The fight Luke showed in the opening few rounds of supercross is what really stood out for me,” Dack stated. “He wasn’t afraid to take to Justin Brayton or any other big name rider and was the only Australian based rider to really want to get in there and get his hands dirty, so to speak.

“On top of that, he already has a strong Yamaha history and when discussing our arrangements for 2019, he asked the right questions and was certainly focused on getting the best results possible. So his motivation is right. Luke will contest both motocross and supercross for us and I believe he is a genuine championship contender in both series as he rides both disciplines equally well.

“I think pairing Luke and with Kirk will make for a great team and the pair already have a good working relationship and having two new riders to the team keeps everything fresh and everyone on their toes. We look forward to working with both riders and assisting them to achieve their goals.”

Clout was ranked third in MX Nationals MX1 standings, while he pushed through injury in supercross to wind up sixth. His first official outing aboard the 2019 Yamaha YZ450F will be at next month’s Coffs Harbour Stadium MX, scheduled for 12 January.

Outgoing riders Dean Ferris and Dylan Long have already established their intentions for 2019, with three-time champion Ferris heading to the US, while Long just signed a deal with the new-look Empire Motorsports Kawasaki team.