Image: Foremost Media.

Dylan Long will step away from racing ahead of the 2020 season, the popular Victorian citing a lack of interest from teams and burnout while indicating he’ll pursue a new direction in dirt bike riding.

Long’s decision to withdraw himself from professional competition comes after a number of injury-riddled seasons, where he was denied of displaying his potential with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy in 2017 and 2018 before an elbow injury hindered his 2019 assault with Empire Kawasaki.

The 25-year-old, who was ranked ninth in the MX Nationals and fifth in the Australian Supercross Championship last year, will be equipped with a Husqvarna FC 450 as he intends to earn an income creating online content and becoming an ambassador for brands.

“No racing for me this year, I’ll just be going out and having a good time on a dirt bike and getting back to where I started,” Long explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I’ll do some freeriding, videos and that sort of thing – I was lucky enough to have the guys at MotoTech and Husqvarna Australia help me out with a bike and allow me to go in that direction.

“I didn’t really have any deals for this year, so it kind of left me with nothing. I couldn’t go on for another year as a privateer – I’m getting to the age where I don’t want to be doing that and not making any money out of the sport when I can make money going in this direction that I am.

“I could’ve probably tried harder to chase more offers and stuff to get things happening, but at the time, I’m just a bit over racing at the moment – the sport to me doesn’t seem to be going to flash at the moment, and I just wasn’t enjoying it. Who knows, I may come back – I might have a year off be hungrier and stronger.

“For now, I think it’s just about having a good year, having fun and enjoying motorbikes for me – it’s what I’m looking forward to. I really want to bring that across in all ways on social media and everything to get everyone in Australia and anyone who rides motorbikes to start enjoying them more.

“I think it will be good for the sport if everyone starts enjoying their riding – everyone at the races in Australia takes it so seriously when nearly everyone isn’t making enough money for it to be so serious. That’s just my take on it.”

Long is due to make an appearance at Farm Jam in New Zealand at the beginning of next month.