Image: Octopi Media.

Premier class privateer Kyle Chisholm has been called in by Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha for the remainder of the 2022 Monster Energy Supercross season in 250SX East following the injuries of Jeremy Martin, Levi Kitchen and Justin Cooper.

It’s a rare opportunity for the 34-year-old, who currently sits 15th in the 450SX standings with a best result of 13th position at Daytona last weekend.

Chisholm last raced a full season of 250SX in the western region during 2018 with the 51Fifty Energy Drink Yamaha team, claiming seventh in the championship. He’s primarily ridden a 450 over more than a decade.

“I’m really excited about this opportunity!” Chisholm said. “It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been on the 250, but of all the bikes that you could want to ride, the Star Yamaha is the best – I can’t wait to get on the bike and get some time on it. I’m looking to put some work in this week and do the best that we can.

“It’s not like a normal off-season where we have months to get used to it, it’s just going to be a couple of days. I’m looking forward to the challenge though and I think that the team is going to do an awesome job and get me ready in the short amount of time that we have. I’ve known Bobby Reagan for a long time and know a lot of guys on the team, I’m looking forward to working with them.”

Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha 250 team manager Jensen Hendler commented: “We’re very excited to have Kyle come on board with the team. When we started looking at hiring a fill-in rider, we decided that what we really wanted to do was give someone an opportunity that might not have had that opportunity before and see what they can do.

“It wasn’t really about results or replacing someone, it was more about giving back to the sport and giving someone an opportunity. We’re really excited to have him join the team and are looking forward to getting started on Monday.”

Chisolm makes his debut aboard the Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha YZ250F this Saturday, 12 March, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. There are six rounds of 250SX East remaining, including a pair of Showdown events.

Star Racing Yamaha has confirmed that Martin underwent surgery on his shoulder injury – sustained prior to Daytona Supercross – over the weekend, now setting his sights on returning in time for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship opener in May.