Image: Supplied.

Yamalube Yamaha Racing MX2 signing Jayce Cosford has labeled his first full-time ride as ‘a massive opportunity’ ahead of the upcoming Penrite ProMX Championship.

Cosford impressed during the 2022 ProMX season, delivering two moto podiums in the second half of the year after scoring third in the second moto in Coffs Harbour and second in the opening race at Coolum’s final round.

After multiple years in the 250 class as a true privateer, the 21-year-old was drafted into Yamalube Yamaha Racing to replace the injured Alex Larwood ahead of 2022 Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX), finishing a respectable ninth place in the series standings in the highly-competitive SX2 category. Cosford now has his sights set firmly on 2023, aiming to make the most of his factory-backed calling.

“It’s a massive opportunity, really… riding for a factory team is what everyone dreams of,” Cosford told MotoOnline. “I’m just doing my best, trying to make the most of it, so hopefully I can use that to go out and get results. I haven’t raced much with the team yet, but from the races I have done, the organisation just makes life as a racer a lot less stressful.

“It just runs a lot smoother coming from the privateer background, I don’t have to worry about the bike. Even in the pre-season, I trained on a wet sand track during the week and didn’t have to worry about flogging out chains and sprockets and stuff – I can just go out and ride the thing and do my job, focus on being ready for the races, plus it’s a lot easier on the bank account, so that’s nice [laughs].”

The eight-round 2023 Penrite ProMX Championship is set to commence at Wonthaggi, Victoria, on 5 March, with Cosford to be joined in the Yamalube Yamaha Racing team by returning regular and MX2 front-runner Alex Larwood.