Image: Foremost Media.

Longstanding national motocross and supercross powerhouse Serco Motorsports will close at the conclusion of the 2023 Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX), a brief statement from the team has confirmed following the departure of Yamaha from the program.

In a decision that has been widely known since prior to the AUSX season opening in Adelaide, and despite neither Serco or Yamaha Motor Australia releasing anything official until this point, it’s sent shockwaves through the sport locally in recent weeks.

Serco is a leading distributor based in Queensland, the distribution business recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, with the Serco Yamaha race team having been in operation for 22 years – largely as Yamaha’s official 250 class team with YZ250F machinery.

Since the inception of its racing program in 2001, Serco has been aligned with Yamaha Motor Australia, that partnership yielding a wealth of success in what is now labelled the MX2 or SX2 categories – including championships with Cameron Taylor, Jake Moss, Brenden Harrison, Luke Styke, Luke Clout, Jackson Richardson and Wilson Todd.

It’s understood that Yamaha Motor Australia was unable to continue supporting the team into 2024, essentially leading to the decision for Serco to close its race team altogether, and drawing a conclusion to what has been an immensely successful tenure under the management of Gavin Eales.

“In 2001, Serco Yamaha began what would become 22 years of multiple race wins, nine championships, and many other accolades,” a statement from the Serco Yamaha team announced. “In the process, we became one of the most successful 250 race teams in Australia. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.

“Due to budget cuts with Yamaha Australia, we are saddened to announce that the final two rounds of the Australian Supercross Championship will be the last for the Serco Yamaha race team, ending the 22 years of Serco Yamaha racing.

“We are honoured to have worked with a wide variety of incredible riders and are thankful to have played a part in their career on their path to becoming Australia’s best over the last 22 years. We want to take this time to thank all our riders, staff members, sponsors and, of course, all our loyal fans for the years of support.”

Yamaha Motor Australia is yet to release any official comment on the decision. It is expected, however, to be continuing with its offical support of Craig Dack’s high-profile CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team – already confirming Dean Ferris and Jed Beaton – alongside the internal Yamalube Yamaha Racing and WBR Yamaha dealer-operated program.