Image: Supplied.

Yamalube Yamaha Racing will field three MX2 riders and the WBR Yamaha team four MX3 riders in the 2024 season as part of Yamaha Motor Australia’s restructured 250 class program.

It was confirmed last month that Serco Motorsport wouldn’t be remaining an official Yamaha MX2 team for next year following over two decades together.

Yamaha has now named Jayce Cosford, Kaleb Barham and Ryder Kingsford within its Brisbane-based, in-house Yamalube Yamaha Racing effort, following the departure of both Alex Larwood and Charli Cannon to Honda Racing. Cosford has received an extension, while Barham has been rewarded for his late form in supercross.

With Kingsford moving across from the WBR team to Yamalube, that has played a decisive part in the dealer-operated organisation to revert its focus to the development category after signing Kobe Drew, Kayd Kingsford, Seth Burchell and Koby Hantis. All are products of the GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing (YJR) program.

“Yamaha Australia remains committed to racing in Australia and in 2024 will again invest heavily not just in our race teams, but also of the events and major championships we contest,” explained YMA motorsport manager Scott Bishop. “YMA continue to support racing at all levels, with sponsorship of every national championship in motocross, supercross, road racing and off-road, as well as support rider safety via Racesafe.

“Unfortunately, we are no longer able to continue with Serco Motorsport and we thank Gavin [Eales] and the entire Serco team for their efforts, energy and passion. Despite the challenging times, Yamaha has been able keep four teams in the motocross paddock, with the same amount of supported riders, each with a dedicated focus on their racing divisions to offer the riders their full attention.

“The pathway from YZ65 to YZ450F is laid out and a range of teams, support and rewards are in place for riders wanting to make it to the top. We look forward to the 2024 season and wish the riders and teams the best in the coming year.”

In addition to its complete 250 class teams, YJR will field Blake Bohannon (65/85), Heath Davy (85/125), Deegan Fort (85/125), Jobe Dunne (125/250) and Lachie Allen (125/250) in motocross, as well as Harley Hutton (J2) and Marcus Nowland (J3) off-road.