Matt Moss has signed with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy to lead the team in the 2024 Fox Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX), officially confirming his direction as the series’ most sought-after free-agent in the unique mid-year silly season.

After finishing second in the 2022 series onboard a privateer YZ450F, Moss joined Empire Kawasaki last year in a campaign largely disrupted by injury.

The 36-year-old has most recently been with the Elliott Bros. GasGas team in select rounds of Penrite ProMX while ramping up his preparations for AUSX, however, Yamaha has moved to secure Moss – the 2013 and 2014 title winner – for the five-round supercross season.

“I’m stoked to be back on the CDR Yamaha team,” Moss told MotoOnline. “They’re the same crew that gave me my first-ever factory ride when I was only 16 years old. I’ve been working my arse off over the last four or so years to get myself back to this point.

“To be back on arguably the best team in the country is amazing and something that I’ve dreamt of for a while now. I feel like I’ve got everything at my disposal – the best bikes, parts and infrastructure – now it’s time to go after another supercross championship.’

Moss first rode with CDR back in 2006 upon turning professional as a teenager in the premier class and has proven to be one of the very top locals in bidding for another AUSX crown in these twilight stages of his decorated career.

It’s understood that multiple factory-backed teams were in discussions with Moss, including the GasGas Racing Team and Honda Racing, but it is officially Craig Dack Racing (CDR) that has landed him – the team itself targeting a first SX1 championship since Dan Reardon won in 2015. An attempt to sign American Justin Cooper didn’t eventuate.

“Matt and I have had our battles off the track over the years, but that’s one of the things I admire about him, he is a fighter and doggedly determined when on the race track,” Dack commented.

“Matt wants to race now. He is a supercross fan, as well as a racer, and the first question he asked when we agreed on the deal was where his bike was and when can he ride it, so the energy in the team is already high and I will have my hands full trying to keep them calm.”

Moss will team up with longtime outdoor specialist Jed Beaton in his return to supercross competition when AUSX drops the gates in Redcliffe, QLD, on October 12-13. It’s unclear if Moss’ contract will extend to the World Supercross Championship (WSX) if CDR continues its international operation.