Image: Supplied.

The future of Jay Wilson has been revealed after a factory Yamaha opportunity opened to contest the All-Japan Motocross Championship, in addition to a development role with the brand.

Wilson, 27, embarked on a stint in Japan late last year, making a guest appearance in the national series at Sugo and clean-swept the IA-2 category onboard a YZ250F to dominate on that occasion.

“This is the dream job for me as it encompasses the three passions I have in dirt bikes – racing, coaching and development,” Wilson explained. “I still have the motivation to race and win championships and that is my primary role with Yamaha in Japan and the new venture has me motivated and as excited as I have ever been.

“I also get the opportunity to share my knowledge with Yamaha riders in Japan and hopefully I can assist them to race at a higher level and secure future success for Yamaha in the coming years, as well as be a small part of their testing program for product development. It’s a huge opportunity and a big responsibility, but one my family and I are looking forward to.”

The eight-round All-Japan National Motocross Championship kicks off at Kyushu, Kumamoto, on 9-10 April, and with Wilson expected to land in Japan shortly before the event he is aiming to hit the ground running when gates drop.

“Covid has delayed things in many ways and has made this a little more difficult locking down dates, but everyone behind the scenes at YMC and YMA has worked hard to get everything in line, Wilson added.

“I’m so thankful for their efforts as I’m taking my family with me, so it’s been more complicated than my trip to Sugo last year. I have been training here in Australia in preparation for the season ahead and things are beginning to ramp up as our departure gets closer.”

Prior to his stint in Japan last season, former national champion Wilson competed in the Penrite ProMX MX2 category, finishing fourth in the shortened season for Yamalube Yamaha Racing. That team will feature Rhys Budd, Alex Larwood and Charli Cannon in 2022.