Image: Foremost Media.

A WBR reunion has been confirmed for Bailey Malkiewicz, stepping up to MX1 for the 2023 Penrite ProMX Championship as Ryder Kingsford returns in MX2.

Malkiewicz returned to domestic competition this year with Serco Yamaha in the quarter-litre category and was the first person to stop Wilson Todd’s (Terrafirma Honda Racing) 2022 race-winning streak in MX2.

Following his overall victory at round three, Malkiewicz suffered a torn MCL from an opening lap crash at Gillman, effectively bringing an end to his charge at the fourth stop. However, he was able to solider on and ultimately finish the season third in the championship standings.

The number 11 continued in the Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX) with Serco in SX2, but was ruled out of the series altogether following a crash at Marvel Stadium’s opening round, requiring surgery on a dislocated ankle and multiple fractures sustained.

Malkiewicz was initially slated to make the step to MX1 in 2021 with WBR before the reunion was short-lived due to a knee-injury that saw him miss the complete season domestically. He has achieved prior success with the outfit, notably winning the MXD category in the 2018 MX Nationals, also the 125cc Junior Motocross World Championship that same season.

Returning for his second MX2 campaign with the WBR organisation, Kingsford delivered some standout performances during the 2022 ProMX Championship as a rookie in the class, achieving consecutive podium finishes at Wodonga and Gillman.

Disappointing news surfaced thereafter that the number 21 required surgery for both ACL and MCL damage, ruling him out of the remaining rounds this year, but has now been cleared to resume training on the bike ahead of gate drop next March at Wonthaggi.

“It’s exciting to have landed Ryder and Bailey for this season. Both have shown they have the speed and skill to be at the front of ProMX events and we look forward to a great season with them,” said WBR Yamaha team owner Travis Whitten.

“Having a rider in each class will make things busy for the team but we have the staff to make it work, happy to fly the Yamaha flag in the MX1 class with CDR and also race the new YZ450F. It’s going to be a great season and we are working hard to make it our best yet.”