Image: Octopi Media.

Australia’s Jay Wilson ‘learnt a lot’ in his first showing with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, rebounding from a costly turn one crash in the opening moto to finish the final 450MX race 12th at Unadilla.

Japan-based Wilson had been in the US testing which led to an opportunity to fill in for Eli Tomac across the final three rounds of the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship.

At round nine, the 29-year-old qualified just outside the top 10 in P11, but unfortunately had a fall in the early stages of the first moto, seeing him remount at the back of the field.

Wilson ultimately took the checkered flag in 23rd before a much better start in the second race saw him inside the top six early on, before completing the bout in 12th position after maintaining a position inside the top 10 for much of the encounter.

“It’s a new experience for us. It’s the first time racing a Pro Motocross race here in America,” said Wilson. “Coming to Unadilla was pretty special. There’s a lot of history here, so it’s been a very exciting day. Besides the first moto crash, which we struggled with a little bit, we learned a lot. I was able to support the team and find some more data, and I’m happy to leave here healthy.

“I was pretty realistic about my expectations coming here. The intensity is quite high, but I just tried to learn as much as possible today. It was my first day on this bike, but the team was very accommodating. I’m pumped for everyone here today; the 250 guys had good results, and Dylan [Ferrandis] had a good result. If we can support these guys a little bit, I’m happy.”

Wilson will have the opportunity to further progress up the 450MX order when the penultimate round of the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship takes place at Budds Creek this Saturday.