Mike Alessi has switched to Suzuki on his own team. Image: Racer X/Cudby Photo.

Mike Alessi has formed his own team for this weekend’s Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas, opting to return to Suzuki after riding for the Red Bull KTM team in 2011.

Alessi has been testing at a specific hybrid-style track training for the Monster Energy Cup, which was purposely built at the Alessi Compound in the Mojave Desert.

“I’m definitely happy to be on a Suzuki again, looking forward to a successful 2012 season,” Alessi said. “This weekend coming up, the Monster Energy Cup, should be a good race for me. I’m definitely looking forward to being there and trying to win the million – that’s my goal.

“I’m sure everybody’s goal is to try and win the million, but for me it’s more than just racing for the money, it’s for me to show people that I can be a front contender.”

Alessi finished a solid fourth in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship with KTM, but has formed his own team and could remain there for all of next season unless a factory position opens up.

“It’s my own program and pretty much everything’s coming out of my pocket to foot the bill for everything,” he added. “It’s a position where results are the only thing that’s going to matter right now to me.”

To check out Alessi in action, click on this link from our friends at Racer X Films.