Lawson Bopping will switch from Suzuki to Yamaha for 2012. Image: Alex Gobert.

CDR Rockstar Energy Drink Yamaha team boss Craig Dack says that Lawson Bopping was his clear choice from the outset to join the team following the departure of Jay Marmont to Monster Energy Kawasaki.

Bopping was revealed in December as the rider to fill Marmont’s deep shoes at Yamaha, which marks an exciting time for Dack as he looks to help take the 22-year-old to the next level in his performance.

“Lawson was the obvious choice to me when looking at a list of riders over the 2011 season,” Dack explained.

“He comes to CDR at the right time, as at 22, he has enough racing experience and race craft to be an instant front-runner and also that raw speed that only the youth can generate.”

Bopping stood on the podium and won races during last year’s MX Nationals in his rookie season on the 450, plus he won the Maitland round of the Super X series along with additional podiums during the season.

With that momentum on his side, Dack is certain that CDR’s team structure and working alongside veteran teammate Josh Coppins will be ideal for Bopping’s progress this season.

“He already has tasted success on a satellite team in the Pro Opens with race and round wins in motocross and supercross,” Dack added.

“He is the perfect choice to learn from teammate Josh Coppins as the CDR Rockstar Team enter their 20th year in professional motocross.”