We are getting closer... even have the official schedule announced after some Covid related changes. But back to preseason bench racing.
There are lots of changes this season and some huge team names gone. An interesting storyline to follow this year will be Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha. Not only is team owner Bobby Regan a real character, he isn't afraid to ruffle some long time industry insiders feathers...
His 250 team is on the way to becoming a dominant team of the era, much like Pro Circuit. There was a lot of drama surrounding a VERY highly recruited rookie Nate Thrasher.... some folks even claimed "questionable" tactics. :laughing Bottom line, he is going pro to Star Racing and his acquisition by the team was responsible for Bam Bam Barcia going over under the Austrian tent on the Gas Gas team after a lot of back room dealing. :wow
Christian Craig also joined Star racing and made the announcement before his former team Geico Honda, folded. Well his father inlaw is or was one of the primary owners of the Geico Honda Team... so there was probably some insider information being traded on. :teeth
Joining Craig will be Jeremy Martin, who will be hard to not count as one of if not the title favorite outdoors, maybe even indoors. Hopefully Justin Cooper can return to his 2019 form and also challenge again along with returning rider Colt Nichols. Need to read up on Nick Frye, know little about him.
Also have no idea why Ty Masterpool isn't on the squad this year. He was kid out front late in the season doing fist pumps after his holeshot. Regardless, this is going to be a brash, fast, and dangerous 250 squad.
Star is taking over the 450 effort from the Factory. Will Bobby Regan's team and program be able to turn around the YZ450F's performance in the US at the professional level? Its a highly touted bikes in all the shootouts... but lacked results with JGR and even the factory effort the past couple of years. Under a much more relaxed set of rules in MXGP, it has been successful. Will be interesting to watch.
Returning is Plesinger in what surely must be his make or break season as 450 rider. Malcolm Stewart is also on the team this year, along with Budman's favorite Frenchman Dylan Ferrandis making his 450 debut. :laughing
While he may not be Budmans favorit on track rider, I'm a HUGE fan of not only his speed, and technique... but pure aggression on the bike. Its like his parents were Jean Michele Bayle and Bob Hannah. Incredible talent and skill with a no fucks given attitude. :thumbup Broke his hand in early December, but still looking forward to see where he fits in to a historically talented 450 field.
Star racing Yamaha will be one of just a few great story lines to follow this year.