Yamaha Announces 2013 Motocross Teams

Cycle News Staff | October 17, 2012

Yamaha officially announced its Supercross and motocross teams for the 2013 season. Once again, its big-bike/450 program will be headed by the Joe Gibbs Racing team and its Lites/250 program by the Star Racing squad.

Justin Brayton to return to JGR team after a one year absence.

Justin Brayton

In the 450 class, both Justin Brayton and Josh Grant will return to the Joe Gibbs Racing Team where they will race Yamaha YZ450Fs for a second time in their careers. Brayton rode with the team prior to his just-completed one-year stint with the Honda Muscle Milk factory team, where he finished a career high third in Supercross this year.

Another returning member to the JGR team: Josh Grant.

Josh Grant

Grant is back with the JGR team after riding for both the factory Honda and JWR Kawasaki teams. Grant gave the JGR team its first Supercross win in 2009.

Kyle Cunningham will head Yamaha’s Lites/250 effort at Star Racing. He’ll be joined by two pro rookies, Jeremy Martin and Cooper Webb. Martin made his pro debut at the end of the 2012 season but was hampered by a shoulder injury, which he suffered just before this year’s Loretta Lynn’s Motocross Amateur Nationals.

Kyle Cunningham will head Yamahas Lites 250 effort at Star Racing.

Kyle Cunningham

Webb will make his pro debut a little later in the season when he’ll line up for the opening round of the 2013 outdoor Motocross Championship in May. During the 2013 Supercross season, he will continue to prepare for his pro career by competing in key amateur events.

Webb will make his pro debut a little later in the season when hell line up for the opening round of the 2013 outdoor Motocross Championship in May.

Cooper Webb

Yamaha added that the Yamaha-based Rock River Powersports team will continue to field a team for the “2013 race season.”