Multiple-time Australian Junior Motocross Champion Hunter Lawrence will switch from KTM to the Yamaha Junior Racing (YJR) team ahead of the 2015 season.

Lawrence, who has also proven world class in the Junior Motocross World Championships during recent seasons, will spend his final year of juniors competing aboard a YZ250F and YZ125 before stepping into the professional ranks in 2016.

The move sets up a potential pathway for Lawrence to transfer into the GYTR Yamaha Under 19s program when he does turn senior.

“Over the past few seasons I have watched how the YJR team works and also how they have handled their riders moving from junior through to professional racing and I decided that was the path I needed to be on,” Lawrence said.

“Already in just the short time I have been on the bike, the help, support and encouragement I have received is amazing and I can’t wait to get on the track and race with these bikes, surrounded by these people.

“The YZ250F is awesome. We have done two days of basic testing with just dialling in the bike to my tastes and it feels so good to ride. I can’t thank Yamaha Junior Racing enough for this opportunity and I look to a great year working with them.”

Lawrence will join current Queensland-based YJR member Levi Rogers in the two-rider team for 2015. Rogers will compete in the 9-11 years 85cc division and has improved considerably during this season.

Yamaha Motorsport manager Ray Howard sees a big future in Lawrence and expresses his support for the newest team member.

“Hunter comes to Yamaha with a very high pedigree in junior racing and to have him represent our brand in state and national motocross racing is a real coup for Yamaha and the YJR program,” Howard explained.

“I’m confident with his talent and dedication combined with the guidance and knowledge offered by our YJR managers, Hunter will continue to improve during 2015.”

Yamaha Junior Racing is a state based national junior motocross team that offers guidance and support to young aspiring motocross racers. Each state has its own two or three rider team that is overseen by ex-professional riders and coaches who take an active role in rider development.

The full YJR line up will be announced shortly as the program forges forward in 2015.