Recently-signed CDR Yamaha rider Dylan Long doesn’t have any hard feelings towards Crankt Protein Honda Racing following one season with the newly-formed motocross and supercross outfit.

Long and former teammate Jay Wilson were under the impression of being long-term riders on the Melbourne-based team, however their contracts were not renewed in favour of a new-look line-up for 2017 consisting of Todd Waters and Luke Clout.

“No, there aren’t really [any hard feelings],” Long shared with MotoOnline.com.au. “I guess we were under the impression of [racing for two years], it sort of sucked the way it finished, but you know, it’s racing and this sort of stuff happens all the time.

“This year with the Honda guys, it was their first year and a new team – they were [on a] budget being a new team with a new truck. I think that coming into a new team that has already been set up for many years and has won many championships is going to help a lot. I’m just very thankful for the opportunity to be riding for CDR Yamaha next year – it’s such a good team and I have really good support behind me.”

The likeable Victorian spoke of how the deal came about with the highly-regarded factory Yamaha outfit, revealing he feels a sense of greater confidence with Craig Dack believing in him.

“I got a call from Brad McAlpine, he said that Craig [Dack] was going to give me a call in the next couple of days, so I sort of just sat around and waited for that. Obviously, Craig wouldn’t call me if he didn’t see potential in me, so that makes me feel better and more confident for next year,” he added.

After much speculation, it was announced earlier this week that Long would join 2016 Australian MX1 champion Dean Ferris at CDR Yamaha in the new year.