Serco Yamaha has drafted in AMA Arenacross champion Jacob Hayes to pilot its 2019 YZ250F in the upcoming Australian Supercross Championship alongside team regular Wilson Todd.

Hayes will fill-in for Nathan Crawford, who underwent shoulder surgery following Wonthaggi’s double-header stop of the Pirelli MX Nationals and is unlikely to be adequately prepared for the series.

“I have never been to Australia but from what I see it’s a beautiful country and I’m really excited to get this opportunity to race down there with Serco Yamaha,” Hayes commented.

“I have followed the championship in Australia for a few years now and see that is growing. Australia certainly has produced some world class riders over the years and I look forward to racing the next generation of riders and experiencing a new place and culture.

“Serco Yamaha has been great to deal with and their track record in Australia is amazing. It’s great to know I can go to a new country, ride for one of the best teams and be a part of a championship that has produced so many good riders. It’s going to be epic and I can’t wait.”

Team owner Gavin Eales spoke of the new signing, expressing his excitement of the talented American joining the squad, while also confirming Crawford will return to racing once healed, which would see the see outfit expand to three riders by the season’s end.

“We welcome Jacob to the Serco Yamaha and expect him to fit in well with not just the team but also the Australian racing conditions,” said Eales. “The tighter nature of the Australian tracks will suit someone like Jacob who comes from the rough and tumble world of US arenacross and we know he isn’t afraid to bang bars.

“Nathan is still part of the team and when his shoulder is back to 100% he will be back on the bike and racing with us. It would be great to have all three guys out there and showcasing just how good the new YZ250F is, but we must be patient with Nathan as we view him as a long-term prospect at Yamaha and the last thing we want to do is damage his shoulder more or rush back his return.”

Serco Yamaha has captured the past two SX2 crowns in the domestic supercross series with former rider Jackson Richardson, who has since transitioned to the Penrite CRF Honda Racing team for this year. The opening round of the Australian Supercross Championship is scheduled for 15 September at Jimboomba in Queensland.