American Jacob Hayes will return to Serco Yamaha in an expanded three-rider line-up for the upcoming 2019 Australian Supercross Championship, where he’ll join team regulars Nathan Crawford and Aaron Tanti.

Hayes contested the 2018 series with the factory-backed Queensland-based squad, finishing third in the championship standings behind Hayden Mellross and Yamalube Yamaha Racing’s Jay Wilson.

“I had an amazing time in Australia last year and the Serco Yamaha team really looked after me so it was good to be able to hook up with Gavin and his team again and build on our relationship,” Hayes commented.

“This year I feel I will be a little more prepared on several levels as I have raced the 2019 season in the US on a YZ250F as well as I now know how the Australian series works as well as a better understanding of the level of racing there.

“There are some quality riders in SX2 in Australia and I loved racing them last year. I’m planning on them being even better again in 2019 so my preparations will need to be good. Last year I was third after a bit of a slow start to the season, so this year the goal is to improve and try and win the championship for myself and the Serco Yamaha team.”

Team owner Gavin Eales added: “We are excited to have Jacob with us again this year and happy to keep our relationship going from 2018. He is a thorough professional to deal with and puts in 100 percent every time he is on the track. He adds to our team as well as the presence of Yamaha on the track.

“We have been able to put this deal together with the support of Yamaha Motor Australia, Mega Fuels, Havendeen Roofing as well as our partners at Serco. We plan to have Jacob here prior to the start of the championship so he can get set up and acclimated here before the opening round in Brisbane on 12 October.

“Jacob will be a great benchmark and training partner for Nathan and Aaron as all three can work together and push themselves to a higher limit. We already have plenty of things under way and look forward to the start of the series.”

Hayes contested the 250SX West division of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship with CycleTrader Yamaha, completing the series with a ranking of 11th. The Australian Supercross Championship is set to kick-off on 12 October at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.