Following a privateer stint in MX2, Hugh McKay will return to the WBR Bulk Nutrients Yamaha team for the remaining rounds of 2022 Penrite ProMX to fill-in for the injured Ryder Kingsford.

Kingsford – who was delivering a standout rookie campaign in MX2 – ruptured ligaments in his knee and required surgery on his ACL and MCL. He was unable to compete at Maitland as a result.

McKay contested the 2018 MX Nationals with WBR in MXD, scoring overall victories in Newry and Conondale en route to securing second in the championship behind teammate at the time, Bailey Malkiewicz. The Tasmanian also represented the team as a fill-in during the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship in SX2.

“For me, as a privateer, this takes a lot of stress and weight off my shoulders, and I’m just really grateful for the opportunity to be on some factory equipment,” McKay told MotoOnline. “This is the biggest opportunity I’ve had in MX2, so I’m just going to try and make the most of it.

“It definitely gives me a lot of confidence now that I’ve opened up some eyes and I’m going to be on that equipment. From the package I’ve had to what I’m going to jump on for the remaining rounds, it is definitely going to be a big step in the right direction.”

The number 46 is 12th in the MX2 standings following the first five rounds of the 2022 Penrite ProMX Championship, which he contested as a privateer Yamaha entry. His first appearance with the WBR team in MX2 will take place this weekend at Coffs Harbour.