Recovering Serco Yamaha rider Jesse Dobson has outlined a progressive approach to the opening rounds of the 2023 Penrite ProMX Championship, with the MX2 challenger continuing to build strength from a shoulder operation last year.

Despite dealing with shoulder issues since round three at Albury, Dobson was able to complete the season fourth overall in MX2 after not scoring any points in Coolum’s motos.

In the build-up to the final rounds, Dobson dislocated his shoulder at the Queensland Motocross Championships in Rockhampton, pushing through to finish P3 at Queensland Moto Park’s (QMP) penultimate outing of ProMX a week later, before his shoulder dislocated through the rollers in the opening race at Coolum.

He then pulled back into the pits, had it put back into place and remarkably continued the race in an attempt to score points before he was black-flagged. A fall while running second in the final bout brought an end to his charge, and he opted for surgery shortly after which ruled him out of the Australian Supercross Championship altogether in 2022.

Back on the bike and preparing for the 2023 season, Dobson is doing everything in his power to enter the opening round of the Penrite ProMX Championship in the best shape.

“It is really good to be back on the bike, obviously, I didn’t want to end the motocross championship last year the way it did, with my shoulder giving out both motos,” Dobson explained to MotoOnline.

“I’ve just been flat-out doing everything I can to be back as soon as possible. It’s still early days now, so the shoulder is not 100 percent, probably at 70. You know, it is just going to take a bit of time to build the muscles up and everything around it.

“I am back riding now, this is I think my second week back riding and it’s still… it’s sore when I ride, but it’s getting better each day and if I can continue to just be one percent better each day then come round one I should be in a good position to hopefully try and battle for the top-five and get me up the pointy-end of the field.”

Joining Serco Yamaha two years ago, Dobson notably finished runner-up in the covid-shortened 2021 series with the outfit. While a title challenge is certainly on the cards in the upcoming campaign, the Queensland-based talent has indicated that he will likely build across the opening rounds with the intention of being his best by mid-season.

“I believe I can be in a position to win a championship, but round one it is a little bit different this year,” Dobson added. “Probably not going to be where I want to be, I’m going to do everything I can to be 100 percent by round one.

“Getting through round one healthy and getting some good points on the board is going to be the main goal, then just keep building from there, and hopefully come round four or five, you will be seeing the best Jesse Dobson then.”

The 2023 Penrite ProMX Championship will commence at Wonthaggi, Victoria on 5 March, with Dobson to be joined in the Serco camp by new teammate and runner-up in last year’s MX2 standings Rhys Budd.