Image: Supplied.

New Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha signing Nate Thrasher will make his professional debut on Saturday at Thunder Valley in the penultimate round of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross.

Thrasher was released from his TLD Red Bull KTM contract to join the Star team late last month and will now finally make his first 250MX appearance.

“I just want to thank everyone at Star Racing Yamaha for this opportunity,” Thrasher said. “I’ve had a short, but great, few days on the bike.

“I feel like I’m ready to get out there and see where I’m at against the best in the sport. I’ve worked hard and have had a lot of people in my corner along this journey. To say I’m going to make my pro debut this weekend is surreal!”

Thrasher was initially scheduled to debut at Spring Creek with the GasGas-bound Troy Lee Designs team, however, that decision stalled when it became apparent that he was in negotiations to transfer to Yamaha for 2021.

The Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha team will enter Thrasher alongside fellow newcomer Jarrett Frye, plus 250MX points-leader Dylan Ferrandis, Shane McElrath and Justin Cooper. Ty Masterpool and Colt Nichols are both sidelined with injuries.