Image: Supplied.

Two-time national champion Jeremy Martin will make a shock return to Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha in 2021, the team has confirmed in addition to the signing of Christian Craig.

Martin, who won the 2014 and 2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 250MX titles with Star Racing and Yamaha, become available following the closure of Geico Honda.

The 27-year-old made a miraculous comeback from spinal injuries this year after more than a year on the sidelines, going on to finish runner-up to Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha 450 class-bound Dylan Ferrandis in the 250MX standings.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity this late in the year to get back on the Yamaha for next year moving forward into 2021 with the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing team,” said Martin. “I’ve won two championships with them in the past so I’m excited to pick up where I left off and end my 250 career with a bang!”

Martin had been widely linked to Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki when it surfaced that Geico Honda would be closing its doors and it was reported that Mitch Payton had expressed serious interest, however, it was Star Racing that was able to sweep in and secure the highly-sought free-agent.

Image: Supplied.

Also moving across from Geico Honda, but understood to have already been signed prior to the Factory Connection team exit is 29-year-old Craig.

Craig is coming off a strong performance outdoors with Team Honda HRC in the premier class and will be returning to the 250 ranks full-time in 2021.

“Moving to the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing team is quite a big deal for me,” said Craig. “Bobby [Reagan] has talked to me every year the past few years to get me over here, but the timing didn’t feel right. Finally this year, I knew I needed to get out of my comfort zone if I wanted to take my career to the next level.

“Their whole program has a lot of structure, which is something that has always benefited me and helped my confidence. I’m extremely grateful to start the next chapter in my career with these guys and look forward to putting in the results I know I’m capable of.”

Both Martin and Craig will join the Monster Energy Star Racing 250 team line-up of Colt Nichols, Justin Cooper and Jarrett Frye, with the team also having Nate Thrasher, Matt LeBlanc and Nick Romano under contract for next season.