Image: Supplied.

New Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team signing Christian Craig has been progressively building ahead of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross opener, determined to be in the fight come gate-drop at Anaheim 1.

Craig, 31, clinched the 250SX West title last year with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, making the highly-expected switch to Husqvarna after a solid 2022 450MX campaign in blue.

In line with his transfer, Craig relocated to train under Aldon Baker at Baker’s Factory and, by all accounts, has experienced a positive pre-season as he adapts to the FC 450 and Baker’s proven training program. With the next chapter of Supercross commencing in less than month, it’s all systems go for the number 28 as he prepares for his return to 450SX.

“This is year one on the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team and it’s been good so far this pre-season,” Craig explained. “I moved the whole family to Clermont and started fresh with Aldon.

“We went straight into bootcamp and it’s been good so far. I’m just learning the bike, learning the program and just trying to build each day and get better. I’m getting more familiar with the bike every day and just keep grinding. Other than that, just doing the laps and getting ready for A1, trying to be as ready as possible.”

Craig joins team regular Malcolm Stewart in next year’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing premier class line-up, with the first of 17 AMA Supercross rounds in 2023 – also marking the beginning of the SuperMotocross World Championship – taking place on 7 January.