Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing has re-signed Christian Craig on a hybrid-type contract that will span through 2026, lining up on the YZ450F full-time in addition to assisting with developing the team’s 250 class riders.

Craig won the 2022 Monster Energy Supercross 250SX West title with Star Racing before transferring to Husqvarna in the premier class for the past two seasons.

Despite those years being largely injury affected, the 33-year-old has managed to get his career back on track this year and a reunion with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing for 2025 and beyond will be instrumental in these twilight years of his professional career.

“I’m so excited to be back with the Star Racing team and grateful that even after two years away, they still welcomed and believed in me,” Craig commented. “It already feels so good to be back in the same environment where I won my championship and surrounded by the people who helped get me there – looking forward to a great next couple of years!”

While Craig will continue in an offical capacity on track – next year alongside Cooper Webb, Eli Tomac and Justin Cooper in an expanded four-rider 450 class roster – he will play an active role in working with Star Racing and its next generation of riders onboard the YZ250F.

“We are very excited to have Christian back aboard the Star Racing Yamaha YZ450F,” said Jeremy Coker, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 team manager.

“We feel that he has yet to show his true abilities on the 450 and we look forward to bringing him back to where he belongs. We also look forward to having him back around the young talent that we have on our team to bring his experience and help us develop those younger riders.”