Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing recruit Christian Craig made his awaited return to Monster Energy Supercross during Saturday night’s Birmingham Triple Crown, with a 12th overall finish in 450SX being a solid base to build from as the season progresses.

After sustaining a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at the final round of the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) in Las Vegas last year, Craig underwent surgery in October last year and has since spent his time recovering.

A return to action inside Protective Stadium yielded a 11-15-13 scorecard for Craig, who has targeted steady improvement as the aim in his return to racing.

“It felt good to be back behind the gate [in Birmingham],” commented Craig. “The results weren’t the greatest, but I know what I’m capable of. We’re going to push hard to improve each weekend.”

The Californian racer signed a two-year deal with the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing outfit last October, with Craig competing on a 450, although as part of the 250 program. Team manager Jensen Hendler was happy to see the return of the number 28 and will continue to work to bring him up to speed.

“On the 450 side, Christian had a good start to the season, and we will continue to work on getting up to speed,” mentioned Hendler.

Back in time for the final eight Monster Energy Supercross races, Craig will also compete in the Pro Motocross Championship which commences on the last weekend of May.

For both Craig and the team, targeting a top 30 finish in the overall SuperMotocross classification will be the goal, to earn a place in the SMX Playoffs commencing at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, come September.