Christian Craig Makes Return to Star Racing Yamaha for Birmingham Supercross
After two years with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna, Christian Craig joins Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha for the 2025 and '26 SuperMotocross World Championship. He'll make his debut this Saturday in Birmingham, Alabama, marking his return to the team where he clinched the 2022 250SX West Supercross Championship.
Yamaha motocross rider in white uniform
Craig missed the first nine rounds of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship while recovering from an ACL injury suffered last September. After six weeks of consistent training, he's ready to return to competition. "The knee is 100 percent," Craig confirms, though he acknowledges the challenge of regaining peak fitness after months off the bike.
Returning to Yamaha feels like homecoming for Craig. He's working closely with trainer Gareth Swanepoel and has taken on an additional role mentoring younger riders in their transition from amateur to professional racing. The team environment, despite the departure of his brother Jeremy Coker to Triumph Racing, remains familiar and comfortable.
Yamaha motocross rider jumps
Craig joins a strong lineup alongside current points leader Cooper Webb and Justin Cooper, who recently secured second place at Indianapolis. While setting realistic expectations for Birmingham, Craig remains optimistic about his potential. "I feel like I'm riding really good at the practice track... Whether that puts me right outside the top-five area, or top 10, as long as I can match what I'm doing during the week, I'll be happy."
Still pursuing his first 450cc victory, Craig maintains a measured approach to his comeback. "You have to take baby steps and get on the podium first," he explains. "The bike is a winning machine, and the team is leading the points right now. I'm around good company, so that's all I need. I want to try to be one of those guys and put myself in a good position and see where it plays out."