Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing have made the announcement that Justin Hill, current 250 SX West Champion, will compete in a handful of 450 SX rounds while the 250 SX East class is running. This was part of Hills deal when he moved to JGR and it's good to see they are supporting his move to the premier class.
I was unsure if JGR would hold back on this request as Hill has not had the best start to the season aboard his new RM Z250. That being said he smashed it in San Deigo and it was the first real glimpse of the old Hill we have seen this season. You are not handed the number one plate lightly and Hill knows exactly how to grind out race wins. Something wasn't working for him on the new bike but signs are that they have a config that works for them now.
Justin Hill
Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing
"I'm ultra-psyched to have this opportunity. I have been waiting a long time to ride the all-new Suzuki RM-Z450 and that is what our deal entails for next year. To get my feet wet is crucial, not just for racing, but also in getting some development time logged. We have already made a lot of great setting choices on the bike and I am learning a lot. It is really easy for me to ride the bike. The great part about these 450 races is that I have my own expectations, but there is not any pressure. It should be fun."
Jeremy Albrecht
Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing Team Manager
"We are excited to have Hill on the 450. He's brimming with confidence after coming off a win before the break in the 250SX West series. We'll use these next few 450 rounds as development for 2019. We will go on a race-by-race basis and then he will get back to riding the RM-Z250 to finish out the year strong."
So will jumping aboard yet another new bike work for Hill? Time will tell on this but it's for sure an interesting one. Maybe they can work on setup along side the 450 bike and come back with something killer when the 250 SX West comes back for the first 250SX East/West Showdown at Indianapolis on 24 March.
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