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Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha | 2022 Race Bikes

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INSTAGRAM | @starracingyamaha
INSTAGRAM | @elitomac
INSTAGRAM | @dylanferrandis
INSTAGRAM | @justincooper_32
INSTAGRAM | @_coltnichols
INSTAGRAM | @jeremymartin6
INSTAGRAM | @christiancraig
INSTAGRAM | @natethrasher49
INSTAGRAM | @levikitchen59

PHOTOS | Octopi–Yamaha

Race teams spent recent weeks conducting the usual promotional photoshoots with their roster of riders, staff of technicians, and all-new equipment, images that help build hype for the quickly-approaching race season.

Three AMA titles and a slew of wins helped Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha prove they’re worthy of being Yamaha’s authorized factory effort, and while the success sets the bar high for 2022, they look to be up for the challenge. It was a busy offseason for the Star Racing squad, and over a few months, they moved their entire operation from California to Florida, set a roster with eight of the top riders in the sport, and restructured their workforce of mechanics and team personnel. As a result, Justin Cooper, Colt Nichols, Jeremy Martin, Christian Craig, Nate Thrasher, and Levi Kitchen will pilot the team’s YZ250F machines in the 250 Class, while Eli Tomac and Dylan Ferrandis will be at the controls of the bigger YZ450F in the 450 Class.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what’s changed at Star Racing.

– When we say the entire operation is based in the South, we mean it. The team purchased Ricky Carmichael’s GOAT Farm in 2020, then spent the better part of the last year tearing down their California race shop and erecting all-new buildings on the property while contesting for race wins. The move meant every working staff member also needed to relocate, and while most are now settled in the Tallahassee area, the move was one reason a few employees decided to resign.

– Jensen Hendler has been hired for the 250 Class Team Manager position.

– Departures by Matt Winters, Derek Rankin, Matt Fisher, Keith Clickstein, and Derik Dwyer meant that Star Racing needed to find five suitable mechanics. The team hired Daniel Castloo, Aaron Clout, Brent Duffe, Christian Kauffman, and Hunter Layton to fill of these roles. 

– Eli Tomac’s addition to the lineup brought changes, too, as the new hire did not bring a mechanic with him. After much deliberation, Star Racing decided it was easiest to reassign one of their current workers and promoted Josh Ellingson to the job. A longtime employee of the team, Ellingson has spent the last few years with Justin Cooper and was partly responsible for the 250 West Coast title.


Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha | 2022 Race Team

Team Principals | Brad Hoffman, Jeremy Coker, Jensen Hendler, Bobby Regan

3. Eli Tomac | Yamaha YZ450F | Mechanic – Josh Ellingson

14. Dylan Ferrandis | Yamaha YZ450F | Mechanic – Alex Campbell

1E. Colt Nichols | Yamaha YZ250F | Mechanic – Aaron Clout

1W. Justin Cooper | Yamaha YZ250F | Mechanic – Daniel Castloo

6. Jeremy Martin | Yamaha YZ250F | Mechanic – Hunter Layton

28. Christian Craig | Yamaha YZ250F | Mechanic – Brent Duffe

49. Nate Thrasher | Yamaha YZ250F | Mechanic – Christian Kauffman

59. Levi Kitchen | Yamaha YZ250F | Mechanic – Konner Croushorn


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Michael Antonovich

Michael Antonovich has a wealth of experience with over 10 years of moto-journalism under his belt. A lifelong racing enthusiast and rider, Anton is the Editor of Swapmoto Live and lives to be at the race track.

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