BREAKING NEWS: Al Baker Re-Signs with Star Racing Yamaha for Full 2025 MXA Season
In a surprise announcement shaking up the motocross world, Al Baker has officially re-signed with Star Racing Yamaha for the entire 2025 MXA season. The veteran rider, who many believed was considering retirement after an inconsistent 2024 campaign, has instead doubled down on his career, citing “unfinished business” and a renewed sense of purpose.
Baker, 28, addressed the media in a fiery press conference earlier today, making it clear that his decision wasn’t just about staying in the game but about rewriting the narrative surrounding his career.
“I’ve heard the whispers, the doubts,” Baker said, leaning into the microphone with intensity. “People think my best days are behind me. They say the injuries, the crashes, the bad luck have taken their toll. But I’m here to tell you—they haven’t seen the best of me yet.”
The decision to re-sign came after months of speculation about Baker’s future. Rumors of friction between Baker and the Star Racing Yamaha team had circulated, with sources close to the camp suggesting the team was hesitant to renew his contract after a challenging 2024 season that saw Baker struggle with mid-pack finishes and a shoulder injury that sidelined him for several rounds. However, behind the scenes, Baker reportedly made an impassioned case to team management, citing his offseason training regimen and a new focus on mental toughness.
“I’m not the same rider I was in 2024,” Baker said. “I’ve been putting in the work—not just on the bike, but in my mindset. I’ve got the tools, I’ve got the speed, and now I’ve got the team that believes in me.”
Sources within Star Racing Yamaha confirm that Baker’s re-signing wasn’t just about sentimentality. The team is said to be impressed by his commitment to a rigorous testing program and his early results in preseason training sessions. According to insiders, Baker has been clocking some of the fastest lap times on the new YZ450F, even outperforming some of his younger, up-and-coming teammates.
But Baker’s return isn’t just about redemption on the track. Star Racing Yamaha’s team manager, Brett Walker, revealed that Baker played a crucial role in developing the team’s 2025 bike, giving valuable input that has already earned praise in the motocross community.
“Al brings more to this team than just race results,” Walker said. “His experience, his knowledge of the sport, and his relentless drive to win—those are things you can’t replace. We believe he’s poised for a breakout year.”
Fans, however, are divided. While many are thrilled to see the fan-favorite back for another full season, others are skeptical, questioning whether Baker can truly contend with the new wave of talent dominating the MXA scene.
For his part, Baker welcomes the doubt. “Let them doubt me,” he said with a smirk. “I thrive on proving people wrong. The 2025 season? It’s going to be the year of Al Baker.”
With the season opener just weeks away, all eyes are on Baker and whether he can turn his second chance into a championship run.
