Image: Octopi Media.

Coty Schock will return to the premier class of Pro Motocross when the gates drop on season 2025 in Pala next weekend, the Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha rider entering the YZ450F outdoors this summer.

Schock, 27, finished sixth in the 250SX West standings this year, but will forego his SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) ranking in switching categories mid-year.

An impressive 450MX campaign in 2021 placed Schock on the map at that point, eventually going on to find a longterm home at ClubMX upon signing a three-year deal last year that is inclusive of the 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons. He will return to the 250 class for Monster Energy Supercross next year.

“I really wanted to get back on the 450 at some point and this feels like the right time,” Schock said. “I know the risks with the points and all that, but I am confident I can get the job done to reap the rewards later in the year.

“Big thanks to the team for their support. I have been on other teams in my career, but these guys are all in once the decision was made. Now it is on me to get the job done and I look forward to the challenge. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Yamaha for their support as well, they jumped in to support the program as soon as we made the decision.”

Team owner Brandon Haas added: “Coty is the consummate team player. We build bikes based on rider input and after watching him ride the 450, it was obvious that we had something there. The power-to-weight ratio will play to his advantage, along with his mature riding style and racecraft.

“This was not really on my radar, but when he said he wanted to do it, the team went to work building him something special. Now, we are all looking forward to what he can do.”