Hunter Yoder inks deal with ClubMX
Hunter Yoder’s journey to the professional ranks was not paved with rainbows and rose petals, it was forged with grit and resilience. He was next in line for one of the coveted spots on the Geico team as he transitioned from amateur to professional – but the opportunity vanished in an instant as the team imploded, leaving him on the outside looking in. So, before you wonder why a factory-level team like ClubMX would take a chance on a rider like Yoder – you are about to find out this season, because setbacks don’t define champions; comebacks do. Words: Mike Bonacci
Let’s rewind. Hunter Yoder hails from Menifee, California, and has called that home his entire life. He got his first little dirt bike at the age of four and quickly fell in love with the sport. By age five he had already entered his first race. His talent was undeniable. By age eight he caught the eye of Team Cobra and, with good results, ended up landing a deal with Factory KTM, making him their youngest sponsored rider. From Fox Raceway in California to Loretta Lynn’s in Tennessee, Yoder did not just race, he dominated.
The kid was good, so good, in fact, he never finished outside the top ten in any class he entered at Loretta Lynn’s from 2015 to 2021, including locking down the championships in the 65cc class and then again in the 450B class. The progression was steady; the focus aimed at the professional ranks. He earned his pro card following another successful campaign at Loretta’s with two top five finishes in 250 Pro Sport and Open Pro Sport. With his pro card in hand, it was time to move on to the pro ranks with his new contract when the abovementioned twist of fate derailed his program.
Five years have passed since that time, and Yoder has bounced around from team to team, including some stints on his own dime. But with the support of his family and Jamie Ellis of Twisted Development, he stayed in the game. The privateer life was not the dream scenario, but Yoder made it work – finishing top nine in the 2025 Supercross Western Region.
Enter ClubMX – the dream team for a racer like Yoder. His first visit to the facility opened his mind to the possibilities of a renewed career, and that quickly led to a conversation about a contract. With a deal done for 250 Supercross in 2026, it is time to get to work. ClubMX has a history of giving racers a chance, and Yoder fit the mould perfectly. With continued improvements to the Yamaha and a structured program for the rider – results are imminent.
Yoder added:
“It’s no secret that ClubMX is a force to be reckoned with on the track, but my trip to the facility made it clear why they do so well. If you think you know anything about them but haven’t been to their place, you’ll be as mind-blown as I was. Some might say they are taking a chance on me, and I am taking a chance on them, but in our meetings it’s quite the opposite. We’re talking about top fives and podiums, and we all believe we can get there. Their team is actually a team – everyone has a voice. Apparently, they voted me in, and now it’s up to me to make it happen.”
Daniel Blair, ClubMX General Manager:
“Hunter was a rider I targeted early in the recruitment process. He fits exactly what we’re looking for at ClubMX. He’s a great starter and races with a chip on his shoulder, which is explainable. He lost his opportunity with Geico early in his big bike transition, fought back and became a top 10 Supercross racer. He was an easy pick for me, and I believe 2026 will be a breakout season for Hunter.”
Image: ClubMX
