HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – Michael Byrne, an Australian native with more than 10 years of experience as a professional racing in the U.S. has joined the Muscle Milk/Toyota/JGRMX Team as a substitute for the injured Josh Grant.

Byrne is a three-time Australian National Champion, and has been to the podium numerous times racing in the U.S. Muscle Milk/Toyota/JGRMX’s team manager, Jeremy Albrecht worked closely with Byrne for several years at Kawasaki Factory Racing where Byrne was a rider and Jeremy was a tuner. “I am excited to be working with Byrne again,” said Albrecht. “He is a hard worker and I am anxious to see what he can do on our Yamaha YZ450F.”

“I am glad Byrner (Byrne’s nickname) will be with us,” said Coy Gibbs, the team owner. “I actually tried to hire him two years ago, so this will be good.”

Byrne’s first race with the team will be this Saturday, Jan. 23 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. The original broadcast will air on Jan. 24 on CBS at 1:00 p.m. (EST).