The current 2016 Motul MX Nationals MXD Champion will contest the MX2 (250cc) class this weekend, September 24 at Maggiora, Italy.

Jed and myself get along pretty well and we have done some training together this year so I am bummed for him,” Evans started.

“I will try and do my best for him and the team. This year hasn’t gone the way we wanted it to go and it hasn’t really sunk it yet that I am leaving. I’m still trying to take it all in. We have definitely come along way this year and we are fit and healthy, and prepared to go and do our job over there.

“I couldn’t be any more excited. I only found out that Jed got hurt on Saturday night after racing at the Supercross, and then I didn’t think anything of it, I didn’t think I would get the call. But on late Sunday afternoon I got the call and from there it’s been a pretty hectic 24 hours getting everything ready.

“The biggest thing I am looking forward to this weekend is just being able to represent my country, and to do the best I can and hopefully make a few people proud,” he concluded.

Evans is now on his way to Europe to join current MXoN Australian Team competitors Dean Ferris and Todd Waters before the event.