JDR Motorsports wraps up Australian operation

A few months back, it became apparent that the JDR/KTM team would downscale in Australia for 2013. But at the Dubbo Supercross, there was talk that JDR would be finishing up its Aussie operation entirely. We caught up with Team owner, Derek Rynenberg, to discuss their plans.

Transmoto: Firstly, can you set the record straight, and tell us when any change will come into effect?

Derek Rynenberg: JDR is scaling down our operations in Australia. We will still be supporting a number of riders, and although we will not be running a team through the outdoor season, we will compete at the supercross in 2013.

TM: What were the key issues that brought about this decision?

DR: JDR has expanded our team in the States, now including an amateur team. We need to attract potential up and coming riders that can be moulded to win AMA Championships. Without an amateur program, you miss out on getting the top riders that are turning pro. The scale of running an amateur program in the States is on the same scale as running a whole team in Australia. We’d have to essentially try to run and manage 3 teams, so the decision was made to turn our full attention to the US program.

TM: What does the decision mean for JDR Motorsports’ staffers in Australia?

DR: We spoke with Jeff Leisk from KTM about our plans, and tried to find a way forward for their program. Jeff decided the best way was to bring the factory team back in-house. Most of our guys have been given positions within the new structure, and we’ve been able to place one guy in the States. It’s important for JDR to look after its people, and we are stoked that everyone has been looked after.

TM: Is there any impact on MXR&D’s operation?

DR: MXR&D are run as a totally independently company, and will continue to offer the best service to all forms of dirt bikes.

TM: This has fast-tracked Josh Cachia’s move to America, where he’ll essentially take the seat vacated by Matt Moss, right?

DR: Yes, that is correct. We had set our US Pro Team up to run 3 riders through the AMA Supercross. With Mossy’s last minute decision to stay in Australia, we had the opportunity to offer the ride to Josh, who jumped at it. It was a big decision for a young guy to make with all his family and history out here, so it proves Josh’s strong character, giving up his shot at the 2012 Australian Supercross title to take the chance. There is no shortage of top ranked riders in the States looking for a ride, but we wanted to be able to keep the Australian feel to the team, supporting the great talent we have here in Australia. It is a huge opportunity for Josh, to learn and grow as a rider, and I’m sure that he will come back for the 2013 Australian Supercross Championship even faster and more experienced.

TM: How will the closing of the Aussie team impact on the US-based operation?

DR: Scaling down the Australian team will take away the pressure of suppling performance parts and technology, and will free up management to fully concentrate on the US operations.

TM: There aren’t many race teams who, in the space of just four seasons, have several National Motocross and Supercross titles to their name. Looking back, what are your proudest achievements here in Oz?

DR: One of my proudest achievements was signing Andrew McFarlane, as he was returning to Australia to finish his career. For him to take a chance with a start up team that had a lot to learn was amazing. He saw the potential and wanted to share our dream. He really helped us grow and become professional very quickly, and this certainly helped us sign Ryan Marmont and Danny Apro, who are still with us now.

Another that we will take with us is the loyalty and trust that many of our riders, crew, sponsors and fans have shown towards us. It has been amazing and very much appreciated over the years, and we are sure we have made some great friends for life.