KTM ANNOUNCES 2022 JUNIOR RACING TEAM

Just before Christmas, when KTM announced that it had signed both Kirk Gibbs and Nathan Crawford for the ProMX Australian MX Championship, it was a clear signal about the Austrian brand’s plans to bolster its national motocross assault in Australia for 2022. And those intentions appear shared by the brand’s up-and-coming talent, with KTM announcing that four young rippers will spearhead their official Junior race program this season.

Here is KTM’s PR about the beefed-up 2022 KTM Junior Racing Team …

For the upcoming season, talented youngster Kyle Harvey will join returning riders Kayden Minear, Jet Alsop and Cooper Ford on the official KTM team.

This year marks the fourth term with the team for Western Australian Minear. The 15-year-old will race the 125SX and 250SX-F at national and state level, while again contesting the ultra-competitive MX3 class in the Australian ProMX Championship. Minear finished third in the shortened MX3 series last year and is now eager to find the top step of the podium.

Three-time Australian junior champion Alsop will also be astride the 125SX and 250SX-F this year as he steps up to his first year racing the MX3 category in ProMX. The highly rated teenager will also line up behind the gate at the Australian Junior Motocross Championship later this year, as well as a range of state-level events.

Tasmanian talent Ford continues his association with the KTM Junior Racing Team this year, with the 13-year-old stepping up to the 13-U16 Years 85cc division and the two-time 65cc national champion will be one to watch as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, KTM Junior Racing Team newcomer Harvey will be on the 85SX at both the national and state level. The young Queenslander is no stranger to the top of the podium, with consecutive Junior state titles across both Queensland and New South Wales. Harvey will also have his eyes on the number one trophy at the Junior nationals in Rockhampton.

The KTM Junior Racing Team will continue to receive support from KTM Genuine Parts, KTM Powerparts, KTM Powerwear, Motorex, Troy Lee Designs, Dunlop, Kustom MX, ODI Grips and Funnelweb Filters through the 2022 season.

Kayden Minear: “I’m stoked to be back as part of the KTM Junior Racing Team. My ambitions are to go a little bit better in the MX3 class and to look at racing another Australian Junior Motocross Championship — hopefully, come away with a couple more Australian titles. It’s clear to see KTM is the best brand and being supported by the best manufacturer gives me added confidence entering the upcoming races.”

Jet Alsop: “I’m just super-excited to be riding for KTM again. It’s the best Junior team in Australia, for sure. I would just love to get the best results I can and to make KTM proud again. With the KTM bike, we’ve got that peace of mind that we’re on good equipment and we can get a good result.”

Cooper Ford: “I’m super-excited to return to the KTM Junior Racing Team for 2022. Now stepping up to my 85 big-wheel, I’m looking forward to a full year of racing, finishing up with the Australian Junior Motocross Championship. Riding a KTM just gives you an awesome feeling – they’ve got such good power, handling and everything.”

Kyle Harvey: “I am so pumped and excited to be a part of the KTM Junior Racing Team. I was blown away when I heard the news and will be forever grateful for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to 2022 and can’t wait to hopefully compete in the Australian titles later this year. I have a great support team who always push me to be my best. I‘ve worked so hard for this and I plan to work even harder, but just as importantly, have fun along the way. I can’t for the gates to drop!”