[News]

KTM DM31 TARGET AUS ENDURO SUCCESS

4 months ago | Photos: KTM Australia

The title-winning KTM DM31 Racing Team are ready to race at Round 1 and 2 of the 2026 Australian Enduro Championship this weekend in Roma, Queensland as the anticipated new off-road season officially takes off. Daniel Milner’s KTM DM31 Racing Team come off an exceptional campaign in 2025, sweeping the three major Aus Enduro categories and ProEnduro title outright. Now his new-look trio of Korey McMahon (E3), Jye Dickson (E2), and Jackson Versteegen (E1) are aiming to repeat that winning success.

Defending E3 Class champion McMahon is looking to pick up where he left off in the division last year, while also challenging for a first-career ProEnduro crown in 2026 onboard his KTM 500EXC-F. McMahon has remained focused throughout the pre-season, spending much time on the bike and further strengthening his skillset across a variety of surfaces, continuing to learn from decorated team owner Milner after he retired from fulltime competition at the conclusion of last season.

Korey McMahon: 
“I’m looking forward to 2026 and being back on the KTM 500 EXC-F, as we have learnt a lot about the bike and about myself in 2025. We’re always looking to progress, so we’ll pick up where we left off last year and continue to build throughout the season, but it all starts at Rounds 1 and 2. I’ve put in a lot of work since the final round last year, and I feel like I’m in a good spot.”

New to the KTM DM31 Racing Team this year is Dickson, another former national motocross talent who recorded a standout season off-road in 2025, highlighted by a P2 finish in the E3 Class standings. Coupled with fifth in ProEnduro, he will pilot the KTM 450XC-F as he transitions to the E2 ranks.

Jye Dickson: 
“I’m really excited to be joining the KTM DM31 Racing Team for this upcoming season – it was fun to be able to race Daniel Milner for the last few seasons, and now to have him as a team manager passing on all the years of experience is really cool. I’m excited to get underway at Rounds 1 and 2, where it’ll be important to begin with some solid points to start the season, and it’s as much about consistency as it is speed in Roma next weekend.”

Also a fresh addition to the official KTM Aus Enduro program is capable young Western Australian Jackson Versteegen, who embarks on his first full season of racing at the professional level in the E1 division equipped with the KTM 250SX-F. Working with Milner will be certain to fast-track his learning curve, while ensuring experience naturally builds throughout the 12-round series.

Jackson Versteegen: 
“I’m looking forward to the 2026 season with the DM31 KTM Racing Team! I’m really excited to be working alongside Daniel Milner, as his guidance will be second to none. I’ve already learnt so much this pre-season, and I’m looking forward to carrying this into the season-opening rounds in Queensland next weekend!” 

Daniel Milner, KTM DM31 Racing Team Manager: 
“It’s been a really exciting pre-season this year. I’ve never been in this position personally, so sitting back and watching the boys while helping develop them through testing and bike setup has been really rewarding. At the same time, I’m still able to get out on track with them, put them through special tests and motos, and share what I know it takes to reach the top level. Being a team manager is one side of it, but also acting as a mentor and trainer has been really enjoyable for me. Korey didn’t really have much of a break since the last round, so he’s riding really well right now. He’s super-fit and comfortable on the bike, and because he’s on the same package as last year, we didn’t need to change much – just a few final adjustments to fine-tune things. From where he’s at, I think he’s going to be a real force this season. The same goes for Jye. I’ve always liked his riding style and he’s really gelling with the bike so far. He’s fit, he’s been working hard, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he stacks up in the field – the goal is to have him up there battling Korey or whoever is at the front. It might take a round or two to get fully comfortable racing the KTM, but I think he’ll adapt quickly. And then there’s young Jacko, who is a strong sand rider coming over from WA, but it’ll be a bit of an eye-opener getting thrown straight into E1 after racing as a junior last year! We’ve been working hard with him on hardpack and rocky terrain over here on the east coast – especially rocks, which he wasn’t as comfortable with. The aim has been to build that confidence, so he’s ready to attack Round 1. We’re definitely READY TO RACE in 2026!”

Kyle Blunden, KTM Group Australia Motorsport Manager: 
“KTM DM31 Racing Team enters Roma with a renewed sense of purpose that reflects the future of Australian off‑road racing. Daniel’s transition from a championship-winning career to a full-time leadership role has been fantastic, and the professionalism and preparation he brings to the program sets the tone for the entire team. Korey, Jye, and Jackson each represent a different stage of progression, yet they share the same hunger and commitment that defines KTM. Korey’s momentum from last season, Jye’s rapid development in E2 and Jackson’s exciting step into the professional ranks give us a balanced and motivated lineup heading into the opening round. Hats off to the KTM DM31 Racing Team, who have worked tirelessly through the off‑season, and we’re looking forward to getting the Australian Enduro Championship underway.”

Be the first to comment...

You might also like...

KTM

17 hours ago

KTM AJMX REVEAL NEW LOGO FOR 2026

The 2026 KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championship has unveiled its new look.

KTM

2 days ago

MCMAHON SECURES 2026 HATTAH VICTORY

Korey McMahon goes back-to-back at the 2026 Hattah Desert Race with KTM DM31 Racing.

KTM

7 days ago

TEAM AUSTRALIA READY FOR 2026 WJMX

Six riders across three classes are set for the 2026 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship this weekend.

News

1 week ago

SIX AUSSIE CLUB TEAMS SET FOR 2026 ISDE

Six Australian club teams including 18 riders are set for the 100th ISDE in Portugal this October.

KTM

2 weeks ago

EXPLAINED: KTM/HUSKY/GASGAS ENDURO GEARING

Watch our video where we investigate why these latest enduro models come with such tall gearing.

KTM

2 weeks ago

AUSENDURO ROUND 7 & 8 REVIEW

Korey McMahon claimed his first Pro Enduro win of 2026 as Casterton delivered the season’s closest racing.

KTM

3 weeks ago

LETTENBICHLER CLAIMS FIFTH ERZBERG WIN

Manuel Lettenbichler claims a record-equalling fifth consecutive Erzbergrodeo victory aboard his KTM 300EXC.

KTM

3 weeks ago

FIRST LOOK: KTM’S 2027 EXC & EXC-F RANGE

KTM’s 2027 EXC and EXC-F models arrives in Australia from September, and here’s what’s new.