WA champion Louis Calvin will take centre stage for JDR Motorex KTM this weekend in Moree. Image: Alex Gobert.

Western Australian Louis Calvin has been gifted the opportunity of his career, joining the JDR Motorex KTM team for the remainder of the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals after Dan Reardon joined teammate Ryan Marmont on the sidelines.

Calvin has been a standout as a privateer this season for Herb Watson Racing KTM, sitting ninth in the Pro Open standings with just two rounds left to be contended as of this weekend in Moree.

The 21-year-old said it’s the greatest opportunity of his career, a reward for his efforts so far this season on a privateer 350 SX-F. Calvin is currently the top privateer in the series and looks forward to his factory debut.

“It’s definitely the best opportunity of my life in motocross and I’ve been working hard all year to get the best out of myself,” Calvin commented. “Now I’ve got the chance to race with the factory team and I’m excited to see what the package brings.

“I’m confident I’ll be able to adjust quickly to the factory bike and the team will put a setting into the bike that they think will be good for me. We plan to ride on Friday, so hopefully I can get at least half a day in on the bike and be comfortable come race day.”

The 21-year-old will stand in on the team’s factory KTM 350 SX-F in the Pro Open category in place of team regulars Reardon and Ryan Marmont, both who have been forced out through injury.

Marmont has been off the bike since the midway point of the season after undergoing foot surgery, while 2007 champion teammate Reardon has also opted out in a bid to regain 100 percent fitness with a niggling wrist injury.

“We’ve brought in Louis to ride the 350 in the Open class for this weekend, a logical choice considering his success through the year as a privateer for KTM,” JDR Motorex KTM team manager Danny Ham said.

“We’re welcoming him to the team at Moree and the Lites riders are all looking to continue their great form as well.”

The penultimate round of the MX Nationals will take place this weekend on Sunday, 24 July, at Moree, before concluding seven day later at Queensland’s season finale.