Australia’s Michael Byrne will be aboard the all-new KTM 450 SX-F in 2013. Image: Simon Cudby.

Team BTO Sports has announced they will be receiving factory support from KTM for 2013, the Austrian manufacturer is the team’s first-ever form of OEM support since it’s inception.

Forrest Butler, BTO team owner, looks forward to starting a relationship with the current AMA motocross 450 class championship winning manufacturer.

“We are very excited and proud of our new relationship with KTM,” said Butler. “They are now the defending 450 MX champions, and to be a new addition to their team on the new 450 is an honor honestly.

“Being a factory backed team with an OEM has been a goal of the team since it’s inception, and to achieve that with KTM and a manager like Roger DeCoster is incredible. Now we will put the pressure on us to do our job and perform.”

Australian veteran Michael Byrne and Canadian National Champion Matt Goerke will be riding aboard the Team BTO Sports KTM 450 SX-F machines for 2013.

“Working with KTM on this level is a huge step for our team”, says BTO team owner Vince Armitsu. “Our riders love the bike already, and we will be on the best equipment out there. To combine all this with our 10 year anniversary, is just a great thing for everyone involved with our team”.

The KTM partnership with Team BTO, will be driven through the teams long time motorcycle dealership, Palmetto Motorsports. Palmetto will continue as a major team sponsor, and the driving force of KTM sales for the team.

“We are very excited to have KTM come on board with the race team for 2013,” said Todd Sandoval of Palmetto Motorsports. “Palmetto is a long time KTM dealer and supporter, and we have created a very unique sales program with all the team race bikes throughout each season.

“With these two combined, I for see our 2013 team bike sale program being the best its ever been with the new KTM 450 SX-F. It is going to be a very exciting year for the team, and we are proud to be a part of it.”

Team BTO Sports will reveal their all-new KTM outfit at round one of the 2013 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series at Anaheim 1 in California on 5 January.