Source: HQVA.

Husqvarna-backed extreme enduro racing specialist and former AMA motocross champion Mike Brown has touched down in Australia in preparation for this weekend’s KTM Enduro-X Nationals round at Parramatta.

Brown will share pit space alongside the brand new Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team of Glenn Kearney, Scott Keegan, Lachy Stanford and Damian Smith as it makes its debut appearance on Australian soil, and his presence is sure to bring extra firepower to Husqvarna’s table.

The 41-year-old American boasts a career like few others, having won an AMA motocross title, finished third in the World 125cc Motocross Championship on three occasions, turned to off-road racing and won a WORCS championship, and more recently, finished first or second in all three X-Games Moto-X Enduro events since their inception in 2011.

With endurocross now as his main focus, Brown signed with Husqvarna for season 2014 and will ride the brand new FC350 in Australia, in what is his first race for the new sponsor, and his first down under since the Perth Supercross in 1991.

“I arrived [yesterday] morning and I’m really looking forward to the race,” said Brown. “I’ve known Toby Price since the ISDE three years ago and last year when he was over for the Baja 1000 he was telling me about this series and I said I’d love to come over.

“I love the travelling and seeing everything and it’s good to come here and do both. I’ve just been in California doing my base training and riding and getting used to the new bike.

“This will be my first race for the year, I’m riding the 350 here and it’s an awesome bike. It’s a big thing just to be involved with Husqvarna – the name has been around forever and I’m excited to be a part of it. I really hope it grows just like KTM has.

Brown has been in the country less than a day but in the company of Aussie Husqvarna team manager Glenn Kearney and Price, he is already enjoying the local dirt bike culture and attitudes.

“It’s totally different to the US,” he added. “It’s so serious there. Here everybody wants to have a good time and enjoy themselves as well as race the bikes. It’s more fun.

“Toby’s already talking a lot of crap about Saturday… I don’t even know where I’m staying yet, I’m with Toby, so wherever he goes. He’s saying we’re staying in a swag, whatever that is, probably out in the bush or something!”