Raceline Pirelli KTM press release:

Raceline Pirelli KTM are set to embark on their first round on the 2016 Motul MX Nationals in Horsham this weekend, with a fresh new brand, fresh riders, and a new look team, for the 2016 race season.

After months of planning, and testing their new machinery, the KTM backed satellite team will head to Victoria this weekend, fielding Newcastle rider Dylan Wills in the MX2 class, as well as Tasmanian based Wade Kirkland in the MXD class.

Wills who had a number of podium results as a privateer in the MX2 class during the 2015 season, says he’s excited to get to round one with the support of Raceline Pirelli KTM this weekend.

“It’s been a fairly easy transition to the new team – Chris Woods and his guys have welcomed us both in, and the new bike is awesome, I can’t complain,” he said.

“Last year I had to do everything myself and now with Raceline Pirelli KTM my job has been made a lot easier. We have solid bikes under us at all times which is a big plus.

“This year I’m aiming for top three finishes. I want to go out and be smart and get a consistent few results on the board. I’m planning to iron out the few mistakes I made last year and make sure that I’m riding well every weekend.”

16-year-old Kirkland, will also make his first appearance with Raceline Pirelli KTM this weekend, and shared that he’s enjoyed getting to know the new team, and is eager to get round one under his belt.

“In the last year of my junior career I raced for Motorex KTM, and Raceline Pirelli KTM is a great stepping stone for me,” he said.

“I’ve been testing a lot and I’ve actually spent the whole week ahead of round one in New South Wales with the team, so we’ve got the bike all dialled in and it’s better than anything I’ve ever raced before which is cool.

“I’ve raced at Horsham in 2013, and I actually won the 85cc title there, so hopefully we can repeat that again (laughs). I’m feeling comfortable and happy, so I’m looking forward to getting to round one with the team.”

Raceline Pirelli KTM Team Manager Chris Woods, shared that after a long period of planning, that he couldn’t be more excited to shut the doors on the truck and get to Horsham!

“It’s been a big three month turn around getting organised for round one of the motocross, and I’m pretty excited to be shutting the door on the truck and heading to Horsham that’s for sure,” he said.

“We have a new brand with KTM, and two new riders as well. Dylan lives not too far away from the workshop and it’s actually been a blessing. We’ve done a lot more testing than usual just from switching brands, so it’s great to have been able to develop a great base setting with Dylan, and then give a good package with Wade as soon as he jumped on the bike – from there we’ve really perfected things, and both boys are nice and comfortable.

“This weekend we really are hoping for sort of that top six for both the guys. They are both more than capable, but being first round we aren’t getting ahead of ourselves. We are really confident with what we have done ahead of round one, so now we are just looking forward to going racing,”

Raceline Pirelli KTM, will now head to round one of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals at Horsham, Victoria being held on Sunday April 3.

To follow Raceline Pirelli KTM’s progress this year, like ‘Raceline’ on facebook or follow @raceline_motosport on Instagram.