Source: Supplied.

Multiple Australian motocross and supercross champion Jay Marmont has been named team manager of the factory KTM Motocross Racing Team, which will field Kirk Gibbs and Luke Styke for the 2017 season.

Marmont, who retired from fulltime competition at the end of 2014, contested the Australian Supercross series last year and claimed fifth in the points on return – highlighted by third on night one of Sydney’s AUS-X Open.

The 33-year-old will now take charge of KTM’s team management, reuniting with the manufacturer that he first rode for in 2001, soon-after resulting in multiple national titles together. He also spent two years in the US with Red Bull KTM during 2005 and 2006.

“It’s a new job role for me, having been around bikes for almost my whole life, and Leisky approached me about it just after supercross,” Marmont explained. “I was over the moon – it’s going to be a lot of learning for me, but I’ve had a lot of different team managers myself and I know what to bring to the table.

“It’s totally different from the other side of the fence of course, but I’m looking forward to the season kicking off. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Luke can achieve this year and working with Gibbsy after his recovery too.”

KTM Australia general manager Jeff Leisk welcomed Marmont to the organisation in the management capacity: “We’re excited to welcome Jay into this role. We have a fairly long history with him and when he joined with us he was a fairly raw and inexperienced rider and under the tuition of Robbie T and the rest of the team he developed into a really strong competitor and we enjoyed a lot of success together.

“He went on to race overseas and I guess you’d say this is the next chapter in his racing career, so we’re happy to be a part of it. I think he can bring a lot to the role – he’s a determined person who strives to get the results and he’s also proving he has the ability to pass on what he knows to get the best out of our riders.”

Rob Twyerould, KTM Australia motorsports manager pictured with Marmont, said: “We’re very pleased to announce Jay Marmont as KTM Motocross Team Manager. We wanted someone who could work very closely with the riders and relate to their various needs and requirements. Jay’s vast racing experience, determination and work ethic should provide Kirk and Luke with great support and confidence heading into the 2017 season.

“Our 2016 Manager Kyle Blunden was great, only narrowly missing out on two titles last year, and his outstanding organisational skills will be redeployed within KTM and its racing efforts. Jordan Yeo will stay on with us as a senior technician and we’re in the process of looking for an additional senior technician with racing experience to work with Kirk Gibbs.”

Current Australian motocross number two Gibbs has recovered from the femur break he suffered in a training incident prior to the Australian Supercross Championship and has begun on-bike training for a motocross-only deal. Styke is also back on the bike after spending a year off as he recovered from a snapped Achilles Tendon.