Raceline Pirelli KTM press release:

Raceline Pirelli KTM are excited to confirm the team’s rider line up for 2018, which will see Northern Queenslander Mitch Evans join the KTM outfit in the MX1 and SX1 categories, while Jayden Rykers will once again take on the MX2 class.

Raceline, which is now recognised as one of the most competitive privateer race teams in the country, is the perfect new home for former SXD and MXD Australian Champion Evans, while Rykers who captured a podium with the team in 2017 will also remain on board for the 2018 race season.

Evans, who will make the shift to a KTM 450 SX-F for both Motocross and Supercross next year believes he is up for the challenge, and is looking forward to getting this new chapter of his career started with Raceline Pirelli KTM.

“For 2018 I always knew that I wanted to be on the 450. This year I really struggled to keep my weight down and to be light enough on the 250 particularly with my starts, so I felt it was time to step up to the bigger machine,” Evans shared.

“The opportunity came up with Raceline where I was able to make that switch in a low pressure development situation. I raced KTM’s in my junior career and to have the chance to get back on orange again with all the big changes that they have made to the bike and in the 450 class is awesome.

“Raceline are a really great bunch of people who have proven that they’re able to achieve results – that was a big thing for me. Next year I’m hoping to be able to achieve podiums.

“It’s obviously going to be a big challenge but I believe that if I put in the work and without the pressure that I felt I had this year that no one will expect me or see me as a threat, so it’s really the perfect scenario.”

Rykers, who has already spent a season with Raceline Pirelli KTM is excited to confirm that he has re-signed with the team, and that with his apprenticeship with the KTM backed effort completed, that he’ll be aiming for improved results in 2018.

“It’s great to be back with Raceline for 2018, the team has been restructured to two riders and I’m glad to take on the role as their MX2 rider for 2018,” Rykers said.

“I think it’s always good to keep a tight structure and have a reliable program with a team you know and trust. From Raceline Pirelli KTM to Justin Currie from Total Athlete Development, we are able to build on our relationship and foundations that we made in 2017.”

“We have nearly four months until round one of the 2018 MX Nationals and the injury has healed up well. I could have pushed to be back for Supercross but to put 2018 in jeopardy was silly – I have been back on the bike a few times a week at this stage doing some local races and an overseas race last weekend as well. I’m just really focusing on building the strength back into the shoulder so there are no bumps to deal with down the track. I’m excited to move forward now into the new year.”

The team is also pleased to confirm that Pirelli will remain as the outfit’s naming rights sponsor for 2018, which now see’s their relationship span over an incredible eight years.

Raceline Pirelli KTM would like to take this opportunity to thank each of the team’s dedicated partners for their on-going support and dedication to their program during 2017, and are looking forward to working with them again in 2018.

The team will now commence testing in preparation for the 2018 MX Nationals which kicks off in April 2018.

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