Image: Supplied.

A new-look KSF Ecstar Suzuki Racing team will form the brand’s official team in the 2018 MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championship season, taking the place of Wilson MX as the factory operation.

With its RM-Z450-equipped MX1 rider line-up remaining to be announced, Suzuki has confirmed that it will also enter the MX2 ranks with Jesse Madden and Isaac Ferguson riding the RM-Z250.

“We’re beyond excited to step up and become the official racing effort for Suzuki Australia,” commented KSF Racing director Kyle Fischer. “We ran the all-new RM-Z450 in supercross last year with Daniel Herrlein and were super-impressed with the bike’s competitiveness, to have our whole team exclusively running Suzuki this year along with their support and also Ecstar oil as a title sponsor is phenomenal.”

KSF Racing’s involvement with the sport extends beyond just the pro ranks, with the organisation also running a rapidly expanding junior development program focussing on the fundamentals both on and off-bike assisting young athletes.

Suzuki Motorcycles Australia national marketing manager Lewis Croft commented: “We were really impressed with KSF Racing’s initiatives and commitment to developing young talent within the Australian motocross scene.

“Suzuki has recently introduced several new programs to assist riders racing efforts. Our Suzuki Support Rider Contingency program is second to none and we’re also reimbursing the cost of National Competition licences through our benefits incentive with Motorcycling Australia.

“We saw partnering with KSF Racing as the perfect fit in achieving our goal of improving Suzuki’s involvement with the sport whilst also paving a way for young riders to successfully make the transition from grass roots junior racing to professional aboard yellow.”

Suzuki confirmed that Wilson MX will sit out the 2018 MX Nationals series, however their association will continue with local team rider Luke Wilson becoming a brand ambassador for the Queensland region.