Image: Supplied.

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM has drafted in Joey Savatgy alongside the returning Justin Bogle for 2021 following the shock departure of team mainstay Blake Baggett.

Savatgy, 26, rode for JGRMX Suzuki this season and had previously tested with MotoConcepts during the off-season, but has found a home on-board the factory-supported KTM team.

Recognized as one of the most capable new talents in the premier class, Savatgy starred with Monster Energy Kawasaki as a rookie in 2019 – finishing eighth in 450SX – before making way for Adam Cianciarulo, leading to a single term with JGR prior to its closure.

A major heel injury sustained in Australia’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open event last November saw him sidelined through the entire Monster Energy Supercross season, then returning for Lucas Oil Pro Motocross and finishing 11th overall.

Meanwhile, the absence of Baggett from today’s KTM introduction is a curious one, understood to have been contracted for another season, but recently opting not to continue with the organisation. It’s unclear if he will race-on next year.