Image: Foremost Media.

Raceline Husqvarna Tdub Racing Team and MX2 class rider Rhys Budd have agreed to part ways effective immediately, two rounds into the 2025 Penrite ProMX Championship – now heavily linked to Empire Kawasaki.

Budd first joined Raceline last year, racing to seventh overall in the MX2 class of ProMX, before injury sidelined him for the majority of the Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX).

Following a difficult start to the 2025 season, which yielded an 11th overall finish at Wonthaggi and an improved sixth overall in Appin’s second round, both Budd and the team have agreed to terminate their relationship.

“Raceline Husqvarna Tdub Racing Team wishes to inform our fans, partners, and the motorsports community that Rhys Budd will not be competing with the team at the upcoming Australian ProMX Championship round in Gillman, South Australia,” the team formally announced.

“Following recent contractual discussions, Rhys will be officially released from his contract with Raceline Husqvarna Tdub Racing Team. While this outcome is regrettable, we respect Rhys’ position and are working to conclude the partnership professionally and respectfully.

“Our focus now shifts to the upcoming race, where we remain committed to representing our supporters and partners with pride and determination.”

Budd is expected to transfer to Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki, the MX2 seat that was occupied by Europe-bound Ryan Alexanderson for the first two rounds of this season. It’s all but certain that initial signing Cambell Williams – still recovering from an injury sustained last year – will depart the program altogether.

However, it’s understood that if Budd is to join the Victorian-based Empire Kawasaki operation, it wouldn’t be until Traralgon’s fourth round of the season at the end of May. It also remains unclear who Raceline will elect to replace Budd with on the official Husqvarna MX2 entry outdoors.