Raceline Pirelli KTM press release:

Raceline Pirelli KTM riders Morgan Fogarty and Jayden Rykers are putting in their final preparations, with the team making its way to Round 4 of the MX Nationals which takes place at Horsham this weekend.

After recording the best results of the season at Conondale two weeks ago, both Rykers and Fogarty are feeling positive and optimistic ahead of Round 4, the pair ready to fly the Raceline Pirelli KTM flag in both the MX2 and MXD classes in Victoria.

After securing the team’s first podium for the year and the round three overall win just two weeks ago, MXD young gun Fogarty says that the last two weeks have been important in improving his program ahead of Horsham.

“I’m feeling really good coming in to Horsham this weekend, I’ve been putting in the hard yards and for me I have just been riding heaps and working with the boss (Ross Beaton),” Fogarty shared.

“After getting my first podium at Conondale, I expect to be on the podium again and battling for wins this weekend – that’s what we work for.

“I’ve made some big changes with the team through the week, we did a fair bit of testing which we are feeling positive about so we are ready to go racing.”

Rykers, who finished 6th overall at Round 3 says that he’s also made positive changes in the last two weeks, and hopes that they will pay off in Horsham on Sunday.

“I’m excited for the weekend, I have made some massive changes in order to try and run with the top guys in the MX2 class,” Rykers shared.

“I’m just looking for some improvements from this weekend as it’s only been two weeks since the last round.

“As long as I’m moving forward I’m happy so hopefully we can take some more steps in the right direction at Horsham.”

Raceline Pirelli KTM Team Manager Chris Woods has also provided insight and clarity following the unexpected departure of the team’s other MX2 rider Wade Kirkland last week.

“It was obviously disappointing to have Wade leave the team after only three rounds,” Woods shared.

“Unfortunately we weren’t told the extent of his injuries from last year, and had we known we may have approached things differently.

“We would never expect one of our riders to jump on a bike unless they were 100 per cent confident that they were healthy, and after finding out that he in fact broken his neck, we are very disappointed that we weren’t made aware of that, and as a result we weren’t able to fully understand what Wade was dealing with.

“We wish Wade all the best in the next chapter of his life, and thank him for his contribution to the team.

“Following Wade’s departure we are currently working on a replacement for the MX2 class and will hopefully be able to make an announcement soon.”

The 2017 MX Nationals will continue at Horsham in Victoria on Sunday May 21. Visit the official series website at www.mxnationals.com.au for further information.

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