Image: Foremost Media.

KTM Group has announced that it won’t be entering its Australian factory teams in any form of national racing if it is to restart during 2020, including the defending champion KTM and Husqvarna enduro racing teams.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) is still intending on resuming the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) this year despite the recent cancellation of multiple rounds, however, KTM teams won’t be participating regardless.

“With daily changes related to travel restrictions, whether or not racing can resume in 2020 is beyond all of our control, with the only certainty being COVID-19 does not abide by any schedule,” explained Brad Hagi, managing director of the KTM Group Australia and New Zealand.

“This decision has not been made lightly and we would like to thank our outstanding riders, mechanics and dedicated sponsors for their support during these challenging times and look forward to what 2021 and beyond can offer.”

According to the announcement, KTM Group will refocus for the remainder of the year on the dealership network and riders through state-based activities, while looking forward with optimism for the 2021 racing season.

KTM Enduro Racing Team’s Daniel Milner is the current national E2 champion and leads the 2020 standings comfortably following dominant performances at Toowoomba and Dungog, while Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team’s Daniel Sanders won last year’s E3 crown and has again been the standout in defending the title to date this season.

This decision doesn’t directly involve the motocross programs of reigning Australian MX1 champion Todd Waters’ Berry Sweet Husqvarna and the Recover8 KTM team, which are operated by independent owners with respective support of KTM Group.