Image: Russell Colvin.

The Motul Pirelli Sherco Race Team will have an increased presence in the Australian off-road racing scene for 2022, signing Callum Norton to expand their line-up alongside existing riders Jonte Reynders and Tim Coleman.

Norton, 21, will compete in the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) and Hattah Desert Race with Reynders, while Norton will also ride the Finke Desert Race. Coleman will be a fixture in the Australian Hard Enduro Championship.

The team’s newest member Norton will compete onboard the Sherco 500 SEF Factory machine for Finke and Hattah, as well as the 300 SE Factory in E2 for AORC, joining the squad off the back of a solid season where he finished fifth at Finke, followed by third outright at Hattah with Husqvarna.

“I’m really excited to make the switch to Sherco in 2022,” Norton explained. “I’ve kept a close eye on the Sherco riders over the last few years, and I’ve been impressed. The bikes have been fast and solid, and they’ve always got to the finish line.

“That gives me great confidence in races like Finke, where I’m ready to take the next step and push for a step on the podium. The challenge of the AORC is one that I’m also relishing as well. I’ve lived near the bush all my life, but as a junior I was more into motocross than enduro. That’s changed now and I’m looking forward to making the most of this immense opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Reynders will compete again onboard the 300 SE Factory in 2022, looking to defend his open two-stroke crown at Hattah and set his sights on the E3 title in AORC.

The Motul Pirelli Sherco Race Team will begin its 2022 season in March with the opening two rounds of the AORC in Victoria, followed by the Australian Hard Enduro kick-off on 2-3 April. The full AORC calendar will be announced in coming weeks, with Finke to be held from 10-13 June and Hattah on 2-3 July.