Image: Jeff Crow.

Husqvarna has confirmed it will support three factory-backed riders in the 2015 MX Nationals, featuring Jesse Dobson in MX1 alongside Luke Arbon and Nathan Crawford in MX2.

Seventeen-year-old Dobson will campaign a FC 450 in the open class, coming off a strong maiden season that included claiming fifth in the Australian Supercross Championship as part of the factory KTM outfit.

“I’m pretty pumped to be working with basically the same crew that I worked with for the supercross championship and I think that we can keep the ball rolling into next year The bike’s awesome and I’ve gelled with it a lot. Everyone says it’s a KTM, but it’s actually a bit different – I was quite surprised. I’ll be using full factory suspension.

“It’s basically the same deal as I was on for the supercross with KTM and I’m really happy to have [KTM Factory Technician Danny] Apro doing my suspension and building the bikes. That’s what got me over the line straight away. I’m really pumped about that, but also to be involved with such a new brand, that’s also such an old brand. That’s pretty cool.”

Meanwhile both Arbon and Crawford will be equipped with the FC 250 four-stroke following a season on two-strokes.

Arbon will remain part of the SD3 Husqvarna team, looking to improve upon his third position from 2014 in what was a breakout season for the 22-year-old.

“I’m definitely excited for next year, this year I didn’t really start the season with much preparation, but this time I’m coming in with a full off season and I’ll be riding and training flat out to be 100 percent ready by the time the first round comes around,” Arbon explained.

“I’m definitely happy with the support from SD3 Husqvarna and I reckon we’ll be a team to be reckoned with. I’m excited for that first round to come around. It’s exciting to be back on the four-stroke; the two-stroke was an awesome bike, but I feel the Husky 250 four-stroke is definitely a good bike to start with.

“Straight out of the box it’s got a lot of power, so we’ve got a great bike to work with and I’m looking forward to racing it and winning races on it.”

Crawford, 17, was second in the MXD division this year, now stepping up to MX2 fulltime after scoring a wildcard win at Swan Hill last season.

“I had a pretty successful year last year with Husqvarna, so it would be a bad decision to go elsewhere,” Crawford commented. “I love the 250F; it’s a bit of a different kettle of fish but I’m starting to get there slowly now. I can’t wait to start doing some testing down in Sydney with everyone and getting my race bike underway.

“I’m just looking forward to racing MX2. I’ve had a little bit of experience there, but not a lot, and I’m looking forward to getting out of Under 19s and mixing it up with the big guys. For me I feel the sky is the limit, I know that I can win, so anything can happen. I’m not having expectations because I know it is not going to be an easy year, but I know I can be at the front.

“I think going to the four-stroke benefits me and my career in the long run and the only reason I was on a two-stroke last year is that it was cheaper for my dad. This year we are getting that factory support that we need, so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be on a four-stroke. And the Husky four-stroke is awesome.”

Husqvarna brand manager Tam Paul said it is an exciting time for the brand, which experienced great success upon return to motocross in 2014.

“I’m very excited about Husqvarna’s prospects for 2015,” Paul said. “We’ve got the best of both worlds with our two- and four-stroke models and even after the incredible success of 2014 we can switch engine formats and still expect to be highly competitive.

“I believe both Nathan and Luke will challenge for the championship next year and Jesse is still a young guy in the top-tier class with factory support rather than a full-blown factory ride. I believe he can push up towards the top five next year.”

Further announcements regarding Husqvarna’s national commitment are also due to be announced in the “near future”, according to Paul.