Slaw
We finally have the rider lineup for the first year for the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing team.
As expected, the brands first season in the SuperMotocross World Championship will be lead by Justin Barcia and Dylan Ferrandis, with Ducati making the official announcement on Tuesday.
“I am absolutely amped to be joining the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team,” said Barcia. “It’s exciting to be back with the TLD crew and reunite with so many familiar faces I’ve shared great memories with. This is a fantastic opportunity and I’m ready to learn, push the new bike, and fight for podiums and race wins.”
“I’m very happy for the opportunity to race Ducati’s first season in the U.S.,” said Ferrandis. “It’s such an iconic brand, and I’m stoked to be reunited with Troy Lee Designs – they were one of my first sponsors back in my 85cc days in Europe. The bike feels incredible, and with the team, Factory Connection, and everyone involved, I have no doubt we can achieve great results.”
Ducati’s entrance into the U.S. and SMX will be lead by Troy Lee Designs and the team will be managed by Josh Wisenor. Working closely alongside him is Rick “Ziggy” Zielfelder, whose deep involvement in the development of the Ducati Desmo450 MX has been pivotal to the bike’s readiness for its Supercross debut.
“It’s been a privilege to build the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team from the ground up,” said Wisenor. “We’ve assembled an all-star crew, and with Ducati’s full commitment, we’re ready to make history. The Desmo450 MX has come a long way in development, and we can’t wait to show what it can do when the gate drops at Anaheim.”
At the heart of the program is Troy Lee himself who is a lifelong racer, artist, and innovator whose vision continues to push the boundaries of performance and design.
“This is truly a dream come true,” said Troy Lee. “From painting helmets in my house, to a 22-year partnership with Red Bull, to now launching a 450 factory race program with Ducati, bringing these three iconic brands together is beyond what I ever imagined. It’s also an honor to represent Ducati, especially in their 100th year, and to bring their off-road program to the U.S. Our team is ready, our riders are fired up, and I can’t wait to see that first gate drop at Anaheim 1.”
