This week in US Powersports racing.

DANTE OLIVEIRA AND FMF KTM FACTORY RACING CLINCH BACK-TO-BACK WHS CHAMPIONSHIPS

FMF KTM Factory Racing and Dante Oliveira have captured a second-consecutive AMA West Hare Scrambles (WHS) title following a hard-fought final round at Wilseyville, where teammate Mateo Oliveira placed second on the Pro Class podium and Angus Riordan finished P1 in the Pro 250 Class.

Oliveira had to fight his way through the pack to P5 overall and P4 in the Pro Class onboard his KTM 350 SX-F at Wilseyville in Northern California, which was enough to take home the WHS championship for the second year in a row despite missing a round through injury.

Dante Oliveira: “I got a terrible start and was way back – it’s been a while since I’ve been that far back in a race here on the West Coast! The track today was high-speed, pretty nasty, and I knew I had a lot of work ahead of me. I charged as hard as I could and it was a tight finish, but we did what we needed to in the final round, and we’re stoked to bring home another WHS championship!”

Younger brother and FMF KTM Factory Racing teammate Mateo Oliveira finished the season in impressive fashion with an instrumental P2 result in class and third on the overall podium, which also secured him third position in the final WHS standings.

Mateo Oliveira: “That was a crazy race! The start was crucial and I was right there on the first lap, but then managed things from there to keep myself in a good position. I charged hard on those last few laps and knew that result for second was important, so I’m looking forward to next year now.”

FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers rider Gus Riordan made a guest appearance in the WHS finale and made a strong impression, winning the Pro 250 Class and claiming second position overall equipped with the KTM 250 XC-F. It was an exceptional way to end season 2024 for the versatile young Australian.

Gus Riordan: “My GNCC experience helped in the really tight, slick sections and it was a lot of fun today. I haven’t raced out here for some time, so to finish off the year in WHS and on the podium, we had a good time.”

Pro Class Results
1. Ricky Russell, Yamaha
2. Mateo Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
3. Giacomo Redondi, GASGAS
4. Dante Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing

Pro 250 Class Results
1. Gus Riordan, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
2. Layton Smail, Sherco
3. Samuel Pretscherer, Husqvarna

2025 ATV Motocross National Championship
Series Schedule Announced

MX Sports Pro Racing and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) are excited to announce the 2025 ATV Motocross National Championship Series (ATVMX), an AMA National Championship. This year the ATVMX Series will feature 10 rounds for the AMA Pro class and 8 rounds for the Pro-Am, Pro Sport, WMX and all other amateur competitors.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the season will open with an AMA Pro only race as they battle it out inside the World Center of Racing – Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. This event will continue to run in conjunction with the Ricky Carmichael Daytona Supercross and Daytona Vintage Supercross events. Four days later, the AMA Pro class will duke it out at a newly added venue in Fountain, Florida, for their second round of the season on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Decker Training Facility. The back-to-back Florida rounds will be a new and exciting start to the 2025 race season.

The ATVMX Series is also excited to add three AMA Pro Triple Crown races into the mix for 2025, as Decker Training Facility, Sunset Ridge MX and Briarcliff Motocross will each host a Triple Crown event this season. The Triple Crown events will feature a three-moto format for the AMA Pro class only, using the Olympic Scoring System (i.e., 1st place = 1 point; 2nd place = 2 points; etc.) for each moto. The rider with the Lowest Score (e.g., 1+1+1=3 if a rider wins all three motos) gets first place overall and the Finish Position points for first place (i.e., 25 points) for the race. The Triple Crown is also a championship within a championship, as the results from the three Triple Crown races at Decker Training Facility, Sunset Ridge MX and Briarcliff Motocross will be tallied to declare an official 2025 ATVMX Triple Crown Champion.

The 2025 schedule will fully kick off at Echeconnee MX in Lizella, Georgia on March 29 and 30, hosting round one for amateur, WMX, Pro Sport and Pro-Am classes and the third round of racing for the AMA Pro class. From there the series will head back to Lake Sugar Tree Motorsports in Axton, Virginia on April 26 and 27. Lake Sugar Tree is excited for the ATVMX Series to return to their facility, as they have not hosted them since the 2020 season.

The schedule will then feature some prominent rounds of racing at some of its most legendary venues, such as: Ironman Raceway, Sunset Ridge MX and Budds Creek Raceway. The Ironman ATVMX National is set to take place on May 10-11 in the MotoTown of Crawfordsville, Indiana.  Next on May 24-25 the series will head over to Walnut, Illinois for the Sunset Ridge ATVMX National where the second Triple Crown for the AMA Pro class will take place. Then, Budds Creek Raceway in Mechanicsville, Maryland will host the 5^th round of racing for amateurs (7th for AMA Pro) on June 21-22.

The series will head to a new venue for the Fourth of July holiday weekend as Tomahawk MX in Hedgesville, West Virginia will take place July 5-6. Tomahawk MX has been running top-notch motorcycle races for many years, and it will be a great fit for the ATVMX Series to make a stop there in 2025. Then for the penultimate round of racing, Pleasure Valley Raceway in Seward, Pennsylvania will host their round of racing on July 19-20. 

The 2025 Season Finale for the ATV Motocross Series will take place at Briarcliff Motocross in Nashport, Ohio, over the weekend of August 9-10. The finale will also host the third and final Triple Crown race for the AMA Pro athletes, which will mean the 2025 ATVMX Triple Crown Champion will be crowned in Ohio. More information will continue to be released closer to each event including special events and themes for the races.

The 2025 ATV Motocross National Championship schedule follows:

March	Tues 4	Rnd 1-PRO	Daytona ATV Supercross	Daytona Beach, FL
March	Sat 8	*Rnd 2-PRO	Decker Training Facility	Fountain, FL
March	29-30	Rnd 3	Echeconnee MX	Lizella, GA
April	26-27	Rnd 4	Lake Sugar Tree Motorsports	Axton, VA
May	10-11	Rnd 5	Ironman Raceway	Crawfordsville, IN
May	24-25	*Rnd 6	Sunset Ridge MX	Walnut, IL
June	21-22	Rnd 7	Budds Creek Motocross Park	Mechanicsville, MD
July	5-6	Rnd 8	Tomahawk MX	Hedgesville, WV
July	19-20	Rnd 9	Pleasure Valley Raceway	Seward, PA
August.	9-10	*Rnd 10	Briarcliff Motocross	Nashport, OH
* Triple Crown Rounds

For more information on the ATV Motocross National Championship, visit the series official website at www.atvmotocross.com or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the series social media channels, along with receiving the most up-to-date news and exclusive content.

• Facebook: @atvmotocross
• Instagram: @atvmotocross
• YouTube: @atvmotocross
• X: @atvmxdotcom

Dunlop’s New Eastern Road Race and Flat Track Tire Distributor

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is proud to announce SRX Racing Tires as their new Eastern Road Race and Flat Track Tire Distributor starting November 25, 2024.

Doing business east of the Mississippi, SRX will be the official Dunlop road race tire distributor supplying the record-breaking Sportmax Slick and Rain tires to club racers and track-day enthusiasts. SRX will also be supplying Dunlop’s popular DT4 flat track tires to amateur flat track racers and riders. To get in touch with SRX go to dunlopracing.com, email [email protected] or [email protected], or call (864) 266-3232.

“We are very excited to have SRX Racing Tires accept our offer to become our new Eastern Road Race and Flat Track tire distributor,” said Chad Geer, Director of Product, Marketing, and Motorsports for Dunlop Motorcycle Tires. “Sam and Rhonda are great people who have been with Dunlop at various levels and capacities over the years, so we are confident they have the knowledge, work ethic and commitment to build strong relationships with racers, race organizations, and track-day enthusiasts to promote the Dunlop brand and its superiority,”

“I have been in the motorcycle industry for over 30 years and during that time, I have always been with Dunlop. I started out with Dunlop when I was racing, sold Dunlop tires while I was one of their track-side vendors, and over the last few years I have been running the Dunlop tire service at MotoAmerica events. To now take on the role as Dunlop’s Eastern Race Tire Distributor, I am honored to have this opportunity and very proud and comfortable to promote a product and company I believe in,” stated Sam Hannon, Owner of SRX Racing Tires.

To inquire and purchase Dunlop Road Race and Flat Track tires, please visit www.dunlopracing.com.Additionally, Dunlop is accepting applications for trackside vendors in various regions across the country. If interested, please email Racers Edge Performance (Western region) at [email protected] and SRX Racing Tires (Eastern region) at [email protected].

About Dunlop Motorcycle TiresDunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in North America. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, and X for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.

MotoAmerica To Host Official Test At Podium Club In Arizona

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, has announced that it will hold an official preseason test at the Podium Club in Casa Grande, Arizona, February 22-23.

The two-day test will have sessions for four MotoAmerica classes – Superbike, Supersport, Twins Cup, and King Of The Baggers. Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup riders may also apply to attend if they have Superbike-level qualifying lap times. Each class will be allotted four 20- to 30-minute sessions per day.

“We’ve been eager to bring back a preseason test for some time now,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “The Podium Club is a relatively new circuit that several of our race teams have utilized over the past year. It offers the advantage of reliable weather conditions, which can be a challenge at other tracks that early in the season. We’re anticipating a strong turnout of teams and riders and are looking forward to a productive test.”

All participants must submit an entry to participate in the test, including those with season entries, and riders must be registered with MotoAmerica in order to apply.

The Podium Club features a 2.32-mile, 15-turn racetrack and is located a half a mile south of Interstate 8 and eight miles west of Interstate 10 in Case Grande, Arizona.

“We are thrilled to welcome MotoAmerica to the Podium Club for their official preseason test,” said Podium Club General Manager John Mabry. “The positive feedback we’ve received from riders and teams who have already tested here speaks to the quality of our track and our unwavering commitment to safety and performance. This opportunity reflects our dedication to advancing motorsports in Arizona and providing a professional and safe venue for top-level teams and organizations.”

For entry information, visit https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/dunlop-pre-season-test-podium-club-motoamerica-929167

2025 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship Area Qualifier and Regional Championship Dates Announced

MX Sports, producer of the 44th Annual Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship presented by AMSOIL, is excited to announce the 2025 Area Qualifiers and Regional Championships schedule. The qualifying program will start mid-February with Area Qualifiers followed by Regional Championships taking place in late May through the month of June. The National will be held Monday, July 28th through Saturday, August 2nd.

In 2025, the program will take place in over 35 different states throughout the country including South Dakota hosting its first-ever Area Qualifier event. Over 50 Area Qualifiers will take place in the Road to Loretta’s, where riders must finish in the top positions listed in the supplemental rules depending on their region. After qualifying through an area, riders will move onto the 13 Regional Championships that run through 8 regions in the United States.

“We are honored to launch the 2025 Area Qualifier and Regional Championship schedule,”said Tim Cotter, MX Sports Event Director. “The Road to Loretta’s includes stops at America’s premier motocross facilities. These ama organizers are very excited to host racers and families along their journey to Loretta’s. Through a collaboration with the AMA and MX Sports, we feel the schedule provides geographic coverage throughout America.”

Area Qualifiers remain as the steppingstone in the qualifying process for the world’s largest and most prestigious amateur motocross championship. The Regional Championships then serve as the next step to seed riders into the National Championship. Only riders who finish in a qualifying position at a Regional Championship are eligible to race during the National Championship starting on Monday, July 28th through Saturday, August 2nd.

“I could not be happier with this upcoming year’s Area Qualifier and Regional Championship schedule! Not only are we going back to some of the tried and true regulars, but I’m very excited about some of the new track that have made it this year,” said AMA Deputy Director of Racing and Motocross Manager, Mike Burkeen.

The 2025 lineup includes numerous Pro Motocross tracks that continue to be a crucial part of the Road to Loretta’s. With Area Qualifiers being held at Budds Creek Raceway and The Wick 338 in the Northeast and Thunder Valley MX Park in the South Central. Then in late May, Regional Championships will begin with Ironman Raceway hosting the Mid-East Amateur Regional Championship, and Hangtown MX hosting the Mid-West Youth/Amateur Regional Championship. Unadilla will host the Northeast Amateur Regional Championship, while Washougal hosts the Northwest Youth/Amateur Regional Championship and Fox Raceway will host a Youth/Amateur Regional Championship in the Southwest Region. These National tracks offer amateur racers a chance to race on the same track as the professionals in the Pro Motocross Championship circuit.

Over sixty different facilities and racetracks around America will host an event for racers and their families on their way to the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.
Photo: Align Media

The program will also return to other favorites such as Pleasure Valley in the Northeast, Echeconnee MX in the Southeast Region, Wildcat Creek MX in the Mid-East as well as Sunset Ridge in the North Central Region. Prairie City and Bunker Hill will host Northwest and Midwest one day Area Qualifiers, while Glen Helen Raceway will host Midwest and Southwest one day Area Qualifiers. Oatfield MX will host a one day Southwest Area Qualifier, Honolulu Hills Raceway will host a one day Midwest Area Qualifier and DT-1 MX Park will host a one day Northwest Area Qualifier.

Newly added to the Area Qualifier schedule for this upcoming year is The Shoals MX in Donalds, South Carolina who will be hosting a Southeast Area Qualifier along with JWTF MX in Maysville, North Carolina. Route 62 MX in Martinsburg, Ohio has been added to the schedule to host a Mid-East Area Qualifier, while Jackpine Gypsies in Sturgis, South Dakota will host its first-ever Area Qualifier in the Northwest Region. Returning to the schedule after many years is Cycle Ranch MX Park in Floresville, Texas with a South Central Area Qualifier.

“As a lifelong fan, student and supporter of motocross, I am so grateful to have the trust of MX Sports to promote an Area Qualifier at The Shoals MX in South Carolina. With my amazing crew, great track and assistance from Matt Walker and Ryan Sipes, I know everyone that comes out will leave with a smile on their face,” said Steward Baylor, Owner of The Shoals MX.

This year The Road to Loretta’s will host over 50 Area Qualifiers and 13 Regional Championships.
Photo: Align Media

The 44th Annual Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship will take place Monday, July 28th through Saturday, August 2nd at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, visit the series official website at www.mxsports.com or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the event’s social media channels, along with receiving the most up-to-date news and exclusive content.

• Facebook: @LorettaLynnMX
• Instagram: @LorettaLynnMX
• Youtube: @OfficialRacerTV
• X: @LorettaLynnMX

Tomac crowned 2024 WSX Champion, McElrath takes the SX2 title

Tomac claims maiden title

The CDR Yamaha Supported by Star Racing rider has been almost unbeatable in his first full season of World Supercross, and he made that abundantly clear from the very first event at the WSX Canadian GP in Vancouver.

Although it was outgoing champion Ken Roczen who took the first individual race win of the year, Tomac harried him all the way to the line and finished second on his first WSX appearance in two years.

From Race 2 at BC Place, Tomac went on a tear that saw him unbeaten for the next eight races in a row – including a stellar 1-1-1-1 clean sweep in Round 2 – that came to an end with a podium finish on day two of the Perth double-header.

Then came the 2024 WSX Abu Dhabi GP season finale, and even with a comfortable points lead to fall back on, Tomac didn’t let up. He won SuperPole at the start of the night, before going 3-2-2 in the GPs and taking a sensational SuperFinal victory, which was enough to secure the title at Etihad Arena.

WSX RESULTS: Abu Dhabi GP

Tomac has won races by over 20 seconds this season, and crossed the line first in 11 of the 16 individual WSX race starts. When you’re competing with the likes of Ken Roczen and Joey Savatgy, that’s really saying something. If any Tomac doubters remained, they have surely been silenced by his textbook, almost faultless 2024 campaign.

With his remarkable run at an end, Tomac was crowned the 2024 WSX Champion in Abu Dhabi ahead of outgoing champion Roczen and Savatgy, who, rather fittingly were two of the three men to deny Tomac victories this year.

McElrath returns to the top spot

In the 250cc class, it was 2022 SX2 champion Shane McElrath who reclaimed his crown. Like Tomac, McElrath was in fine form all season, with his imperious performances highlighting exactly why he was crowned champion the first time around.

As was the case in 450cc, the dominant force in 250cc got off to a shaky start, finishing seventh in the first Vancouver race. That would be the last time he finished outside the top three in 2024, though.

After topping the remaining three races and the overall event in Canada, McElrath streaked clear of the pack at Perth’s double-header by going 2-1-1 in the GPs on Saturday, 1-1-2 in the GPs on Sunday and winning both SuperFinals.

At the Abu Dhabi season finale, he’d go one better taking a clean sweep of GP wins and topping the SX2 class in the SuperFinal, refusing to succumb to any title pressures. McElrath signed off his season with the ultimate stamp of authority, ensuring there was no room for debate on who the rightful champion was.

SX2 RESULTS: Abu Dhabi GP

The Fire Power Honda rider may have claimed 13 of the 16 SX2 victories in 2024, but team-mate Cole Thompson and the Rick Ware Racing duo of Enzo Lopes and Coty Schock have given chase every step of the way. Schock snatched two wins from McElrath in Australia while Lopes and Thompson have been relentlessly consistent throughout the year.

After four rounds, 16 races and three continents, McElrath was named as the 2024 SX2 Champion, with Schock and Thompson taking the second and third spots in the standings separated by a solitary point.

STANDINGS: See how the points stacked up at the end of the 2024 season

WSX BREAKING NEW GROUND WITH HISTORIC BUENOS AIRES AND LONDON DEBUTS IN 2025

The FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) is set to make history in 2025, announcing Buenos Aires, Argentina, and London, UK as two host cities for next season’s calendar. Buenos Aires is set to become WSX’s first-ever Latin American stop, while it will also bring the championship to London for the first-time too.

These groundbreaking additions to the WSX calendar highlights SX Global’s commitment to expanding supercross to passionate motorsport fanbases worldwide.

Buenos Aires

Partnering with renowned motorsport promoter EDV Entertainment in Buenos Aires, WSX will bring its electrifying championship to the Argentine capital, further solidifying the country’s position as a hub for world-class motorsport. The highly anticipated event will take place at a new state-of-the-art stadium in central Buenos Aires, due to open next year.

Slated as one of the first stops on the 2025 season, the Buenos Aires event will unite the energy of the city with the adrenaline of supercross, marking a milestone for the sport’s global reach. EDV Entertainment, known for its success with FIM Sand Races World Cup and Endurocross events in Argentina, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and athletes alike.

London

In addition, WSX’s London debut will take place at the iconic London Stadium, highlighting the championship’s vision to grow in the UK, following successful events at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium (2022) and Birmingham’s Villa Park (2023). As the only international motocross and supercross event to take place in the UK next year, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for two-wheel, dirt-loving fans.

“Expanding WSX to new cities like Buenos Aires and London marks a defining moment for the championship. The world’s best supercross riders racing in these iconic cities reflects our commitment to growing the sport globally and delivering unforgettable experiences to fans everywhere. Bringing WSX to Latin America, with its vibrant culture and passionate supercross fanbase, has been a goal from the moment we took the reins of the championship earlier this year. London, with its world-class facilities and rich sporting legacy, is another perfect destination for WSX. We can’t wait to witness the incredible energy of fans in both cities and experience the electric atmosphere they’ll bring to the track.”

“It’s an honor to host Latin America’s first-ever WSX event here in Argentina. The passion of our fans is unparalleled, and we’re eager to deliver an unforgettable spectacle as the world’s best riders battle it out. WSX’s vision for supercross is bold and exciting, and we’re thrilled to be part of this historic moment.”

“We are delighted to announce the World Supercross Championship will be coming to London Stadium for the first time in October 2025. As one of the world’s leading multi-use venues, we take great pride in hosting an incredibly diverse range of events, from global sporting spectacles to unforgettable live entertainment. Supercross is more than just sport – it’s a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled show that combines world-class athleticism with spectacular entertainment. It will be one you won’t want to miss and reinforces our reputation as the ultimate destination for blockbuster events.”

Earlier today Eli Tomac, Shane McElrath, and Fire Power Honda emerged as champions in the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 FIM World Supercross Championship in Abu Dhabi. Tomac secured the WSX (450cc) title with consistent dominance, while McElrath swept the SX2 (250cc) races to claim his crown. Fire Power Honda also triumphed in the Team category, capping off a season filled with fierce battles and electrifying performances. Fans witnessed standout efforts from riders like Ken Roczen and Joey Savatgy, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 season ahead.

“It’s exciting to see World Supercross making its way to Argentina and return to the UK. Buenos Aires and London are both such vibrant cities, and hosting races there shows the championship’s dedication to bringing supercross to iconic locations around the world. Expanding to places like this is a big move for the sport and sets the stage for even more growth.”

“Heading to Buenos Aires and London for World Supercross is going to be an incredible experience. Latin America’s passion for motorsport is unmatched, and returning to the UK for an event is super exciting. It’s amazing to see the championship’s commitment to bringing supercross to exciting new destinations like this and highlights just how much WSX and our sport are growing. I can’t wait to feel the energy of the fans and be part of it.”

WSX is an elite international supercross competition featuring the world’s best riders battling across WSX (450cc) and SX2 (250cc) classes. SX Global, which secured exclusive organisational and commercial rights to the championship in 2022, enters its second season under the new management team in 2025, building on its track record of growth and delivering world-class events in 2024. The 2025 championship promises to be even bigger and better, with a line-up of new destinations hosting thrilling race action for some of the world’s most dirt-mad communities across the globe.

The full 2025 calendar will be unveiled early next year, showcasing a dynamic roster of destinations designed to further expand WSX’s global presence and bring the action closer to motorsport communities across the world.

Yamaha Welcomes Cody Webb to the bLU cRU

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) is excited to announce the addition of multi-time EnduroCross champion Cody Webb to the bLU cRU. The Californian has signed a multi-year deal with Yamaha Racing and looks to battle for top honors in 2025 in AMA EnduroCross, AMA Hard Enduro, and specialty events.

Living in prime conditions for training along the front range of Colorado, Webb is a championship-proven rider who brings with him a wealth of experience in the sport of hard enduro. In addition to three AMA Super Endurocross Championships (2014, 2015, 2017), he was crowned 2018 FIM Super-Enduro World Champion, 2010 National Mototrial Champion, 2017 AMA West ISDE champion, and is a 2017 ISDE Gold Medalist on a club team for USA. Webb is also a six-time Tennessee Knockout Champion, a six-time King of Motos Champion, a six-time X-Games medalist, and was the first and only American to podium Erzbergrodeo in 2016 and 2017.

Donnie Luce – Amateur MX/ ATV / Off-Road Coordinator for YMUS

“We are very excited to expand our off-road racing efforts in 2025 with the addition of Cody Webb to include EnduroCross and specialty events. He is a proven champion with an extensive background in these arenas and will be participating on multiple models in our off-road line-up which will make this year even more exciting for the bLU cRU.”

Cody Webb – CW2 Racing

“I’m really excited about this new endeavor with Yamaha. The sport of hard enduro has been growing quickly, and I feel honored to bring Yamaha into the series and back into EnduroCross. The level of professionalism in my short time so far with the bLU cRU can’t be matched. I can’t wait to see what ‘25 has in store for us.”

Kailub Russell Joins AmPro Yamaha Racing

AmPro Racing and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) are excited to announce a multi-year deal with Kailub Russell that will see the winningest rider on two wheels in the Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) return to racing the XC1 Championship full time in 2025. 

From 2013 until retiring in 2020, Russell reigned supreme with eight consecutive XC1 motorcycle titles and earned an unprecedented 67 overall victories. Reenergized from his time away from racing, the North Carolina rider is eager to return to action and begin a new relationship with AmPro Racing, Yamaha, and the bLU cRU. Russell will make his debut aboard the AmPro Yamaha Racing YZ450FX at the opening round of the 2025 season, where the series will kick off a historic 50th season of GNCC Racing.

Donnie Luce – Amateur MX/ ATV / Off-Road Coordinator for YMUS
“Winning Championships is not new to Kailub Russell, and we are very excited to assist him in adding to his already historic legacy in GNCC and off-road racing on the YZ450FX. Having an eight-time Champion join your team only further validates what Randy Hawkins and his entire AmPro Yamaha team have been building for over 25 years. We look forward to seeing him back in action and representing the bLU cRU in the premier class.”
 
Randy Hawkins – AmPro Yamaha Racing Team Owner
“When this opportunity came up, I was pretty excited. I’ve known Kailub since he was riding 85’s, and he’s always had such a passion for winning, and that hasn’t changed. So, having him come back from retirement and want to join the team and put his trust in our program is a big deal for us. I also think that it is good not only for the team and Yamaha to have Kailub back racing but also for the sport. We’re really excited for the upcoming GNCC season and to have both Kailub and Liam (Draper) for our 450 program. We are anticipating great things from both riders.”

Kailub Russell – AmPro Yamaha Racing 
“I’m very excited to come back to GNCC after four years of watching. I was at a point where I just needed a break from racing. I realize now that life goes by even faster away from racing, and I don’t want to miss out on being able to do what I love. 

“I’m very happy AmPro Yamaha is giving me the opportunity to come back. It’s exciting to see how stoked the whole team is to have me join, and I can’t wait to return to the races!”

Josh Strang to Race XC1 GNCC and Manage East Coast Off-Road Beta Team

The Liqui Moly Beta Race Team announces Josh Strang as the East Coast Off-Road Team Manager. Strang will manage the team’s day-to-day operations and also race in the XC1 class on a Beta Factory 480 RR. He is a long-time veteran of GNCC, closing in on two decades of racing in the series, and always a threat to win a race. In the XC1 class, Strang was the 2010 GNCC Champion, and in his years of GNCC racing, he has 87 podiums and 24 wins. Josh brings a wealth of experience to this role, as well as a relentless pursuit of excellence. With his ability to relate to racers and the challenges they face, Josh will be able to foster a culture of success at Beta Racing.

“I’m excited to join the Beta Off-Road Team as a racer and East Coast Manager. I have been looking for an opportunity to move into a position like this for some time and I believe I can learn and do a good job representing the Beta brand in our community. I’m also very excited to enter into my 19^th season of GNCC racing,” said Josh Strang.

“Beta USA is super happy to be working with Josh in 2025 as team manager for the East Coast Beta Racing Off-Road team! Josh brings a ton of high-level racing experience to our team. We can’t wait for the season to start,” said Beta Race Team Manager Carlen Gardner.

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