The team will field three time MX Nationals champion Dean Ferris in MX1, Jesse Dobson in MX2 and Blake Fox in MXD.
Ferris, who after stepping away from domestic racing in 2019, made a brief return to the MX Nationals with the KTM backed team, winning round four at Murray Bridge, before going on to chase his AMA Motocross aspirations. Ferris, who is now fully committed to racing in Australia for 2020 and beyond is excited to go racing and embrace this next stage of his career:
“I’m ecstatic with all of the opportunities I’ve been presented with to partner with the RecoveR8 KTM Thor team. After my stint in America, it made things clear for myself and my family that the MX Nationals is where I want to be long term. My relationship with RecoveR8, Raceline and KTM has grown tremendously since our debut last year and for everything to fall into place as it has is just amazing.” said Ferris.
To further the partnership further, Ferris will also have room to grow within the organisation, taking on the role as mentor to the younger riders within the team.
“I’m extremely excited that at 29 years, I have an opportunity not only to chase another Championship in MX1, but also continue to grow my skill set as a mentor to the next generation within the team”
Jesse Dobson has been signed to the team in the MX2 category, the young Queensland rider finding a second chance to resurrect his professional career after several years as a privateer.
“I’m extremely grateful and excited to have signed with the RecoveR8 KTM Thor team, powered by raceline Performance. It is refreshing to finally have the opportunity to drop down to MX2 and show my true potential riding a KTM 250SX-F. I have already learned so much working with everyone involved in the program and having access to Dean as a team mate and mentor is only going to further my knowledge as a racer. I’m excited to learn, grow and keep progressing with the team throughout the 2020 season. I know we can be competitive and my intention is to challenge for race wins and ultimately the Championship” , noted Dobson.
As a final addition to the team, Blake Fox has been drafted to the MXD category riding a KTM 250SX-F, after graduating from the KTM Junior Development Program throughout his career to date. Fox, who’s birthday is in March, had the opportunity to remain in the junior classes of racing for one more year, however he has chosen to graduate to the MXD class with the team.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity that both KTM and the RecoveR8 team have given me to graduate into the MXD class early and to stay with KTM after being a member of their Junior Development Program for so long, it feels like I’m staying at home with the family. Obviously I could have stayed down in juniors, but I want to be racing the best level of riders possible and progressing as a racer and athlete. Racing the MX Nationals and working with Dean Ferris and the entire team is only going to benefit my long term career goals. I can’t wait to go racing”.
Team owner John Tisdale has also expressed enthusiasm and excitement for this Raceline’s new era.
“It’s fantastic to still be involved with racing and working with Dean Ferris has helped reignite my passion for the team and the sport. We are delighted to again be representing KTM, Motorex and WP Suspension along with all of our long term partners. It’s an exciting time with our rider line up of Dean, Jesse and Blake, for me the MXD class is still hugely important within the sport and our organisation. Having Dean as mentor for our riders Jesse and Blake underlines our philosophy and helps us stay true to our roots of the team as a development platform for the next generation of talent in Australian Motocross and Supercross.”