KTM Extends De Coster’s Contract Through 2016

Red Bull KTM Factory Supercross/Motocross Team News

When Head of KTM Motorsport’s Pit Beirer approached Roger De Coster to manage the Red Bull Factory USA Team for 2011, he knew the Belgium’s experience would propel KTM to the top.

And the next year, this is exactly what happened in the AMA Supercross and Motocross championships. After Red Bull KTM recruited Ryan Dungey to the team in 2012, the Austrian-based manufacturer was rewarded its first-ever win in the 450 SX class at the season opener in Anaheim, Calif. They wrapped up a positive SX season, and came back to win the 2012 AMA Motocross title.

De Coster and Dungey were a former team in 2010 when both were on the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team. That year, under De Coster’s direction, Dungey became the first rider in history to win both the AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross Championship in his rookie year.

And following a year apart in 2011 (Dungey with Suzuki, De Coster with KTM), the two were reunited, and immediately showed the potential of the KTM SX-F 450.

Due to the talent of the five-time World Motocross Champion De Coster, KTM has extended his contract through 2016, though De Coster had a valid contract through the end of this year.

Pit Beirer (KTM Head of Motorsports) says: “Roger had a valid contract from KTM but it was the wish on both sides to extend it before it was due to secure stability in the coming years. The contracts with all other team members were also extended as well as new infrastructure, workshops and team truck.”

Roger De Coster (Red Bull KTM Factory Team Manager) says: “The job continues to be fun for me and to work with KTM is very refreshing. It’s easy to get things done, decisions are made quickly and I can have a lot of influence on the team and the bike. It is our goal to fight for the title in both Supercross and Motocross – ideally in the future also with two factory riders per class.”

About Roger De Coster (courtesy of Red Bull KTM)

The name Roger De Coster stands for the sport of Motocross and his nickname “The Man” is no coincidence. He made a huge influence with his smooth and controlled riding style and his dedication to very hard training at the height of his racing career. He established himself as one of the best motocross riders of all time with his five World Championship titles. De Coster went on to end his racing career in the Grand Prix of Luxemburg 1980 with his usual victory.

After this, De Coster spent a lot of time in the USA and proved to be just as successful as a team manager as he was in his active career. KTM is proud that a legend of the quality of Roger De Coster has become part of the KTM family.