Husqvarna Supercross / Motocross Team
On the eve of the 2014 Glen Helen National, Husqvarna USA made a shocking announcement that startled the fans, press, and riders alike. Husky announced it would field a full-factory race team in the 2015 AMA Supercross and Motocross championships.
Attendants at the Husqvarna Press Conference, which was held at the company’s North American headquarters in Murrieta, Cali., were given the opportunity to explore the facility. Inside was plethora of historic Husqvarna vintage bikes, the Enduro team race shop, and other old time Husqvarna relics from the past.
The press conference began with Husqvarna North America President, Jon-Erik Burleson, giving a speech on how the team is excited to be involved with a company with a rich history and focus on developing the world’s best motorcycles.
Moments later, he announced that Husqvarna, owned KTM’s parent company Pierer Industrie AG, would be fleeting a full factory race team to contest in the 2015 AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross series.
Shortly after, recently crowned 250 West Region Supercross Champion, Jason Anderson was introduced riding a Husqarna FC 450 along with the rest of the Rockstar Energy Racing staff following closely behind.
Burleson went on to explain that the Factory Husqvarna racing efforts were being placed in the hands of Bobby Hewitt and Dave Gowland. Each of whom had previously operated and managed the Rockstar Energy/KTM team.
The switch to Husqvarna marked the third brand change in only three years for the Rockstar Energy Racing team, who had previously switched from Suzuki to KTM. Their partnership with Husqvarna has given them the opportunity to expand from a private racing team into a full factory effort.
As of the press conference, Anderson is the first and only rider signed to the team. He will be making his debut on the Husqvarna FC 450 in the Swedish Supercross round in October of this year.
Husqvarna may have faded away and been forgotten in its 14-year hiatus from Supercross. However, it has undoubtedly returned with a vengeance by partnering with Rockstar Energy Racing and 450 class rookie, Jason Anderson.
