In May 2014, Husqvarna announced its official return to AMA Pro Racing with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team.
The team proved the brand’s competitive so far in Monster Energy Supercross, taking multiple podiums in the 450 class with rider Jason Anderson, and has shown impressive results in the 250 class with pilots Zach Bell, Martin Davalos and Zach Osborne.
And on Monday, Husqvarna – owned by Pierer Industrie AG, which is headed by Stefan Pierer, who owns 51 percent of KTM – announced it has signed a fifth rider – Christophe Pourcel.
The Frenchman will pilot a Husqvarna FC 450 in the premier class of the 2015 Lucas Oil Motocross Championship.
“We tested the bike last week and I had a good thing going with Bobby [Hewitt] and Robert Jonas. They made me feel very comfortable with the team. The test of the bike went very good. That is why we made the decision to go this way,” Pourcel says.
“They believe in me and that was a big part of my decision to join the team. The 450 has always suited me; I’ve been riding a 250 for a long time and I feel it’s best for me to go back to a 450 and compete. I look forward to the opportunity for a future with the team.”
Pourcel will ride under Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Team Manager, Bobby Hewitt, who has guided Anderson this year in 450SX.
“Knowing Christophe had multiple options from other teams for this year’s outdoor series but chose to sign with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing says a great deal about our program and the bike. I am very happy to have Christophe join the team and I look forward to the start of the Motocross Season,” Hewitt says.
While racing in Europe, Pourcel was noticed by Husqvarna’s Head of Motorsport, Robert Jonas: “I am very happy about our newest enhancement of the US factory racing program. Christophe, former MX2 world champion and two time 250SX champion, is known as a very talented rider who requires specific treatment but I believe that our team will be qualified to provide what’s needed to make him feel home in the team and well on the bike. He has a very smooth and technical riding style and good skills how to communicate what he is looking for on his bike setup. We made the deal maybe a little bit at short notice towards the beginning of the outdoor season but I am convinced that he will do very well.”
Rockstar Energy Marketing Director Mike Kelso also commented: “It’s going to be great to add Christophe Pourcel to our already strong lineup for outdoors. We expect some very positive results from him. We know the bike is good and he has had success in motocross in the US in the past. This is a strong acquisition for the team moving forward and we can’t wait to see what the future holds! Rockstar Energy Drink is very pleased with Bobby Hewitt’s effort to continue to build for success.”
“We are very excited at Rockstar Energy Drink to welcome Christophe Pourcel to the team. It’s great to be able to solidify our efforts with a 2nd 450 rider along with Jason Anderson, giving us a strong one, two punch. Pourcel’s riding style fits a 450 very well and we are anxious to see what he can do with a full outdoor motocross season on the bigger bike. Christophe has always wanted a shot on the 450 but it had to be the right fit. I believe that Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is what he has been looking for,” Rockstar Energy Motocross Manager, James Hanson, says.
Husky reports that since the establishment of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Husqvarna Motorcycles has celebrated success in many major national series, but the brand’s return to AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross remains a major initiative of the company on a global scale.
“We are excited to expand our racing efforts and continue to build our partnership with Rockstar Energy by deciding to bring on Pourcel as an addition to the team. We have seen already a great first season of Supercross and are anxious to return this iconic brand to AMA Pro Motocross Racing with such a solid team,” said Husqvarna Motorcycles North America President, Jon-Erik Burleson.
