9x World Champion Cairoli to Make Pro Motocross Debut

Thursday, April 21, 2022 | 3:00 PM

Nine-times FIM World Champion and MXGP legend Tony Cairoli will line-up for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing on the 450 Class gate for the opening rounds of the 2022 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in California this May and June.

The Italian will fulfill a small ‘bucket list’ wish by turning his attention to the high-profile American national series and is initially set for appearances at the Fox Raceway National, in Pala, and the Hangtown Motocross Classic, in Sacramento, on May 28 and June 4, respectively. The 36 year old stepped away from full time grand prix racing at the end of 2021 after a glittering career in which he became the second-most-successful athlete in the history of the sport.

Already one of the most decorated racers in the history of motocross racing, Antonio Cairoli will make his anticipated Pro Motocross debut to open the 2022 season.
Already one of the most decorated racers in the history of motocross racing, Antonio Cairoli will make his anticipated Pro Motocross debut to open the 2022 season. KTM

Cairoli will feel the heat of competition again with his #222 KTM 450 SX-F; he used a previous edition of the motorcycle to claim the 2017 MXGP World Championship. He also accumulated six titles with the KTM 350 SX-F and earned the remarkable distinction of winning at least one grand prix every season during an era-defining 17 years at the highest level of MXGP and MX2.

Tony Cairoli: “It’s exciting to finally confirm that I will be racing in the (United States). To ride and race in America is something I always wanted to try. I like the look of the tracks. For me there is no pressure to perform and I’m not going there with the same preparation as I would have had for a world championship, but I’m taking it seriously and would be looking for good results. I know this will generate some interest and it will be great to travel, see some friends and enjoy my time.”

The KTM 450 SX-F will be the weapon of choice for Cairoli in his return to racing.
The KTM 450 SX-F will be the weapon of choice for Cairoli in his return to racing. KTM

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director: “It’s a big pleasure for us to finally reach the stage where Tony is able to race again and to attempt one of his ambitions. Our Red Bull KTM structure means we can be fully ready for him in the U.S. and can give him all our support. Tony is an icon and still an important part of our racing program and it feels like this is the least we can do to pay back all the wins, the titles and the stories he has made with us for over 10 years. I think it will also be cool for the American motocross fans to see some of the special talent that made Tony one of the best riders in world championship history.”

Ian Harrison, North America Red Bull KTM Team Manager: “We couldn’t be prouder of having a rider and a person like Tony in our awning. He’s a true legend of the sport and one of the best riders of the modern era. His achievements are matched only by the impact he has had around the world. We know he’s been preparing to race out here, and we’ve also been readying everything to give him the best amount of support. As we saw right up until the end of 2021 MXGP he is still extremely competitive, so I think that will be exciting for the fans in the U.S. to watch him in action.”