So massive changes it seems in team orange as Roger DeCoster, the legendary rider and team manager has been promoted even higher in the company and has signed a multi year deal to stay with the brand. The Belgian will now become the Motorsport Director KTM/Husqvarna North America but will still retain a senior and strategic position with both KTM and Husqvarna's American racing teams for both Supercross and Motocross.
His right hand man, Ian Harrison has been at his side since 2011 and is also part of the reason DeCosters time at KTM has been so successful. It seems that KTM have spotted the dynamic between the two men and he has also signed a new contract to fill the Red Bull KTM Team Manager role left by DeCoster.
Red Bull KTM are expected to be announcing the arrival of Cooper Web from Monster Energy Yamaha some time this week but as of now it has not been made public. Web has had a rough start to his 450 career but it seems KTM are willing to put some trust in the rider and with Aldon Baker taking care of the training schedule at the Bakers Factory i think we will see a different Webb in the coming years.
Roger De Coster
Motorsport Director KTM/Husqvarna North America
"I can still remember now when people said I was crazy to join KTM. It has almost been ten years but it shows that when a company is as serious and dedicated about their racing as the KTM Group are then many things are possible. I'm happy to again sign with them and to continue working with them to extend my long story in this sport. We have achieved a lot together and I don't feel that the ‘fire' is dimming or my motivation to keep this team and factory at the top of the sport is any less as the first day I wore the orange shirt. I'd like to thank Mr. Pierer, Pit and all the guys who work so hard to allow us to be where we want to be."
Ian Harrison
Red Bull KTM Team Manager
"Time has passed so quickly and it feels like we have done so much since we started to look at how and where we could be better back in 2011. I don't think we could have imagined all the trophies and red plates we've collected, even if the ambition to do so was very strong then and has not faded in all this time. We went through the Dungey era and have seen the development of Marvin to a bona fide Supercross title contender. We're not stopping and it's exciting to think about where we can go next."
Robert Jonas
Vice President KTM Offroad
"Having Roger and Ian as the solid backbone of our Supercross and motocross division in the United States has paid back so much to the company. Believing and backing those guys the best way we can has allowed for some superb success in some of the biggest and most competitive motorcycle racing series'. Keeping them as part of the family and depending on their experience and wisdom was very important to us, so I'm really pleased to be talking about this new contract. I want to congratulate Ian, he is now leading the Red Bull KTM team and this is the least he deserves after so much work and dedication over the years. We will continue to plan and, hopefully, continue to reach our goals on American soil."
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