Husqvarna Motorcycles announced today that their two Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 riders, Thomas Kjer-Olsen and Thomas Covington, have extended their contracts.
Thomas Covington is now signed until the end of 2018 when he’ll be getting close to ageing out. The American has gone from strength-to-strength since his switch from Kawasaki and this year has seen the 21-year-old Alabama-native take two moto wins from the first 12 rounds, including an overall victory in Mexico. He currently sits sixth in the points standings.
“I’m really excited to be staying with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team and Jacky Martens for another year,” said Covington in a press release. “Things have been going quite well for us and I believe there is a very strong connection with each member of our team.
“Together with my team-mate Thomas I think we will make a very strong team for the coming season. We’ve made some big improvements with the setup of the FC 250 recently and we will keep working on the small details. The results have started to show the hard work we’re all putting in and the goal is to keep that momentum going. If we keep doing what we do, trying to remain consistent, I believe there will be more race victories coming our way in the near future.”
Covington’s rookie team-mate, Thomas Kjer-Olsen, stands out as a possible future champion for the class. He is currently third in the MX2 series with two moto victories and an overall victory at Kegums.
At 20, he’s one year junior to Covington and has bagged himself a three-year deal with Husqvarna, taking him until (at least) the end of 2020.
“I’m over the moon to be continuing my career with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team,” Kjer-Olsen said. “I’ve been working really hard and the results we’ve been getting this year show we’re in a very good position. To remain with such a well-organised and professional team for another three ears, I strongly believe this will allow me to take my performances to an even higher level.
“I’ll continue doing my best for podium results and race victories this season and then the plan is to come back even stronger in 2018. Taking one step at a time my focus is to improve on my speed while staying as consistent as possible. If our goal for the current season has been the MX2 class podium, in 2018 I believe I could be a strong contender for the title.”
Jacky Martens – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager commented: “We’re extremely pleased that we will continue working with these two young and talented riders. Kjer-Olsen is unquestionably one of the biggest surprises of this season. As the reigning European Motocross Champion, it took him no time to show his speed in MX2. He’s been impressively fast since the first GP this season and we believe that he’s got much more to give in the future. This is our second year working together with Thomas Covington, who has also proved time and time again that he is a real professional. Going from strength-to-strength in the series, we strongly believe that he is more than capable to consistently battle for GP victories. With these two riders in our team for 2018, we strongly believe we will battle for the MX2 title next season.”
Diego Clement – Head of Husqvarna Motorsports said: “We’re delighted to be extending the contracts of both Kjer-Olsen and Covington. Despite their relatively young age, both riders have shown what they’re capable of and we’re happy they’ll continue racing with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team. Speaking for everyone involved, it is a real pleasure that we are extending our working relationship with these two riders. Kjer-Olsen has really impressed us all with his performance so far during his rookie season in MX2. Combining raw speed, consistency and a highly professional attitude, we believe he has a very strong future ahead of him. Working with Covington since 2016, we’ve seen what the American is capable of and look forward to further supporting his title aspirations.”
