Dylan Walsh confirmed for REVO Husqvarna and MX2 switch

As Dirt Bike Rider predicted in September, Husqvarna Motorcycles has now confirmed the signing of Dylan Walsh to the REVO Husqvarna squad for 2019.

Walsh moves up from EMX250 and will take on MX2 in the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship and ACU British Motocross Championship on the new FC 250 Husky.

“I am really happy to be signing my deal with the Revo Husqvarna Motocross team to be racing in the MX2 world championship and the British championship,” said Walsh on Husqvarna’s website.

Previous to signing with REVO Husqvarna Walsh raced for Diga Procross Husqvarna, which should help him settle quickly on the bike, as will apparently working with a British team. “REVO is an awesome setup and it is great to be on a team that speaks English again,” he said.

With two moto wins during the 2018 EMX250 series – the same number as new team-mate Mel Pocock – the talented New Zealander had a great year in Europe competing against some very experienced riders, finishing in sixth place – behind two Brits, Steven Clarke and outgoing Martin Barr – and now Walsh is looking forward to stepping up. “I’m happy to be making the step up to MX2 as I think the weekend programme works a lot better and the competition will really push me,” he explained. “Travelling the world to race motocross is a dream and it’s awesome that I’m getting the opportunity to do it. It will be a bit of a learning curve for me, but after two years in EMX250, I feel I’m ready for it.”

With Walsh going on record as saying that a certain British track in Winchester is his favourite circuit it won’t be long before Walsh gets on the gate at Matterley Basin with the British Grand Prix set for March 24 – the first European stop for the World Championship.

Walsh is also looking forward to racing in the British championship. “The Maxxis British Motocross Championship is also a series I’ve always wanted to race in. I was originally born in England and my Dad raced at some of the tracks I’ll be racing at, so that will be cool to experience.

“I have been on a Husqvarna FC 250 through 2018 and I have got on really well with it and I have seen first-hand that the REVO bikes are strong and highly competitive, so now I just can’t wait to get started, said the 20-year-old”

It has also been confirmed that Pocock will compete in EMX250 for a further year with the REVO squad.

Both riders will race the MX2 class of the Maxxis and Walsh will get his team debut with a wildcard ride at the final round at Lyng on October 14.

“2019 for us will be phase three of our three-year plan,” said team boss, Mark Yates. “For us this stage was always to go back into Grand Prix, building upon the work of the previous two years.

“We are super pleased to have secured the services of Dylan Walsh to take him into his first full season. We have the ingredients as a team, and he has the ability on a bike, for us to be able to work together to try and produce some solid top 10 results – if not better!

“When we started in the EMX250 series this year, it was hinted that we were too ambitious in our goals. But we’ve shown throughout the year that with good bikes and good riders that we have as good a chance as any of winning a European or British championship. The field is more open next year with riders moving up and moving round and there are still a number of solid up-front riders, but we have a great opportunity to be up on the podium!”