Phoenix Tools MX joins Kawasaki and Team Green for 2019

Phoenix Tools MX team will join Kawasaki for the 2019 season, with Team Green welcoming aboard Gert Krestinov, Carlton Husband and Ciara Robertson.

After successfully running Honda machinery for a number of years, the team will switch to the green machines with Krestinov campaigning on the all-new KX450 in MX1. Husband is switching to MX2 on the KX250F, while Robertson will race in the Women’s British Championship on the 250cc machine.

Kawasaki will be looking to build on the success they have already enjoyed in British motocross racing, most recently with Tommy Searle winning the British MX1 title in 2016.

Husband has shown great progress in recent seasons and can now be seen consistently finishing in the top 10 – he currently tops the British Expert MX1 standings. “The move to Kawasaki is a step forward for the Phoneix Tools Apico Team,” said Husband in a press release. “I’m fortunate enough to have already had the chance to try out the new 2019 450, thanks to Kawasaki.

“Although I loved the new KX450, I will be competing on the KX250F in the MX2 class next year as this suits my style the best. With a great team and the support of Kawasaki, I’m looking forward to a successful year.”

Krestinov has previously raced Kawasaki, back in 2014, so will be very familiar with his new ride. He ended the 2017 MX1 British championship in second place and is looking to come back stronger than ever in 2019 after a mid-season shoulder injury. The Estonian currently holds eighth-place in the MX1 championship.

“I’m very excited to start using Kawasaki machinery,” said Krestinov. “I’m sure that the new 450 is a really good bike, I’ve only heard good things about it and really looking forward to riding one soon. I will do my best to put Phoenix Tools Apico Kawasaki on top of the results list.”

Four-time British Women’s Champion Ciara Robertson has already made a big impression despite her young age and she will look to claim another title on green. “I am very much looking forward to being on a Kawasaki 250 next year under the Phoenix Tools Apico team,” said Robertson. “I’ve never ridden anything other than a KTM, so I’m excited to see the comparison between them. The 2019 Kawasaki’s look as though they handle really well and I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. Hopefully I’ll be able to get some consistent races in on the new bike and get the results I want in 2019.”

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Ross Burridge, Senior Racing and Marketing Co-ordinator: “I am pleased to welcome the experienced outfit to Kawasaki and Team Green. Barry runs a tight-knit and professionally turned out team and with two strong riders on board, I am hoping for some excellent results from the outset.

“We have worked with Gert before and I am excited to see how he will adapt to the all-new KX450. We also welcome Carlton to Kawasaki for the first time. We are already looking forward to Round 1 of next year’s season.”

Barry Moore, Team Manger: “For me this is the start of a new and exciting chapter for Phoenix Tools Apico MX team. I have had some great times on Honda and thank them for there support over the years.

“Now we’re moving over to the all-new Kawasaki KX450 and I couldn’t be more excited for the 2019 season to start, we were kindly invited to test out the bike recently and were blown away by all aspects of the bike, power delivery was smooth but powerful, very progressive brakes, suspension and handling was also fantastic, for a 450 the bike feels so light and slim to ride. We can’t wait to start our winter riding and testing to really appreciate how good this bike is. We look forward to the start of many successful years with Kawasaki.”

Phoenix Tools Apico MX will compete in the 2019 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship, Michelin MX Nationals and select FIM Motocross World Championship rounds.