The Hitachi KTM UK ASA Scaffolding motocross team will field three youth riders in 2018; Conor Mullan, Cain McElveen and Ryan Mawhinney.
Founded in 2005 by Roger Magee, the outfit is the most successful in the adult British series and has won an incredible 11 titles between 2008 and 2017 – all on KTM machinery. For 2018, they have reigning Maxxis British Motocross MX1 champion, Graeme Irwin, looking to retain his No.1 plate and also make a big impact in MXGPs, backed up by Conrad Mewse ready to show his potential on the KTM 250 SX-F in the MX2 class, both in Grand Prix and in the British championship.
But the underlining ethos of the Team has always been to work with younger riders from the UK and Ireland to assist their development and maximise their potential to see them reach the very top level in motocross. For the 2018 season, the Team is placing even more focus on the youth classes to support future talent.
As a Hitachi KTM UK Team rider in 2017, Conor Mullan 15 from Kilmore, Co Down, won the 125cc Ulster Schoolboy Motocross Championship and the 125cc Irish Motocross Championship in his first year on this size of machine. The #66 rider will once again use the KTM 125 SX to help retain these titles while also compete in selected events in the UK during 2018.
Joining Conor this season are two other 15-year olds, Cain McElveen (#46) from Hamiltonsbawn, Co Armagh and Ryan Mawhinney from Dundonald, Co Down (#15), who will both ride the new KTM 85 SX Big Wheel and compete in the British Youth Motocross (BYMX) 85cc class and Dutch Masters events in the Netherlands, as well as selected rounds of the Ulster and Irish Championships.
Adding to the full support package, all three Hitachi KTM UK ASA Scaffolding junior riders will receive backing from the Team’s sponsors and will use Troy Lee race kit and Alpinestars boots – the same as the GP riders Mewse and Irwin.
Roger Magee (Team Owner & Manager) – “The strong relationship with KTM UK runs even deeper in 2018, with further backing from the manufacturer and ourselves to improve the Team’s commitment to young rider development. Supporting young talent has always been an aligned focus between the Team and KTM UK, demonstrated by this year’s continued for Conor given his success in 2017 by winning both 125cc Championships in Ireland & Ulster, and additional support for Cain & Ryan in the 85cc class.
Photo Credit: Ray Archer
