Two-time FIM World Supercross vice champion, Joey Savatgy, will join Fire Power Honda for the upcoming WSX season, with only two full-time 450cc riders left to be confirmed for 2024. Words: WSX
Savatgy, who hails from Thomasville, Georgia, has been a constant participant in WSX since the championship’s inaugural 2022 season, and with two GP wins in Melbourne and Abu Dhabi, is one of the series’ most decorated riders.
His arrival at Fire Power Honda comes at a critical time after the American recently confirmed that he would part ways with Triumph Racing after representing the British brand in the AMA Motocross 250 Championship throughout 2024.
With Fire Power Honda, Savatgy will partner Dean Wilson, with the duo joining forces to form one of the strongest rider lineups on the 2024 WSX grid as the outfit aims for back-to-back Teams’ Championship titles.
After coming close to clinching the World Championship title in 2022 and 2023, Savatgy is hoping to take the fight to reigning two-time champion, Ken Roczen, in 2024, while going up against familiar proven opponents including Wilson, Vince Friese, and Eli Tomac.
Joey Savatgy, Two-Time FIM World Supercross Vice Champion & WSX Rider, Fire Power Honda, said: “To get the call from this team was exactly what I needed. I wanted to race a 450, but unfortunately, the team I was with didn’t have one. This team has proven themselves in the 450 class – [Justin] Brayton’s been on the podium in the US, Kenny [Roczen] won in Paris and the WSX, Dean [Wilson] achieved top 10, and they’ve even had some strong outdoor finishes. I’ve known Martin [Davalos] and Yarrive [Konsky] for a long time; I raced in Australia over 15 years ago as a junior against Yarrive’s team, and I’ve also competed against the team in WSX and AMA SX.
“I know I’m joining a solid team. Plus, the Honda is a proven race bike, which gave me extra confidence. I want to race against the best and compete for the world title, but I have to be mindful of my limited time on the 450. I’m glad the gap between rounds one and two is about a month apart; it gives me plenty of time to get stronger and more comfortable. The series requires consistency, so my goal for round one is to finish on the podium and build from there.”
Savatgy’s season will start on 26 October at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, for the WSX Canadian GP. The series will then head to HBF Park in Perth for its first-ever double header event – the WSX Australian GP – on 23-24 November. The season will then come to a close in Abu Dhabi on 4 December when WSX races at Etihad Arena where two World Champions will be crowned.
Yarrive Konsky, Team Principal, Fire Power Honda:
“Joey is a world-class rider who has consistently proven himself as one of the top Supercross athletes in the sport today. In both 2022 and 2023, he raced hard and challenged Ken [Roczen], and I know he’s determined to claim the WSX title that has slipped through his fingers – twice. He’s now with a team that has secured two world championships, and we’re fully committed to supporting him in achieving our shared goals. In the short time he’s been with Fire Power Honda, his attitude and work ethic have impressed everyone. With Joey and Dean [Wilson] on board, I believe we’re set for another fantastic season.”
Martin Davalos, Team Manager, Fire Power Honda:
“Joey’s a talented rider. I’ve seen him develop throughout most of his career at MTF, and I know what he’s capable of when he’s comfortable. Our goal is to build with him week by week. We know our bike is a race winner, and we’ll be patient as Joey builds.”
Image: WSX
