KTM UK and the irrepressible Martin Barr will once again join forces for a two-pronged assault in 2020; first on the Pro Lites class of the Arenacross series and then on the ACU British Motocross Championship. The hugely experienced and universally popular Northern Irishman will straddle a KTM for the first time in five years, having spent much of his 27-year career on Austrian machinery. Barr has ridden the last four seasons on MX2 machinery, and will transition easily to the KTM 250 SX-F for his Arenacross attack, before switching to the KTM 450 SX-F for the challenge on the MX1 British Motocross Championship crown.
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Barr has established his own BRT KTM team to run his efforts, using his extensive experience to focus on all of the important elements of a team, bike preparation and rider development. This isn’t the first time that Barr has run his own KTM team, having done so between 2013 and 2015. The evergreen MXON competitor – Barr has ridden for Team Ireland for the last 15 years – will face a very competitive field of Pro Lite and MX1 rivals, but his consistency and regular podium appearances throughout 2019 means that he will start among the favourites ahead of the 2020 season.
Barr’s competitive KTM return will be in Belfast on the 17th and 18th of January, while the British Motocross Championship begins at Little Silver in Devon on 15th of March.
Martin Barr, BRT KTM: “I’m really excited about running my own team, BRT KTM, in 2020. For the British Motocross Championship I’m moving up to the MX1 class where the KTM 450 SX-F has proven to be race winner straight out of the box. This gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the first races and I can’t wait to start my season prep. I’m very grateful for this opportunity from KTM UK to become an official team for the coming season, along with my good friend and personal sponsor Neil from N.H Trade Frames for helping to make this happen. It’s going to be a busy season but one I can’t wait to get started with a few more announcements in the coming weeks.”
Matt Walker, KTM UK Managing Director: “It’s great to welcome Martin back to the Orange fold. He is a great ambassador for the sport. The passion and drive he exudes means he’ll fit back in with KTM perfectly. An Arenacross campaign will start his season off on the right foot and ensure he’s sharp for the start of the outdoor season. 2020 is going to be very competitive, but this will only fire Martin up more and we wish him the best of luck throughout the season.”
