Category: News & Blog

KAWASAKI CONFIRMS RYAN VILLOPOTO TO RACE MXGP IN 2015

Ten-time US champion Ryan Villopoto will contest the FIM MXGP World Championship for the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team in 2015, while Jordi Tixier will defend his MX2 world title in Green.

Having won the Monster Energy FIM Supercross world title for the last four years, 26 year old Villopoto, a loyal Kawasaki rider throughout his professional career, will take on the challenge of the world’s premier outdoor motocross series with the intention of bringing Kawasaki their first World Championship in the MXGP class; the worldwide series will host 18 rounds on four continents in 2015.

“I am ready for the next chapter in my career and to accomplish new goals,” said Villopoto. “I’ve never been one to look at the record books so when an opportunity like this comes around, to race against the best in the world and represent USA, I have to see it through. It will be a major change of pace and this will be the last chapter in my career win or lose, I am extremely excited about the opportunity and also to be joined by a former champion like Tyla (Rattray). He knows what is needed to succeed on the world championship stage and I know I can learn a lot from him.”

Racing alongside Villopoto for the Kawasaki Racing Team in the MXGP class will be Tyla Rattray; the 28 year old South African won the MX2 world title in 2008 and was a regular race winner during a highly successful career in the USA with Kawasaki.

For Kawasaki Motors Europe, Racing Manager Steve Guttridge commented: “Ryan Villopoto is a truly global motocross star; for fans around the world to see him race on their home tracks will indeed be a privilege. After such dominance in Supercross it is refreshing and characteristically brave to see Ryan take on the world’s best MXGP riders and set his sights on supremacy in this class as well.”

Team owner Thierry Chizat Suzzoni proudly added: “For 2015, we are very excited to welcome Ryan Villopoto and Tyla Rattray into the Kawasaki Racing Team. It’s a fantastic challenge for the team and we are aware that the 2015 championship organized by Youthsteam is going to be very demanding, but our team is very enthusiastic and has ended this season on a high at the Motocross of Nations so we are going to actively prepare with the goal of taking up this challenge. I would like to thank Kawasaki, Monster Energy and all our partners for helping us to make this project become a reality.”

So……..

I know it has been sometime since I updated you all on what I have been doing and such, so here it goes.  As you know,  I had knee surgery right after the final Supercross race in Las Vegas.  It turned out being a bit more than I bargained for and therefore recovery time was determined to be much longer.

It was tough when I was given the time frame (still waiting to get released) but it gave me some time to catch up with some ME time.  Hobby central lol:

Fishing……..

 

Crabbing in the PNW………..

 

INK…………

Just to name a few.  Ha.  That said, things are getting back on track and I have been putting in the miles on my trusty Specialized machines getting ready for this upcoming race season.  Injury’s are always tough, but its not how you go down, IT’S ALL ABOUT HOW YOU GET BACK UP!!

Big stuff is acomin’!!!!!!!

RV

Hey everyone,

I’m pretty excited on my third nomination for an espy! It’s amazing to be considered amongst such a talented group of world class athletes. I mean, we definitely put in the work but these guys kill it too!  But vote for me lol!!

That said,  sorry to have been outta the loop lately, but I have been doing some traveling to visit sponsors and such. Got to check out my first ever MotoGP in Catalunya which was crazy. I never knew how loud those bikes were or how fast they actually go. Amazing in person! I definitely recommend checking one out if you ever have the chance.  Also, got to go to an Mxgp in Germany which was cool as well. Those guys have a lot of talent and my hat goes off to them.

It’s been nice having sometime off so I can do these kinda of things for sponsors since the normal race schedule doesn’t allow the time. Other than that I am working on getting this knee back to 100% and looking forward to 2015. May see you guys at a few races for some pr and autograph sessions!

Till next time….  Oh yeah,  don’t forget to VOTE!!! Voting ends July 16th @ 9pm EST.

http://espn.go.com/espys/2014/

– RV

The SX season is over and it seems like Anaheim was just yesterday. It’s crazy how fast the year flys by.  Vegas can be unpredictable with the dirt and such but was good for me this year. Nice to put the finishing touch on after winning the championship last weekend.

That said,  the only problem with this success was the decision to have to put an end to it for the year. My knee has been a lingering problem and decision on what and how to handle it finally came to a dead end. It’s a catch 22, try to struggle through and hope we make it or get it fixed losing the ability to defend my title. All and all it came down to being healthy and able to preform at 100% so  the docs and I agreed to was time.

While it’s a huge bummer for me and my awesome Monster Energy Kawasaki team (not to mention all of my other killer sponsors) gotta do what you gotta do.

Best of luck to all the other riders in the 2014 MX season. Will have to make it out for a few to check out the competition!

Looking forward to a speedy recovery and 2015!!!