According to a KTM press release received today, the KTM/Red Bull racing team is set for 2002. Along with the return of riders Grant Langston and Brock Sellards, KTM has signed 18-year old youngsters Billy Laninovich and Steve Boniface.
Laninovich is considered by many industry insiders to be a potential star in the pro ranks. Laninovich has already shown that he can match the pace of the fastest pros outdoors in the off-season (with the exception of the top two or three guys). Laninovich was rumored to be negotiating with at least two other teams, including, particularly, Suzuki.
KTM has really stepped up it’s US motocross effort in the 125cc class, and Grant Langston has won both indoors and outdoors this year in convincing fashion aboard his KTM 125SX. Although we know less about Boniface, the signing of Laninovich indicates KTM intends to stay at or near the top of the 125 ranks next year.
Langston and Laninovich will ride the West Coast Supercross series, while Sellards and Boniface will campaign the East Coast series. Apparently, all four riders will race in the AMA 125cc Outdoor National Motocross series.
