The following KTM press release reports that Grant Langston has signed a contract to continue riding KTMs for two more years. With Langston’s current contract up this year, many had expected him to be poached away with a higher-paying contract from one of the “Big Four”. Retaining the talented South African is important for KTM, who needs a strong rider to spearhead their 250 class effort next year.
KTM Sportmotorcycle USA, Inc. proudly announces a two-year contract with Red Bull/KTM rider Grant Langston for the 2003 and 2004 racing seasons.
Langston, who has been a KTM rider for the past four years, and is considered a serious contender in the 2002 125cc National Motocross Championship, has just signed a two-year agreement to race for the Red Bull/KTM Racing Team. Langston will continue to campaign in the 125cc Nationals for the remainder of 2002, but will move up to the 250cc class for the 2003 season as part of the Red Bull/KTM Racing Team’s entry into the 250cc Supercross and Motocross Series.
Red Bull/KTM Racing has successfully fielded a 125cc team in the AMA Supercross and Motocross Championship Series for the past two seasons. Beginning in 2003, in conjunction with the release of KTM’s all new 250cc motocross bike, the Red Bull/KTM Racing will also field two riders in the 250cc National Supercross, 250cc National Motocross, and 250cc World Supercross Series.
“Grant Langston is going to lead the Red Bull/KTM Racing Team into the premier 250cc class,” said Team Manager, Ron Heben. “We’ll have two riders in the 250cc class starting in 2003, and we expect Grant to be very strong on a 250. The second rider on the 250cc squad is yet to be determined.”
In an era where contract decisions are often based strictly on dollar value, Langston chose to stay with KTM for many reasons.
“I’ve had a great working relationship with KTM for four years now,” said Langston. “KTM is a fiercely dedicated manufacturer, and where a rider used to only dream about riding for one of the ‘big four,’ they can now dream about a contract with the big five because KTM is serious about winning at Supercross and Motocross in the U.S.
I had good offers from other manufacturers, but decided to stay and keep growing with KTM.”
Grant Langston is a former 125cc FIM World Champion. He has won several 125cc Motocross Nationals, is a top 125cc Supercross contender, and finished second in the 2001 125cc National Motocross Championship aboard a Red Bull/KTM Racing Team 125 SX.
