Jesse Dobson will step up to race MX1 class for the KTM factory in the supercross nationals in Australia this season.

KTM Australia has announced that the Sunshine Coast youngster will accompany national MX1 motocross runner-up Kirk Gibbs in the up-coming Australian Supercross championships.

Dobson raced to 11th overall in the MX1 category of this year’s MX nationals, has taken delivery of his new KTM 450 SX-F team bike and will work this week to get a feel for the extra power and superior suspension performance of the factory bike.

The 17-year-old Dobson spent a number of years aboard KTM machinery during his junior career, which culminated in an under-15 Australian championship.

He was one of the top-ranked MX Development (under-19) class competitors in 2013 despite being one of the youngest competitors, before fast-tracking straight to MX1 this year.

“It’s a big plus for us that Jesse has competed all year long on the KTM 450 SX-F, so he won’t be intimidated by the power or take a lot of time to get used to it,”said KTM team manager Rob Twyerould.

“Once Jesse has had some time on the bike we’ll go up and test with him. Realistically we’ll have three weeks to get prepared, but I think he’ll have a real good crack at it. The boys have got a set-up they think will go quite well for him.

“I think he will have a lot of potential, the biggest thing is that he is so young. He rode all year in the top class and had a pretty solid championship where he was quite consistent and didn’t hurt himself, so obviously he’s got his head around it. Also his family are real enthusiasts and just a pleasure to deal with which makes it that much easier.

“Having two riders on board will be real great for everyone in the team and we’re all looking forward to it.”

Dobson was excited by the elevation to full factory status.

“Robbie T gave me a call the other day, and I really couldn’t believe it. To have someone who is as big a figure as Rob take notice of me is unbelievable really. It’s a huge opportunity for me.

“At supercross, top-10 is good, but I really think that I may be a 5th to 7th rider. I mean, I’m training to win, but you’ve got to keep achievable goals too, and I think that would be a good result for somebody my age.

“I’ve ridden with Kirk a few times at the practice tracks at Coolum and I get on well with him. He is a cool dude, and to work with someone of his experience and Rob’s in the same truck is going to be massive.”

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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