Stateside for Searle
By TMX Archives on 30th Jan 08
TOMMY Searle has fulfiled his promise to head stateside at the end of the season already by signing a two-year contract with KTM North America for the 2009/10 seasons.
The 19-year-old has turned heads since his first appearance on the international stage and in 2007 alone he earned 12 podium finishes including three race wins in MX2 GP's, notching up second place in the championship behind Tony Cairoli. Accordingly, the FIM recently honoured him with the Jan de Groot Award for most promising young talent.
Searle's career with KTM began at the end of 2006 when he signed on to contest the 2007/ 2008 Grand Prix Series as part of the well-recognised KTM factory team, and with his first US experience at the '07 MXdN behind him, Searle is excited to see what else America can offer.
KTM Off-Road Racing Director, Pit Beirer recognised Searle's talent in 2006 after amazing performances put him up front all season. He noted, ‘‘His riding and rate of progression make him an excellent member of our MX2 team and we are now excited for his future achievements in the US.''
KTM North America's Director of Racing, Kurt Nicoll, stated, ‘‘Tommy has the ability to be a champion. He is a hard worker and I have no doubt with the right team behind him he will be a front runner on the US racing circuit.''
Searle is currently in California for pre-season training and preliminary testing with his future team but will return to Europe for the Matova Starcross later this month, as well as the Hawkstone International.