Ducati UK confirms Arenacross line-up
By Team TMX on 4th Nov 26
Ducati UK has confirmed Joe Clayton and Raife Broadley as its rider line-up for the 2027 Arenacross British Championship, with Stolen Brand Muc-Off Ducati Racing preparing to make its debut in the series.
Led by Stolen Brand founder Anthony Revell, the new operation will contest all six rounds across Birmingham, Belfast and Aberdeen next February, with Clayton aboard the Desmo450 MX and Broadley campaigning the Desmo250 MX.
The pairing brings together two British riders at very different stages of their careers, combining Clayton's considerable indoor racing experience with Broadley's progression through the Arenacross ranks as Ducati looks to support homegrown talent.
For Clayton, the move represents an opportunity to put several injury-disrupted seasons behind him and re-establish himself among the championship's leading competitors.
A familiar name to Arenacross fans, the Devon rider claimed the Pro Lites titles in 2016 and 2018 before establishing himself in the Pro class and taking his indoor racing ambitions overseas. In 2022, Clayton contested the AMA Supercross 250 East Coast Championship in the States, gaining valuable experience against some of the world's leading indoor racers.
His career has subsequently been interrupted by a succession of serious injuries, including fractures to both heels in 2023 and both lower legs in 2024. Despite those setbacks, Clayton returned to Arenacross competition in 2025 and has remained involved in the sport through coaching and supporting developing riders.
Now with Ducati UK behind him, the former champion will be looking to get back to fighting at the front.
Broadley, meanwhile, arrives in the Pro class as one of Arenacross's promising young talents. The Kent rider secured the 2025 Arenacross Pro Am British Championship, winning the final round in Manchester and finishing four points ahead of Louis Brookes in the overall standings.
Having already demonstrated his speed and racecraft on the tight indoor circuits, Broadley now faces the challenge of stepping up against established Pro riders for the first time.
For team principal Revell, the combination offers an exciting mix of experience and potential.
"From the start, I wanted this team to be about giving talented British riders a proper opportunity, and I think we've got a really exciting pairing in Joe and Raife,” said Revell.
“Joe's got serious Arenacross experience. He's won championships, he's raced Supercross in America and we know what he's capable of when he's fit and confident. He's had a horrible run with injuries, but that doesn't change the ability he's got, especially riding the Desmo450 MX. I think he's got a point to prove, and we're going to give him everything we can to get back up there fighting.
“Raife's a different story, but just as exciting. He won the Pro Am Championship in 2025, he's got that indoor racing experience already and now he's ready to take the next step with the Desmo250 MX. Moving into the Pros is a big challenge, but that's exactly why I wanted him on the team. He's young, he's hungry and he's got the potential to surprise a few people.
“There's a lot of excitement around Ducati coming into Arenacross, and we want to do the brand proud. We've got two riders who really want this opportunity, some fantastic machinery and a team that's determined to make its mark. I can't wait to see those red bikes on the start gate.”
Clayton is equally keen to get his new campaign underway.
"I'm really excited to be joining Revs and the Ducati UK team for Arenacross,” said Clayton. “It's a pretty cool opportunity to be part of a brand-new team, especially with Ducati coming into the championship for the first time.
“I've had a tough few years with injuries, and it's been frustrating because I know what I'm capable of when everything's going right. I've been racing Arenacross for a long time, I've won championships here and I've raced Supercross in America, so I know I've still got the speed and experience to be competitive.
“The main thing for me now is getting back out there, enjoying my racing and showing what I can do. I'm looking forward to getting on the Desmo450 MX, working with the team and seeing where we can take it. I'd love to be back fighting at the front again."
For Broadley, the move represents another significant milestone, just two years after securing the Arenacross Pro Am title.
"To be stepping up to the Arenacross Pros with Ducati is a massive opportunity for me,” said Broadley. “Winning the Pro Am Championship in 2025 was a big achievement, but I've always wanted to get into the Pro class and see how I stack up against those guys. I know it's going to be a completely different level, but that's what I'm looking forward to.
“Having Joe alongside me will be good too. He's got loads of experience racing indoors and in America, so there's definitely plenty I can learn from him. I'm really grateful to Revs and Ducati for giving me the chance, and I'm going to work hard to make the most of it."
The line-up follows Ducati UK's announcement in October that it would enter the British Arenacross Championship with official backing, marking another step in the manufacturer's expanding off-road racing programme following the introduction of its championship-winning Desmo450 MX and the arrival of the Desmo250 MX.
Stolen Brand Muc-Off Ducati Racing makes its championship debut at Birmingham's bp pulse LIVE on February 6, with the 2027 series featuring six rounds across three UK cities and a £150,000 championship prize fund.
2027 ARENACROSS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP
6–7 February: bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
12–13 February: SSE Arena, Belfast
26–27 February: P&J LIVE, Aberdeen
Tickets are on sale now at axworldtour.com.
