Thomas Kjer Olsen gets 2021 deal with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP
By Andrew Hill on 10th Nov 20
Thomas Kjer Olsen has signed a two-year deal with Husqvarna's MXGP factory team as he extends his Motocross World Championship career with Husqvarna.
Nestaan-MX managed Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team thanked Olsen "for his dedication and many successes throughout the past four seasons" in a press release that revealed the tall Dane would stay with Husqvarna Motorcycles as he made the step up the MXGP class after ageing out of MX2. While with Husky, the 23-year-old has taken 29 overall podiums and five GP wins.
Since 2017, Olsen has regularly raced at the front of the MX2 field, frequently fighting for podiums and moto wins. He was an early contender for the MX2 crown in 2019 carrying the red plate through four rounds before being overtaken in the standings by Jorge Prado at round six. Olsen continued to push throughout the season, ultimately going on to claim a runner-up finish in the championship standings.
There was a disappointing start to TKO's 2020 season after suffering two injuries, effectively ruling him out of title contention for his final year in the class race fans were likely robbed of what could have been an exciting championship battle between the eventual winner, Tom Vialle and TKO.
Racing himself back into shape, he had a strong second half of the season with six overall podiums and two GP wins. Now back up to race-winning speed, a new chapter now awaits the Dane with a switch to the MXGP class on the FC 450 which could well suit his style and frame much more than the 250 under the management of IceOne Racing.
Thomas Kjer Olsen
Robert Jonas Vice President Motorsports Offroad: "Thomas is a special talent and a hard worker. With Rasmus by his side, TKO developed to be a top rider in MX2 and his results speak for themselves. Hes dedicated to his racing and his move to MXGP is exciting for him and for us.
"I even believe that the FC 450 will suit his riding style even better and in the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP division, he has everything he needs to continue his successful career."
Rasmus Jorgensen - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 Team Manager: "With TKO moving up to the MXGP class it marks the end the professional partnership between us. We have a great personal friendship and great memories with many accomplishments. Thomas was 2016 EMX250 Champion, then third in the MX2 World Championship in his first season in 2017. He was third again in 2018 and runner-up in 2019. This season was difficult with two injuries, but hes never given up and ended the season strong in sixth place.
"Im extremely proud to have had Thomas as a rider in my first year as the official Team Manager for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 Team in 2020. To get to this point together truly is amazing and I will forever look back on the memories with great joy.
"I want to thank Thomas for his trust, dedication, and commitment over recent years and wish him the best of luck on his journey into the premier class.
"Im really looking forward to following from the sidelines as he takes on this new chapter in his career. I truly believe he will suit the FC 450 really well and will surprise people next year. I know he will be in great hands within the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP Team. Thank you, Thomas!"
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