Simpson signs for Wilvo KTM team
By TMX Archives on 21st Oct 15
Shaun Simpson will race for the Wilvo Forkrent KTM team for the next two years with direct technical support from the Austrian factory. The 27-year-old is likely to partner Adam Sterry who will embark on his first full term in MX2 in 2016.
The Scot was apparently the target for both Suzuki and Husqvarna at one stage but was comfortable with KTM's support and the new race
machine he rode to fourth at the AMA Unadilla National and an MXGP win at Assen.
With Steve Turner's team enjoying tighter links with the factory in Mattighofen and Simpson earning admirers from high up in the KTM organisation the move is an obvious fit.
Turner's recruitment of Simpson is a positive move to turn around the fortunes of one of the most presentable satellite teams in the paddock. The team has had misadventures with GP winners Jonathan Barragan and Steven Frossard for the past three seasons and has also been extremely unlucky with Jake Nicholls' run of injuries.
"Shaun is a rider I have long admired,” said Steve. "He's professional, likeable and a good ambassador for not only the sport but whatever team he is with. I'm buzzing about next year already and I know that we can offer him the support and resources he needs to reach the next level.
"I've wanted Shaun as part of the team for a couple of years now but it wasn't possible. I could see how well he was doing but felt that he could improve further if certain things were put in place which would give him the opportunity to compete with the factory boys on more of a level playing field.
"I was determined to secure the level of support he deserved and thanks to KTM and my own sponsors, particularly title sponsor Wilvo, I was able to make it happen.”
Simpson will still compete for Roger Magee's Hitachi Revo KTM UK team when he makes an appearance at the Lille Supercross in November. He is expected to start testing with his new team in December.
