KTM Hires New Racing Director for North America
KTM North America has announced plans to enter into AMA 450cc Motocross competition in 2007 and the 450cc Supercross class in 2008, and plans to do it with a new racing director.
Kurt Nicoll has been appointed as Racing Director for KTM North America, charged with leading the entire North American Off Road Racing division, including the race teams from KTM Canada. Nicoll will take the position as North America Race Director for an initial period of two years, to include race seasons 2007 and 2008.
“It is part of our commitment to the North American market to send our most professional racing manager there,” said KTM CEO Stefan Pierer. “North America is our most important market and Kurt is one who understands the KTM brand better than anyone.”
“With the recognition of the rapid growth and Worldwide influence of AMA Supercross and Motocross along with the growing presence of US-Off Road Racing in the global media, this move represents an exciting opportunity for me personally and a substantial beneficial for KTM across the globe,” said Nicoll.
KTM says the move was a step necessary to strengthen the company’s position in U.S. Motocross and Supercross competition. For the current season and the 2007 Supercross season KTM will concentrate it’s efforts in the Lites division, where Mike Alessi currently leads the AMA Motocross Championship.
Pit Beirer, who has worked closely with Nicoll for the past two years, will take over the responsibility for all Off Road Racing activities in Europe, including Motocross, Enduro and Supermoto.