HUSQVARNA TO ENTER 2014 MOTO3 WORLD ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

Danny Kent. Photo: Gold & Goose

Husqvarna Motorcycles has announced that they have formed an official road race team to be called “Red Bull Husqvarna Factory Racing” and the riders of record will be Great Britain’s Danny Kent and Finnish rider Niklas Ajo. The Moto3 World Championship class was introduced in 2012, replacing the 125cc two-stroke category. Machinery is restricted to single-cylinder 250cc four-stroke engines. The minimum total weight for motorcycle and rider is 148 kg (326 lb.). Riders in the Moto3 class cannot be older than 28 years.

Niklas Ajo. Photo: Gold & Goose

Husqvarna is owned by KTM and the Husqvarna Moto3 bikes will be the same bikes as used by the title winning KTM Moto3 team. This is not unusual in road racing as this business model was used when Aprilia, Gilera and Derbi raced in the two-stroke days.

1935 Husqvarna 496 Twin. Photo: NSU Museum

Most people don’t know that Husky competed in road racing long before they started making dirt bikes and back in the 1934 they even held the lap record at the Senior TT.
 
KTM/Husqvarna CEO Stefan Pierer said, “Running Husqvarna in the Moto3 World Championship will bring considerable interest to both the category and the brand. With its history of 110 years the Husqvarna brand is highly known throughout the world of racing. The Moto3 stage will give a further boost to grow Husqvarna stronger than ever. We’re looking forward to see great competition next year. “

All they have to do is paint the frames white and Husky is in the road racing business again. Photo: KTM