KTM is supporting the introduction of a two-stroke only division at the final round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals at Coolum over the weekend of August 25-26.
With the sport now dominated by four-stroke machines, two-strokes are a rarity in the open classes, however have enjoyed a resurgence in 2012 in the Pirelli MX Development category, with the Series being led by Kiwi Kayne Lamont aboard a two-stroke 250cc machine.
According to MX Nationals promoter, Kevin Williams, there is the potential that two-strokes may have their own class from 2013 – with the KTM supported Coolum event being the test bed for the class.
“The two-strokes have certainly created a lot of interest in the Under 19s class this season and it is a very competitive way to go racing,” Williams said. “We’ve been working together with KTM to introduce the 2 Stroke National at Coolum and it will be really exciting to bring the familiar two-stroke sound back to motocross.
“Depending on the success and entry numbers at Coolum, we may look to increase the opportunities to field a dedicated two-stroke category in the 2013 series.”
Two-stroke motorcycles were the domain of motocross and supercross up until recent years, when environmental factors have forced manufacturers’ hands into going down the route of four-strokes, which produce less harmful emissions.
Despite this, Jeff Leisk, a former Australian motocross legend and now KTM importer into Australia says KTM will continue with its two-stroke product line and he is excited about the KTM 2 Stroke National at Coolum.
“KTM is still fully committed to the development of two-strokes,” Leisk explained. “In the junior ranks two-strokes are prominent of course, and then this year in the Under 19s the 250 SX has been very strong. Outside of motocross, there are also obviously a lot of two-strokes in the enduro world.
“We think it’s pretty neat to have the KTM 2 Stroke National at the final round and it will be quite good to hear that ring of the two-stroke on the day. There are a lot of fans out there from back in the day who will really enjoy seeing the two-strokes get out there and go at it.”
The next event in the Monster Energy MX Nationals will be this Sunday (July 29) at Appin in Western Sydney, whilst the KTM 2 Stroke National will be held in conjunction with the final round of the 2012 Championship at Coolum over August 25-26.
