This year marks a full decade since Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing debuted in both American Supercross and Pro Motocross competition in 2015, quickly establishing itself as a force within the top echelons of the sport under KTM ownership. Rewind reflects upon that first year, featuring Jason Anderson, Zach Osborne, Martin Davalos and Zach Bell, as well as the late addition of Christophe Pourcel.

The story begins with KTM’s acquisition of Husqvarna Motorcycles from BMW in late 2013, with the Austrian company taking the manufacturing to Mattighofen, building new machines utilizing the KTM chassis, engines, and suspension, with cosmetics largely differentiating the brands in those early years.

This brought success to their revitalized racing program, with Husqvarna becoming the manufacturer of choice for the Bobby Hewitt-led Rockstar Energy Racing team, who had fielded both Suzukis and KTMs previously, and ultimately formed the current Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team during late 2014.

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Rider-wise, then reigning 250SX West champion Anderson stepped up to the 450SX division that year for the full campaign both indoors and out to make an immediate impact, while two-time 250SX East champion Christophe Pourcel contested the 450MX class in Pro Motocross.

In the 250 category, Osborne, Davalos and Bell completed the roster, which marked a presence for Husqvarna in AMA Supercross for the first time since 2001, when Travis Preston delivered victory for the brand under Fast By Ferracci management in the 125cc division.

Anderson was fast from the outset in 2015, dispelling any questions about the brand’s capabilities by claiming second place at Anaheim 1, sharing the podium with Ken Roczen and Trey Canard on that night in what was his first Supercross race on the big bike.

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One more podium that year onboard the FC 450 resulted in seventh overall, before P6 in Pro Motocross – three markers behind teammate Pourcel – concluded his rookie campaign, which coincided with Husqvarna’s return to the sport. The New Mexico native would spend a further six seasons as part of the team – which included a 450SX title in 2018 – before switching to the Monster Energy Kawasaki outfit for the 2022 season.

Pourcel made a high-profile return to racing in the 450 category that year, notching P5 overall in Pro Motocross and a season-best result of second overall at Budds Creek by virtue of a 2-3 moto scorecard. After a successful 250 career Stateside, solid footing in the premier division largely eluded the Frenchman, with the 2015 motocross season his best in the class.

Perhaps one of the most successful signings for the brand was former MX2 World Championship competitor Osborne, who had left the GP circuit to compete in his home country of America full-time, and found a worthy placement with the Husqvarna team after competing under the Geico Honda rig for two seasons.

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Their relationship would yield a P3 in 250SX West that year, as well as fourth place in the 250MX category. Fast forward two years, and Osborne would collect both the 250SX East and 250MX titles in 2017, followed by another eastern regional title in 2018 and then later the 450MX title in 2020.

As for Davalos – now team principal of the Quad Lock Honda program – and Bell, the pair also enjoyed strong results, but injuries would ultimately interrupt their respective campaigns during year one, both indoors and out. Upon reflection, it was an ‘all-in’ approach from the KTM Group in promoting its newly-acquired manufacturer through professional competition, and one that has since netted further championship successes.

We’re yet to see what the future holds for the group’s racing efforts – which includes KTM, Husqvarna and now GasGas brands – holistically, following its well-documented financial woes and ownership change earlier this year, however, if one thing is for certain, it would be odd not to see the signature white motorcycles at the pointy-end of the pack following more than 10 years of convincing, front-running performances.