Image: Supplied.

Dutch motocross talent Rick Elzinga will make the move to Australia for 2027, recruited by Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki to contest the MX1 national championship following a single season in the premier class of MXGP.

The 2022 EMX250 champion stepped up to the MXGP class this year, initially with MRT Racing Team Beta before moving to the Van Venrooy KTM Racing Team from the MXGP of Germany onwards. He scored a season-high 13th-place finish at the South African GP.

Elzinga, 23, brings extensive international experience to the domestic series, with his sights set on podium finishes and race wins aboard the team’s KX450. It’s unclear why he isn’t continuing in grand prix competition.

“I’m feeling adventurous,” commented Elzinga. “It’s obviously a big step coming all the way to Australia to race, but I’m confident in the team and the people around me to make me feel at home. I’ve been to Australia twice before and absolutely loved spending my time there.

“My expectations are to fight for podiums and wins during the motocross season. It’s hard to compare myself to the other riders as I haven’t raced many of them, but I’m confident I’ll shake things up and make it happen when it matters most.”

Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki team owner Tyson Cherry welcomed the signing, revealing that bringing an international rider to Australia for its motocross program marks a new step for the privately run outfit.

“I’m really excited about bringing Rick Elzinga out to Australia to join Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki for 2027 – we’ve never brought an international rider over for motocross before, so this is something new and exciting for the team,” Cherry said.

“Rick has already shown some incredible speed throughout his career, winning championships and putting in some impressive performances in MXGP. He’s still young, has plenty of potential, and I think he’ll be a great fit for our team.”

The Victorian team brought four-time MX1 champion Dean Ferris back to competition in 2026, before his season was cut short by multiple injuries sustained at round four in Toowoomba. It’s unclear whether the New South Welshman will race on in 2027, having previously paused his professional career on three separate occasions.

Following Ferris’ exit, Ryan Alexanderson joined Kawasaki’s premier class effort due to an early departure from JPM 360 Developments Kawasaki, while Brad West is also contracted to the team through the 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship. Neither rider’s future with the team beyond 2026 has been confirmed.