Image: Octopi Media.

Quad Lock Honda has formalized Joey Savatgy’s departure ahead of an anticipated move to Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing for 2027.

With ongoing speculation surrounding the 32-year-old’s future, Savatgy has emerged as the leading candidate to partner the recently-signed RJ Hampshire aboard Ducati’s Desmo450 MX next season.

Following the retirement of Dylan Ferrandis and Justin Barcia’s decision to transfer to PMG Suzuki, a position alongside Hampshire has emerged at Ducati – with Quad Lock Honda team owner Yarrive Konsky recently indicating that Savatgy had a clause in his contract to exit in favor of a factory deal.

“I’ve admired Joey’s career for a long time,” Konsky stated. “I first followed him when he came to Australia to race junior motocross, and I’ve watched him develop into the rider he is today. He races with tremendous heart and grit.

“I’ve seen him compete injured, push through adversity and remain committed to getting the best out of himself and for the team. You can’t help but admire that hunger to succeed.

“I’m grateful for what we’ve achieved together. We thank Joey for his commitment, professionalism and contribution to the team. I wish him every success in whatever comes next for him. We part with respect and appreciation, and we look forward to the next chapter of our Honda team.”

Savatgy joined the Honda organization in late 2024, winning the Australian SX1 championship that season before continuing across its World Supercross and American programs. He finished third in the final WSX standings in 2024, and then was runner-up in 2025.

His 2026 Monster Energy Supercross campaign delivered eighth in the 450SX standings, including a heat race victory, a season-best fourth in Philadelphia, and multiple top-five finishes.

A qualifying crash in Denver brought Savatgy’s series to an early end with a dislocated his wrist, which ruled him out of the entire Pro Motocross season. He returned at the opening SMX playoff in Columbus, recording fifth overall in muddy conditions, but later withdrew during the motos in both Los Angeles and the Ridgedale SMX Final.

More recently, Savatgy had been announced as part of Honda Racing’s 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship roster, but missed the Townsville opener. His planned campaign is now off the cards altogether following the collapse of WSX and his immediate exit from Quad Lock Honda.

“We’ve had a lot of success together in World Supercross and Australian Supercross, and this year we showed we could compete at a high level in the AMA championship,” Savatgy commented. “The bike and the team have proven they can run at the front of any championship.

“I want to thank everyone at Quad Lock Honda for the opportunities, the support and the competitive environment. I’ve enjoyed being part of the team and appreciate everything we’ve achieved together.”