Mike Alessi signs new contract with Red Bull KTM
By TMX Archives on 22nd May 06
Mike Alessi celebrated his eighteenth birthday with a new two-year contract with Red Bull KTM. According to the new terms, Alessi will continue to race the Supercross Lites class in 2007, while gearing up for the 2008 season when KTM moves into the Supercross class on the new KTM 450 SX-F.
A long standing association with KTM already established, young Alessi won the very first KJSC event in 1997. It's fitting that the Apple Valley resident contested his first full pro motocross season in 2005 on the KTM 250 SX-F and only missed the Lites Championship by a few points. The following season, he collected half of the holeshots in the 2006 Western Division of the Supercross Lites class and finished fourth overall in his maiden Supercross campaign.
The Red Bull KTM team and Alessi are focused on the 2006 Outdoor Nationals. Alessi said, "It's great being a part of the Red Bull KTM team right now. The team has been really supportive, provided me great bikes and stood behind me all the way. I plan on winning titles for Red Bull KTM."
KTM Race Director Kurt Nicoll said, "Mike Alessi forms the core of our plans to move the team from a force in the Lites class to a major player on the 450cc bikes within two years. Mike is great to work with and the Red Bull KTM Team has an ambitious development plan to give Mike all he needs to become the next great Motocross Champion."
Jon-Erik Burleson, President of KTM North America commented, "All of us are very excited to have Mike continue to race for KTM. His progress throughout the years has been impressive and his involvement with KTM will further strengthen our racing strategy, establishing KTM as the leading brand in Supercross and Motocross."