The news dropped this week that Kay Karssemakers split ways with the Haaz/Riley Racing team ahead of the 2025 season. With Argentina just a few weekends away it is far from ideal and the Dutch talent now faces an uncertain future.
One thing that is sure is that at 20 years old he still has plenty of potential so fingers crossed he can get a ride in the near future to get his career back on track.
We caught up with Karssemakers to discuss the split with Haaz Racing, the future and more…
GateDrop: Kay, you announced last night that you have parted ways with Haaz Racing ahead of the 2025 season… You must be gutted to be left without a ride ahead of Argentina?
Karssemakers: Yes true, is very unlucky to come without a team so close to the season. It’s the second time I have this bad luck so close before the season start so it’s difficult.
GateDrop: What led to the decision of leaving the team? I assume empty promises – no bikes supplied and no salary paid?
Karssemakers: Unfortunately, I had to step out the team because it wouldn’t work. They had no bikes, no material and no money and that is really unfortunate.. I was really happy to get another season in the MX2 because I know how difficult it is to get a team in the GP.
GateDrop: People will say this is history repeating itself and you should have know before to sign with the team, but I imagine you had no other options? How hard is it to secure a ride these days?
Karssemakers: I had some options after the 2024 season but on paper this was the best option and everything was looking great so that’s why I choose to go with them.
GateDrop: I think you have been riding a Kawasaki throughout winter, but it was a bike you sourced yourself? How has the winter prep gone for you?
Karssemakers: Yes, I did ride the winter on the Kawasaki and I loved it, it’s a really nice bike to ride. For me the winter was good, we work hard on and off the bike to get ready for the season.
GateDrop: As of right now, have you had any phone calls, do you think it is likely you’ll secure another MX2 GP ride? Argentina is most likely out of the question now but I am sure you want to be there in Spain…
Karssemakers: Unfortunately I don’t have any real phone calls for now, so for the moment I don’t know anything…
GateDrop: You are only 20 years old, so I guess given the circumstances you might even consider racing the EMX250 championship again?
Karssemakers: Yes, I also thought about going back to the EMX250 but I want to be in the MX2 class. I stepped back to the EMX250 one other time in 2023 and finished second in the championship. So the next is the MX2 and I know that I can do good with a good bike and good people around me.
GateDrop: Perhaps if the right opportunity doesn’t come along you may wait and make yourself available as a fill in rider once the season gets underway and there’s a potential injury?
Karssemakers: Yes right. I will keep training and do everything to be as good as I can to get maybe a chance to get a fill in ride!
GateDrop: If there’s a team that focuses on National racing in let’s say, Germany, Netherlands or the UK for example… Would you consider racing a domestic championship? They shouldn’t collide with GP’s anyway…
Karssemakers: For racing and good people who want to help me I’m open for every championship.
GateDrop: You raced with the SM-Action Fantic team last year racing the MX2 World Championship. How was your time with that team who have sadly departed the paddock…
Karssemakers: Well, last season was not the easiest one… I had two injuries and couldn’t get a good winter. Also for the team it was not easy to get everything good in one winter and unfortunate it wasn’t a good season.
GateDrop: Thanks for your time and hopefully you get a ride soon!
