The 2025 season has been far from straightforward for Dutch talent Kay Karssemakers. After signing with the Riley Racing team, his plans quickly fell apart when the squad folded before even making it to the opening round of the MX2 World Championship.
Left without a ride so close to the season start, Karssemakers faced a difficult situation. With the help of Abrex Logistics, he was at least able to line up at Dutch races early in the year, before making a welcome GP return in Germany.
His breakthrough came when Steve Dixon’s DRT Kawasaki team brought him onboard to fill the gap after Bobby Bruce was sidelined. Dixon had been focusing on the EMX250 series with Bruce but then saw an opportunity to draft in Karssemakers to end the season racing the MX2 World Championship again – including the fly away GP’s to end the season.
The latest paddock whispers suggest that Karssemakers will remain with DRT Kawasaki for 2026. If confirmed, it’s an encouraging step for the Dutch talent who will take on a full MX2 World Championship campaign alongside the British Championship. After a stop-start 2025 season, the chance for a full off-season of preparation should give him the platform to show his true potential.
As for the rest of the team, uncertainty surrounds Bobby Bruce’s future, with the Brit not expected to continue under the DRT awning. At this stage, it’s unclear whether the team will bring in a second MX2 World Championship rider for the new season.
Taylor Hammal does looks set to stay with the squad, continuing to focus his efforts on the British Championship. The British rider has impressed during his first full year on the 450cc.
With Karssemakers poised for a busier 2026 campaign, it’ll be intriguing to see what he can do with stability finally on his side.
