After starting the 2025 season without a team after Riley Racing closed their doors, young Dutch talent Kay Karssemakers found his footing with the DRT Kawasaki squad later in the year. Following a strong end to the season, it has now been confirmed that Karssemakers will remain with DRT Kawasaki for 2026, competing in the full MX2 World Championship.
For Karssemakers, this represents a significant opportunity. After facing an uncertain start to the year, he now has the chance to race an entire MX2 season with a competitive team and reliable equipment. The Dutch rider has shown glimpses of his talent, and the 2026 season will be a crucial platform for him to demonstrate his true potential on the world stage.
With consistency, focus, and support from DRT Kawasaki, Karssemakers will be looking to make a strong impression in the MX2 paddock next year.
As well as the MX2 World Championship, Karssemakers will also contest the Dutch Masters of Motocross series.
Kay Karssemakers:
“To stay with the Dixon team means a lot to me, especially the trust he give to me also last year means a lot. To stay in one team who is the longest in the paddock feels good and looking forward to having a good season”
“2025 wasn’t easy for me after the Riley/Haaz racing team fell down before even the season started… but then I had some good private sponsors like Abrex Logistics that helped me to do some races and then Steve messaged me if I wanted to do a British round and that one went well – I finished second overall and after that he really did a nice job to keep me for the rest of the season and specially the three fly aways which was really nice! My expectations for 2026 are to be in the top eight and try to fight for the top five”.
DRT Kawasaki confirmed the news on social media:
Kay Karssemakers x Kawasaki.
Next season, Kay Karssemakers will be out again for the Kawasaki Dixon Racing Team in the MX2. In preparation for the next season, he came to pick up his new training engine at Kawasaki Benelux today.
Good luck Kay!
