Australian talent Byron Dennis could be heading to race the MX2 World Championship full-time in 2027, with the Van Venrooy KTM team believed to be his likely destination.
Towards the end of the 2026 season, Cat Moto Bauerschmidt KTM reached out to Dennis as a fill-in rider after the team were hit by injuries. It proved to be an excellent decision, as the Australian impressed during his short stint with the team and showed he has the potential to make an impact in the Grand Prix paddock.
Making the move from Australia to compete in the EMX250 series is no easy task, but Dennis adapted quickly and immediately showed his speed against some of Europe’s best young talents.
Dennis impressed with his fill-in ride
Dennis contested the final three rounds of the EMX250 series, finishing fifth overall in both Sweden and Turkey. However, it was in Arnhem where he really caught the eye, delivering an impressive performance in the deep sand to secure third overall and claim a place on the podium.
The Australian also had the opportunity to contest the final two rounds of the MX2 World Championship with his Australian team. He made the most of the opportunity, finishing seventh overall in both China and Australia to further strengthen his reputation as a rider capable of making the step up to Grand Prix level.
Heading into the 2027 season, it’s unsurprising that Dennis attracted plenty of interest from teams competing in both the EMX250 and MX2 World Championship. The Aussie was keen to secure a ride in the MX2 class, and it is believed that he has achieved exactly that, with the Van Venrooy KTM team expected to be his destination.
Dennis is understood to be joining the Dutch-based outfit alongside the expected signing of Karlis Reisulis as the team prepares for the 2027 campaign.
Two Australians in MX2 for 2027
Over the past few years, we have seen several Australian talents make the move to the European paddock, including the likes of Jake Cannon, Liam Owens, Ryan Alexanderson and now Dennis, although their opportunities have largely come in the EMX250 series.
The last Australians to contest a full MX2 World Championship campaign were Jed Beaton and Wilson Todd back in 2021. Beaton raced the series with Nestaan Husqvarna while Todd was under the DRT Kawasaki awning.
However, that could change in 2027, with two Australian riders likely racing the MX2 World Championship. Liam Owens has already been confirmed with the Cat Moto Bauerschmidt KTM. Now, after impressing during his opportunities this year, Dennis looks ready to take the next step in his career and test himself over a full MX2 World Championship campaign.
Guadagnini and Seewer face uncertain futures
If Van Venrooy KTM fully focuses on the MX2 World Championship next season, it would leave Mattia Guadagnini and Jeremy Seewer facing uncertain futures.
Guadagnini joined the team ahead of the 2026 season, but injury ruled the Italian out for the majority of the campaign. It remains to be seen whether he will secure a ride in the MXGP World Championship for 2027, or if he will have to explore other options.
Seewer, meanwhile, joined the team as a fill-in rider towards the end of the season and delivered some solid results. The experienced Swiss rider has spent years competing at the highest level, but his plans for 2027 remain unclear as the rider market continues to take shape.
Rick Elzinga also stepped in for the team this year, contesting the MXGP World Championship after beginning the season with Beta. The Dutch talent has already announced his departure from the team, and we expect to have more news regarding his future soon.
With the 2027 rider market continuing to develop, Dennis could be one of the latest young talents to secure a major opportunity in the MX2 World Championship. If the rumour proves correct, the Australian will have the chance to build on an impressive end to 2026 and establish himself on the Grand Prix scene.
