German-based team SixtySeven Racing could have found their replacement for Nicolai Skovbjerg, with young Swiss talent Ryan Oppliger rumoured to be joining the team for the 2027 season.
The team signed Danish rider Skovbjerg in June after he parted ways with MX-Handel Husqvarna, having spent the first part of the season with the team. The move proved to be a great decision, as Skovbjerg enjoyed a strong run of form with SixtySeven Racing and went on to finish second in the EMX250 Championship as well as winning the ADAC Youngsters Cup title.
Following that impressive campaign, Skovbjerg has secured a major opportunity for 2027, signing with Beddini Ducati to contest the MX2 World Championship as a full factory rider.
SixtySeven Racing sign Skovbjerg’s replacement?
With Skovbjerg moving on, we understand that Ryan Oppliger is the rider who has been chosen to fill his place at SixtySeven Racing for the upcoming season.
The young Swiss rider has spent the past two seasons competing in the EMX125 Championship, racing as part of a privateer setup on KTM machinery. While he has gained valuable experience during that time, a move to SixtySeven Racing would represent an important step forward in his career.
Oppliger to get a chance with a team?
Oppliger is still relatively inexperienced when it comes to racing across Europe, having only spent the past two seasons contesting the EMX125 series. Before that, he primarily focused on racing in Switzerland and at events close to home.
However, the young talent has shown plenty of potential, and joining an established team for his rookie EMX250 campaign could provide him with the support needed to take the next step.
Moving up to the highly competitive EMX250 category is never an easy challenge, but with a team behind him, Oppliger will be hoping to make an impression and continue his development in 2027 – there’s no doubt he could have a bright future if he continues to develop.
Smulders to remain with SixtySeven Racing
While Skovbjerg moves on, Scott Smulders will remain with SixtySeven Racing for the 2027 season as he continues his progress contesting in the MX2 World Championship.
Team owner Markus Weinbuch has already exclusively confirmed that Smulders has extended his contract with the team, with the Dutch rider set to be under the awning again in 2027 after showing good progress this year.
“As always, it seems you have very good sources (note: thank you, Markus!). Yes, we can confirm that Scott has extended his contract with the team. We are very happy about that and believe we can achieve a lot together in the future”, Weinbuch told GateDrop.com.
With Smulders staying on and Oppliger potentially joining the squad, SixtySeven Racing will have a strong rider line-up as they look to build on their progress in the European and World Championships.
