As the motocross world continues to evolve, the arrival of new manufacturers is always a talking point—bringing both excitement and skepticism in equal measure. One of the latest projects gaining attention is Kove Factory Racing, a fresh initiative aiming to break into the highly competitive EMX250 class in 2027 before eventually stepping onto the Grand Prix stage. At the heart of the development process is Chris Mills, who has been drafted in as a key test rider to help shape the bike from the ground up.
Still in its early phases, the project is focused on building a competitive package through extensive testing and development, with experienced figures like Tom Steensels playing a pivotal role behind the scenes. For Mills, it’s a unique opportunity to be involved in something from the very beginning—working closely with the team to refine every detail ahead of their planned race debut.
We caught up with Mills to discuss how he became involved, his first impressions of the bike, and the challenges that come with helping a brand-new manufacturer find its feet before entering racing at a high level.
GateDrop: Chris, tell me about the Kove Factory Racing project. How did you first get involved and how is everything going?
Mills: It all started last year in November. Tom (Steensels) messaged me after he read that I didn’t have anything on the table for 2026 and asked if I would be interested in being a test rider. He couldn’t say anything who for at the time but fast forward five months and we’ve finally had our first ride.
GateDrop: When you first got on the bike what were your first impressions?
Mills: I’ve only had one go on the bike so far but Tom even said don’t have any expectations. We didn’t know much about the bike and it’s all new to everyone so we went in with an open mind. The first impressions were actually very impressive. The chassis, steering all felt exceptional and the power was mellow and controllable, with some more power we will be in a very good place.
GateDrop: Another new manufacturer in the sport is great news, we need as many as possible, right?
Mills: Another manufacturer entering the sport is what we need. People can say what they want but how can you complain about another manufacturer entering the paddock, it’s another factory ride for 2 riders, it’s getting more and more difficult for non factory teams and they tend to never last so long. To have a factory team with big ambitions I am hoping it’s something that can progress each year.
GateDrop: I believe you’ve been riding a stock bike – I assume you’ll start go get more factory parts as the project continues?
Mills: It’s not a full stock bike, we’re using it as a development platform and testing different components all the time.
GateDrop: Did it feel similar to a bike you’ve ridden before, or did it have it’s own unique feel which you had to get used too?
Mills: It had its own unique feel, quite slim around the tank and I was placing the bike on some insides that normally I couldn’t or would struggle to reach, it corners very well.
GateDrop: How far along is the current 250 compared to a race-ready EMX250 machine? How long do you think you’ll need for it to be a competitive machine? It’s early days…
Mills: The feeling chassis wise it’s right up there. I am interested to see what we can do engine wise, we will see but we have some good people around us and we will take it step by step.
GateDrop: How much freedom do you have to give honest feedback—and is it always acted on?
Mills: I can be very honest with my feedback, we are developing a bike that needs to be competing with factory bikes. We are still a small team that operates from Belgium and everyone gets along with each other.
GateDrop: Tom Steensels is heavily involved in the project, did you know him well before this project and what’s he been like to work with so far?
Mills: Tom has been very open and welcoming. I didn’t know Tom personally to much but knew about him from the past with his teams etc, we have a very good connection and work very well together.
GateDrop: Do you think people underestimate how hard it is for a new manufacturer to break into Motocross?
Mills: Yes, I don’t think people understand how competitive the bikes have to be, it’s a rollercoaster to get there
GateDrop: There’s always skepticism around new manufacturers—what would you say to doubters?
Mills: I would say keep on doubting (laughs). People complain on how empty the gates are and then moan when a new manufacturer enters the paddock, it’s not electric so it can only be good, right?
GateDrop: How exciting is it to be involved in something completely new?
Mills: It is very exciting, I think we can do great things together.
GateDrop: The team won’t focus on racing until 2027 but racing can be good for testing purposes, is there a chance we see you line up for any races this year with the bike?
Mills: At the moment nothing planned racing wise for me, the goal is to start next year with Emx250, of course I am to old for emx250, ADAC youngsters cup and all of those championships, I also have commitments racing the 125 in the Dutch masters. My main focus will be to test new parts and develop the bike during the week, this is the first step because we don’t want to test new parts at the race that may force us to retire. Performance and reliability need to be tested at the practice track, if that goes well then we can go with them parts to a race and see how it mixes up with other bike. We may have another rider do some races later on in the year.
