American talent Sawyer Gieck is set to make the move to Europe for the 2027 season, having secured a deal with the Kosak KTM team to compete in the EMX125 Championship. After gaining valuable experience with appearances at Arco and Riola this year, the young American is ready to take on the challenge of a full European campaign. With the support from Jake Weimer continuing to coach him, Gieck has his sights set on running at the front and battling for podiums.
We caught up with the friendly American to discuss how the deal came together, his expectations for the season, his excitement about riding the famous Lommel sand, and why he believes more American fans should be paying attention to MXGP.
GateDrop: Sawyer, it’s official. You have signed with Kosak KTM for the 2026 season to race the EMX125 series. How did the deal all come around?
Gieck: The deal was definitely a little tough to get. We didn’t know what team to reach out to or who to talk to when trying to find a team. Fortunately my Dad got in contact with Ben Townley and he recommended reaching out to Team Kosak.
GateDrop: You got your first EMX125 experience last year by racing Arco and Riola – you must have really loved the experience and that’s why you are coming over for 2027?
Gieck: The experience racing EMX125 was like no other, and I truly believe I benefited from it. I think that racing a full season of EMX will make me a better rider and prepare me to become a professional in the States.
GateDrop: How would you say the youth racing in the GP’s compare to that in America?
Gieck: Youth racing in America is short motos and usually no qualifying, it’s definitely quantity over quality in America. In Europe the races are long, you get a real qualifying session, and the racing is overall just better. GP’s are definitely more quality over quantity.
GateDrop: When do you plan on getting to Europe to start preparing for the 2027 season? The more time you spend over here before the season starts is probably for the better…
Gieck: Due to injury I believe I will be heading over to Europe in February, potentially missing round 1 of the EMX125 series. I believe the more time I spend over there training the better off I will be showing up to the GP’s.
GateDrop: You have signed with a German team but I believe they’ve a base in the Netherlands. Is that were you’ll spend the majority of your time?
Gieck: I believe I will spend most of my time in the Netherlands and depending on the weather if it gets too cold maybe spending time in Spain as well.
GateDrop: I guess you’ll be spinning plenty of laps in the sand and Lommel – is that something you are looking forward too? The sand is very gnarly but it should help make you a better rider!
Gieck: I’m definitely looking forward to spending time at Lommel. I am yet to ride there but I love sand and I’m definitely excited to ride the famous Lommel sand!
GateDrop: Jake Weimer is your coach, I assume he will still be living in America but I hear he is coming to the majority of GP’s to watch you. You must appreciate that and what’s he like to work with?
Gieck: Jake will still be living with his family in America, but we will try our hardest to get him to as many rounds as we can.
GateDrop: What are your expectations for the 2027 EMX125 series?
Gieck: I believe that I am good enough to run up front and battle for podiums and potentially wins. As a racer who is very competitive I really want to win, but in order to win a full series I have to stay disciplined and humble.
GateDrop: You will probably have to see how it goes but do you see yourself in the MXGP paddock for a number of years – ideally would you like to race EMX250 and MX2 GP’s? Or is the idea to learn before heading back to America and trying to make a name for yourself there?
Gieck: I think after the EMX125 series I will go back to America and stay there. I will do SMX next and the combines. Hopefully getting on the road to be professional in the States.
GateDrop: Are you hoping that by racing the EMX125 series it can help get more American eyes on the series and MXGP? Racing in America is great but the same can be said for MXGP as well!
Gieck: I think MXGP doesn’t get enough attention from American fans. MXGP is a great series with the best motocross riders in the world and I definitely think more Americans should pay attention to it.
