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Suzuki New Zealand has announced that international motocross sensation Daryl Hurley will return to ride for “Team Alpine Star Suzuki” in 2005.
The 28-year old rider, who enjoyed success with Suzuki here in 2001 and 2002, has signed a two-year contract to rejoin his former team.
“We are very excited to have Daryl back for 2005 and believe the international experience he has gained over the last two years will be invaluable to the team“ said Tom Peck, General Manger of Marketing, Suzuki New Zealand.
Currently, Hurley is racing with the Suzuki-backed MotoworldRacing.com team on the fiercely competitive American motocross circuit in the 125cc East Coast SX, 250cc West Coast SX and 125cc National Championships.
The New Zealand born racer has also been competing on the world stage with Team MotoworldRacing.com, contesting the THQ World Supercross GP season where he took victory aboard his Suzuki RM250 at the opening round in Spain.
Hurley’s other career highlights include New Zealand National Motocross and Supercross wins, as well as an Australian ADB Thumper Nationals victory in 2000.
Eager to rejoin his former team, Hurley’s return will coincide with the arrival of Suzuki’s new flagship MX bike, the four stroke RM-Z450.
“I’m really looking forward to coming home and riding for Suzuki, especially putting the new RM-Z450 through its paces.”
So keen is Daryl to race back in New Zealand that, although his contract with Team MotoworldRacing.com is still yet to run out, Daryl has been granted permission to fly out to NZ for each of the four rounds of this year’s MX Nationals. Riding an RM-Z250 Daryl will have some tough competition with nine of the top ten riders having international experience.
Suzuki will field its strongest MX team in some time at this year’s National Championship with a five-member strong contingent making the start at Timaru on August 8. Daryl Hurley, Luke Burkhart and Australian Danny Ham will join “Team Alpine Star Suzuki” riders Mark Penny and Scott Columb.
