Rick Elzinga is leaving the World Championship and moving to Australia

Dutch rider Rick Elzinga moved up from the MX2 World Championship to the MXGP as a Yamaha factory rider at the end of 2025. He started the season as a Beta works rider, but then switched to van Venrooy KTM midway through the season and scored his first World Championship points in MXGP at the German Grand Prix in Talkessel. Elzinga finished the 2026 season in 22nd place in the World Championship standings.

Now the 23-year-old is set to leave the World Championship and head to Australia to ride for the ‘Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki’ team. He is set to compete in the Australian ProMX Championship in the MX1 class.

Elzingas Kawasaki sieht vielversprechend aus

Foto: Kawasaki

Adventure down under

“It’s an adventure,” said Elzinga of his decision. “Of course, it’s a big step to move to Australia to race there, but I’m convinced that the team and the people around me will make sure I feel at home. I’ve been to Australia twice before and absolutely loved the country.”

Elzinga’s goals

“My expectations are to secure podium finishes and victories during the motocross season,” says the Dutchman. “It’s hard to compare myself with the other riders, as I don’t know many of them, but I’m confident.”

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A team with high expectations

“We’ve never signed an international rider to our team before, so this is something new and exciting for the team,” explained team manager Tyson Cherry. “I’m delighted to bring Rick Elzinga to Australia to race for Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki in 2027. Rick has already shown incredible speed throughout his career, won championships and put in some impressive performances in the MXGP World Championship. He’s still young, has a lot of potential and I think he’ll become a great rider for our team.”