Queensland teenager Liam Owens will graduate to the MX2 World Championship full-time in 2027, continuing with CAT Moto Bauerschmidt KTM for another season.
Owens, 19, joined the Dutch team ahead of the 2024 EMX250 season, before breaking through with three top-five finishes during 2025, as well as claiming a first podium at the final round in Turkey.
A broken shoulder sustained at Italy’s seventh round brought his 2026 campaign to a premature end, with Owens finishing 12th in the standings, despite missing the final five events. He scored a season-high second at the MXGP of Latvia, while adding another top-five finish in Switzerland.
“Making my debut in the MX2 World Championship is something I’ve been working toward for a long time, so it will be a very special moment for me and for everyone around me. I know this is a big step forward, and I’m excited to learn, take on the challenge, and see how I stack up against the world’s best riders. I can’t thank my team enough for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to take the next step in my career. The support and trust they’ve shown me mean a lot, and I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity and continue building the next chapter of my career.”
