Kawasaki and amateur Austin Forkner have agreed on a multi-year deal that is expected to see the Missouri native make his professional debut with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki at the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season opener at Hangtown.
“This is a great opportunity for me and I am stoked to stay on Kawasaki and join Mitch (Payton) and everyone on the team,” said Forkner in a team statement. “From the beginning, my goal has been to win championships as a pro and I believe that Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki gives me the best opportunity to achieve my goals.”
Forkner joined Team Green in 2011 and has won six AMA National Championships at Loretta Lynn’s, including two this past week. Forkner was awarded the AMA Motocross Amateur Rider Award, which recognizes the most outstanding non-A-class rider, on Saturday for his wins in 250 B and Schoolboy.
“Austin is a talented rider who brings a lot of skill and personality to our team,” said Kawasaki Racing’s Bruce Stjernstrom. “Team Green provides a proven transition for our riders from the amateur ranks to the pros. We believe Austin has the capability to successfully follow that path.”
The plan is for Forkner to stay amateur for the 2015 Monster Energy Cup and the 2016 AMA Spring Amateur Nationals before turning pro at Hangtown.
