Ducati is taking its first official leap into off-road racing in North America, announcing the formation of the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing team, which will compete in the 2026 AMA Supercross, AMA Pro Motocross, and SuperMotocross Championship Series.
The new factory-backed outfit will make its debut at Anaheim 1 on January 10, 2026, marking a major milestone in Ducati’s global racing journey.
This announcement follows Ducati Corse Off-Road’s recent development of the Desmo450 MX, a project that has already made waves across Europe. The bike debuted in 2024 under Tony Cairoli, while Alessandro Lupino captured Ducati’s first motocross title in the Italian MX1 Prestige Championship. In 2025, Ducati expanded its presence with Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini, who contested the full MXGP Championship on the Desmo450 MX — with Seewer delivering two podium finishes for the Italian brand.
The new American venture also reunites Troy Lee Designs and Red Bull, a partnership with deep roots dating back more than 20 years. The two brands first joined forces in 2001 during the Supermoto era, then went on to dominate AMA Supercross and Motocross from 2016 to 2024. Together, they’ve supported factory teams, captured countless victories, and continually pushed the creative and competitive boundaries of the sport.
Red Bull’s influence in AMA Supercross has long been unmatched, with the brand’s deep investment in athlete development, team partnerships, and storytelling helping to elevate the sport’s global profile. Meanwhile, Troy Lee Designs has become synonymous with the art and culture of motocross, recognised for bold designs, craftsmanship, and a commitment to fusing art with speed.
Paolo Ciabatti, General Manager of Ducati Corse Off-Road, said the partnership with Troy Lee Designs and Red Bull perfectly captures Ducati’s ambitions. “From the very first test, our goal was clear — to bring Ducati’s racing DNA into the world of Motocross and Supercross. Not only to participate, but to compete at the highest level. With the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing team, we’ve found a partner who share the same belief: racing is more than results. It’s about passion, innovation, and leaving a mark that endures.”
For Troy Lee, the announcement marks both a career milestone and a personal moment of pride. “I’m just super stoked and proud to be partnered back with Red Bull. It feels almost like a reunion,” he said. “We’ve been partners for over 20 years. Their passion for motorsports and belief in me and the TLD brand has always meant the world. Now, to be teaming up with Ducati in their 100th year is not just a big deal for our race team, but huge for the entire moto industry. Honestly, this is a dream come true. From painting helmets in my garage in Corona to having a full-on factory team based out of the TLD headquarters, this is history in the making with some of the biggest names in the paddock. Massive respect and gratitude to Paolo and the entire TLD crew who came together to make this dream a reality. Without them and other key people, none of this would’ve happened. What started as just a conversation two years ago is now a full-blown reality. Come January, the world’s going to see it shine. We’re all in and I think 2026 is going to be next level.”
For Ducati, this collaboration is more than a racing program — it’s the embodiment of the brand’s competitive DNA. Each Ducati is born from racing, refined by experience, and engineered to win, and now that spirit is ready to take on the biggest stage in off-road racing.
The full rider lineup and custom Troy Lee Designs team liveries will be revealed in the coming weeks, ahead of what promises to be a historic 2026 season as Ducati’s unmistakable red makes its Supercross debut.
