Dirt Store Kawasaki Announces 2024 Team Line-Up – Searle, Pocock, and Rizzi!
The Youth Motocross giant that was GRT Impact KTM announced in September that they would be running the official Team Green Kawasaki effort in the UK for 2024, after the Revo team was snapped up by a brilliant offer from GASGAS to be a full satellite team. The new effort would be backed by Dirt Store, who are also backing the British Championship in 2024.
Words: Ben Rumbold
Tommy Searle stays on the green machine, for whom he has a contract to race a KX450 in the MX1 class, and he is joined by his 2023 teammate Mel Pocock, who joins career-long rivals Jake Nichols and Elliott Banks-Browne in the MX2 class. There is youth in the team as well, however, with 21-year-old Joel Rizzi to also race MX2 on the British scene.
In a complete change of look for Searle as well, the team will all be kitted-out in O’Neal clothing and Bell Helmets. It’s a fresh look and they’re gonna look great on track!
Here is the full press release:
Dirt Store Kawasaki are proud to announce their three-man line-up, and their Official Kawasaki UK partnership going into 2024.
British Motocross icon, Tommy Searle, spearheads the team in the MX1 class, with MX2 riders Mel Pocock and Joel Rizzi completing the team.
Competing in the Arenacross UK, Dirt Store British Championship and Fastest 40 MX Championship, Dirt Store Kawasaki will be aiming for the top spot with all guns blazing! With official support from Kawasaki UK, Searle, Pocock and Rizzi will be equipped with their KX250 and KX450 machines, making 2024 an exciting season for all involved.
Headed by Dan and Jon Giffard, Dirt Store Kawasaki has been brought to life thanks to the hard work and dedication of the whole team, and its incredible partners. Also coming on board for 2024, Nick from GTCI has played a pivotal role in putting all the pieces together for Dirt Store Kawasaki. The team cannot thank Nick, GTCI, and Dirt Store enough for their support.
At the head of the team, MX1 rider Tommy Searle will be hoping for success in all Championships in 2024. He will also look to defend his Arenacross UK title in 2024.
Lining up alongside Searle, Mel Pocock and Joel Rizzi will both be looking for success in 2024 too. Pocock, also competing in Arenacross UK and is no stranger to being at the sharp end of the field, will be looking to bring home some silverware in 2024 aboard his KX250. Joining him in MX2, Rizzi is one of the UK’s top young talents, and will be looking to make his mark on the British Championship.
Dan Giffard – Team Manager: “Wow, what can I say? Jon and I have worked so hard since we began as a British Motocross team four years ago, and to see the outfit and team we have today, is something we only dreamed of.
We have had amazing success over the past few years with the team, including a British National Championship in the Youth and Pro classes, along with multiple podium finishes. For sometime we felt overlooked as a team, but for 2024, we feel as though the hard work is paying off.
To have an incredible rider line-up, and the support from Kawasaki UK, we are so excited to get the season started next year. Thank you to all sponsors and those who have helped the team achieve the great things we have so far!”
Tommy Searle – MX1: “I’m really happy to continue with Kawasaki for 2024. I feel they have been a massive part of my career up to this point and with the added bonus of the all new KX450, which I’ve been lucky enough to get out on for a few days should make for a great season. I would say it’s the best production bike I’ve ever ridden, so I’m excited to get going!”
Mel Pocock – MX2: “I can’t wait for 2024 to start! I’m feeling really confident going into the season and I know that combined with the Dirt Store Kawasaki team and the Kawasaki KX250, we can certainly be challenging for race wins and the Championship from the opening round – let’s get this show on the road!”
Joel Rizzi – MX2: “I’m looking forward and happy to be a part of Dirt Store Kawasaki with a great group of people around the team. The Kawasaki KX250 blew me away first day on it and I can’t wait to get behind the gate on it for the Dirt Store British Championship next year!”
As well as the press release, the team also feature on Tommy Searle’s blog video this week – SEE BELOW!
