Ducati is gearing up for its official debut in the 2027 Arenacross British Championship, joining forces with Anthony Revell’s Stolen team as the iconic Italian manufacturer continues to expand its presence in British off-road racing.
With Joe Clayton and Raife Broadley confirmed to represent the Stolen Ducati outfit, the partnership marks another big step in Ducati’s motocross ambitions, but could it also pave the way for a future British Motocross Championship team?
Dirt Hub caught up with Ducati UK Marketing, Communications and PR Director Ryan Gregory to find out how the Arenacross partnership came about, what the manufacturer hopes to achieve in its debut season, the importance of Dirt Bike Live and what the future could hold for Ducati in British motocross…
Dirt Hub: When Ducati first entered the off-road market, was competing in the British Arenacross Championship already part of the longer-term plan?
Ryan: From the outset, our ambition has been to establish Ducati as a serious player in the UK off-road market. Racing is fundamental to Ducati’s DNA, so developing our presence in competitive motocross was always an important part of our longer-term thinking. Arenacross provides an exciting opportunity to take that next step, showcase the Desmo450 MX and introduce Ducati to a passionate audience.
DH: How important is Arenacross as a platform to showcase Ducati’s off-road range?
Ryan: It’s an important platform for us. Arenacross attracts a passionate and engaged audience, but also reaches people who might not ordinarily attend a traditional outdoor motocross event. The combination of competitive racing, entertainment and strong spectator engagement gives us an excellent opportunity to build awareness of Ducati’s off-road motorcycles. It’s also about demonstrating that Ducati is committed to this segment and giving riders another reason to consider the brand.
DH: How important could Dirt Bike Live be for the industry and Ducati?
Ryan: I think there’s a real opportunity for Dirt Bike Live to become an important event in the UK off-road calendar. The industry needs opportunities to bring manufacturers, riders, dealers and enthusiasts together, particularly at a time when we’re seeing renewed interest and investment in the sector. For Ducati, it’s a chance to showcase our expanding off-road range, connect directly with potential clients and demonstrate our commitment to the UK motocross community.
READ MORE: ARENACROSS NEWS
DH: How did the partnership with the Stolen team come about?
Ryan: We wanted to work with a partner who understood motocross, had the experience to operate a professional racing team and could represent Ducati to the standards we expect. Revs and the Stolen team have built an excellent reputation, particularly through their involvement in VMXDN, and their passion and ambition align well with ours.
The partnership felt like a natural fit. We’re combining Ducati’s racing heritage and technical expertise with an established team that understands the British motocross scene.
DH: How much input did Ducati have in selecting the riders?
Ryan: Rider selection is a collaborative process, but Revs and his team will lead the sporting side of the operation. They have the experience and relationships within the sport to identify riders capable of delivering competitive results. From Ducati’s perspective, it’s important that the riders are competitive, professional and strong ambassadors for the brand, both on and off the track.
DH: Could this partnership lead to a British Motocross Championship team?
Ryan: Our immediate focus is on making the 2027 Arenacross programme a success. We are continuing to evaluate opportunities to develop Ducati’s off-road racing presence in the UK, including the British Motocross Championship, but there is nothing further to announce at this stage. We’re ambitious about the future, but equally focused on building the right foundations.
DH: What would you consider a successful first season, and how ambitious are you about results?
Ryan: Ducati enters every form of racing with ambition, and Arenacross is no different. Of course, we want to be competitive and challenge for strong results from the outset. However, success in our first season will also be measured by how effectively we establish the team, develop our presence within the championship and build engagement with the UK off-road community. We’re confident in the potential of the Desmo450 MX and Desmo250 MX and in the capability of the Stolen team. We want to make a strong impression both on and off the track.
DH: Looking beyond 2027, how important could Arenacross become to Ducati’s wider UK off-road plans?
Ryan: We see Arenacross as an important part of our wider off-road strategy rather than simply a one-season activity. Our objective is to build Ducati’s presence in the UK off-road market through a combination of racing, dealer development, motorcycle experiences and direct engagement with riders. The championship gives us a highly visible platform to support that ambition, and we’re excited to see how the partnership develops beyond its first season.
While Ducati’s immediate focus is on making its 2027 Arenacross debut a success, it’s clear the manufacturer sees the championship as part of a much bigger picture, and with the potential of a team in the British Motocross Championship in the future, it’s clear the brand is here to stay and looking to make a big impression on the UK off-road market.
