Three-time Arenacross Champion John Slade will join Cult JPR KTM for the 2027 Arenacross UK series, as the talented youngster looks to continue his remarkable run of indoor racing success and defend his Supermini crown.
Feature Image courtesy of AXUK
Slade, who has already established himself as one of the UK’s brightest young motocross talents, will race a KTM 85 SX for the KTM UK-backed squad, joining Dylan Walsh and Jake Preston in the team’s three-rider line-up.
Having claimed three consecutive Arenacross titles, starting with the 65cc class before securing back-to-back Supermini championships, Slade will be aiming to make it four in a row when the new season gets underway.
The youngster also has a Portuguese Supercross title to his name, further underlining his growing reputation as one of Europe’s most promising indoor racing talents.
Speaking about joining Cult JPR KTM, John Slade – AX Supermini Class said: “My favourite time of year, Arenacross! I’m really excited to be racing the 2027 Arenacross World Tour this season. Arenacross UK has played a big part in my development as a rider, helping me build skills and experience for the future. To be part of the Cult JPR team, with the backing of KTM UK, is something I’m really proud of. A massive thank you to everyone involved for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to get behind the gate!”
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Walsh and Preston complete Cult JPR KTM line-up
Slade’s arrival completes a strong three-rider line-up for Cult JPR KTM, who will make their Arenacross UK debut in 2027 following their appearance at the final round of the 2026 Motul ACU British Motocross Championship at Blaxhall.
As previously announced, former British Motocross Champion Dylan Walsh will spearhead the team’s AX Pro challenge aboard a KTM 450 SX-F.
Walsh brings considerable international indoor racing experience, having qualified for 15 AMA Supercross Main Events during his career and most recently competed in Australia’s Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship.
Despite his international experience, 2027 will mark Walsh’s first appearance in the UK Arenacross series, where he will be looking to challenge for the championship title across the six-round campaign.
Dylan Walsh – AX Pro Class said: “I can’t wait to get back behind the gate in Britain! It’s my first time racing the series, which I’m excited about. The Cult JPR team have given me a great opportunity to race and be part of a great team. The crowds always look packed, there’s a lot of hype around the series, and I just cannot wait to get the season underway in Birmingham.”
Joining Walsh in the AX Pro class will be experienced indoor racer Jake Preston, who also lines up aboard a KTM 450 SX-F.
Preston has competed in Arenacross, the Indian Supercross Racing League and France’s SX Tour, bringing valuable experience to the team’s first Arenacross campaign.
After finishing 11th overall in the series earlier this year, Preston will be targeting a place inside the championship’s top ten in 2027.
Jake Preston – AX Pro Class said: “Coming into 2027 and having Cult Moto on board is huge for the team as well as a rider for myself! I’m excited to start this new chapter as we continue to build the team and grow into real title contenders. As always I cannot wait to line up at Round 1 in Birmingham under the lights, do my best and put in some solid results.”
With Walsh and Preston taking on the AX Pro class and Slade defending his Supermini crown, Cult JPR KTM will head into the 2027 Arenacross season with a combination of established international experience and exciting young British talent.
