Italian legend lining up at RedBud and Spring Creek on Desmo450 MX.
Image: Supplied.
Ducati will make a high-profile first Pro Motocross appearance next month, debuting with nine-time world champion and factory test rider Antonio Cairoli at RedBud, directly followed by a second start at the Spring Creek National.
These events will mark the first-ever North American race appearances for the Desmo450 MX and Cairoli’s return to the US championship following his entry in 2022.
Fresh off a strong seventh-place overall finish at the MXGP of Great Britain, Cairoli remains focused on racing as a tool for refinement. His participation in the US rounds underlines Ducati Corse’s goal of gathering data and feedback from professional competition as the company expands its off-road footprint.
“This American trip is very interesting, especially from a commercial and marketing point of view,” Cairoli commented. “The US market is the most important in the world, and our main goal is to debut the Desmo450 MX in the USA just a few weeks before deliveries begin, while enjoying iconic tracks like RedBud and Spring Creek
“We’ll be racing with the production bike to introduce it directly to American fans and enthusiasts. Before that, I’ll be in Southwick on Saturday, June 28, serving as the event’s grand marshal. I don’t have any particular ambitions – just to have fun and entertain the American fans.”
Paolo Ciabatti, general manager of Ducati Corse Off-Road, added: “Bringing the Desmo450 MX to race in the US is a significant milestone in our off-road racing project.
“The level of competition in AMA Pro Motocross is extremely high, and having a rider of Antonio’s experience allows us to accelerate our development in real race conditions. These rounds are not just about results—they are about learning, adapting, and furthering the evolution of our motocross platform in preparation for the future.”
While not formally confirmed, Ducati has signalled its intentions to enter the SuperMotocross World Championship full-time from 2026, expected to continue its alliance with Troy Lee Designs – which largely led the former factory GasGas team – after showcasing the Desmo450 MX at various events to date in 2025.