Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki has finalised its 2026 line-up with the signing of four-time MX1 Champion Dean Ferris, who will join Brad West as the team transitions into an MX1-only program. With the season kicking off at Wonthaggi in March, the team is aiming to chase its first professional championship.

Ferris arrives as one of the most successful riders in ProMX history, with 69 moto wins, 32 overall victories and four premier-class MX1 championships. His return for 2026 follows an extended break after his 2024 injury, but it also adds another chapter to a career defined by unexpected comebacks. Ferris has stepped away from the sport twice, first announcing his retirement in March 2021 after a major back injury in 2020 before making a shock return in 2022 as a privateer on a Honda. That comeback saw him finish second in the Australian MX1 Championship behind Aaron Tanti and then go on to reclaim the MX1 crown in 2023, securing his fourth national title.

Ferris will reunite with longtime crew chief and now team manager Brad McAlpine, strengthening Empire Kawasaki’s new MX1-only program as it aims for its first professional championship. 

Reflecting on his next step, Ferris said he is “beyond thankful to be signing with Empire Kawasaki for the 2026 season.” He acknowledged the many phases of his career, adding that even after stepping away mid-2024 following a small injury and his team’s split, “I never officially retired and remained open to returning to racing on the right program for me.” He explained that discussions for 2026 came together naturally: “It has been a very organic process where I began to see what was available for 2026, and Empire Kawasaki were forthcoming with the intention to go after a ProMX Championship with me in 2026.”

A major draw was the chance to reunite with former CDR Yamaha team manager Brad McAlpine, who shifted camp a few seasons ago. “To be able to reunite with Brad McAlpine, who was my crew chief for three of my MX1 Championships and is now the Empire Kawasaki Team Manager, is an amazing opportunity, and I am already loving being on the KX450 and working with the team,” Ferris said. He knows the level in MX1 is high and added, “I am aware of the current level in MX1 and under no illusions that I have a lot of work ahead of me, but with that being said, the feeling I have on the bike already makes me feel confident I will be competitive and challenge at the front of the field.”

Kawasaki believes Ferris’ experience and proven winning record will elevate the entire team, with early testing already showing strong potential ahead of the 2026 season opener at Wonthaggi.

Empire Kawasaki Team Owner Tyson Cherry said the signing reflects a major push for the upcoming season. “We have made a big push for 2026 and progressed our relationship with Kawasaki Australia, moving into a new focus as an MX1-only program,” he said. Cherry believes bringing Ferris on board instantly strengthens the team: “For us to sign a rider of Dean’s calibre elevates our entire program, and it was such a great fit with Brad McAlpine having a rich history working with Dean across many of his championship years.”

He added that early testing has already shown positive signs. “It’s early days, but Dean looks great on the bike, and we are excited to work over the off-season and come out swinging at Wonthaggi.”

Ferris will make his official debut for Kawasaki at the opening round of the 2026 ProMX Championship on the weekend of 21–22 March at Wonthaggi, Vic.