In a move set to ignite the UK’s upcoming winter indoor racing season, KTM UK has officially confirmed that international Supercross rider Dylan Walsh will spearhead its manufacturer-backed assault on the 2027 Arenacross British Championship.

Returning to British soil after an outstanding campaign in the southern hemisphere, Walsh will join forces with the experienced (and AX regular) Jake Preston. The formidable duo will compete aboard KTM machinery under the banner of KTM UK’s officially supported team Cult JPR KTM for the highly anticipated six-round championship.

Walsh arrives in the UK carrying immense momentum from the 2025 Australian Supercross Championship, where he secured a stellar fourth-place overall finish in the premier SX1 class for the factory KTM Racing Team. With a proven track record, Walsh brings a wealth of racing experience to the UK grid including a thrilling season spent wheel-to-wheel with reigning Arenacross Champion Dean Wilson.

Now, he'll have the opportunity to take on some of Britain's best indoor racers as he makes his Arenacross debut in February.

Dylan Walsh said:

"I'm stoked to be coming back to Britain to race Arenacross. I've spent a lot of time racing Supercross in Australia and America, so to get the chance to come back and race indoors in front of the British fans is something I'm really looking forward to.

I've been racing against Dean Wilson out in Australia and he's said how brilliant the series is, so it's gunna be good to line up with all the other boys in the championship. There's some serious competition, and that's exactly what you want as a rider.

Having KTM UK behind us is brilliant, and I'm looking forward to getting together with Jake and the team. I want to come over, have some good races and be right up there fighting at the front."

KTM UK CONFIRMS INVOLVEMENT IN ARENACROSS AND DIRT BIKE LIVE

KTM UK's involvement extends beyond the race track, with the manufacturer also confirming its attendance at Dirt Bike Live, taking place alongside the opening two rounds of Arenacross in Birmingham on 6 & 7 February.

With both events taking place at bp pulse LIVE, fans will have the opportunity to spend the day exploring the latest bikes, products and brands from across the off-road world at Dirt Bike Live, before watching the KTM UK-backed team compete in the evening Arenacross shows.

Matt Walker, Managing Director, KTM UK, said:

"Racing is at the heart of KTM, and Arenacross gives us a great opportunity to showcase that in front of a really diverse audience. The atmosphere, the packed arenas and the level of competition make it a brilliant platform for manufacturers, and we're excited to be supporting Jake and the team for 2027.

Jake's passion for Arenacross is infectious, and bringing Dylan back from Australia gives us a really strong rider pairing. They've both got plenty to offer, and we're looking forward to seeing what they can achieve together with KTM behind them.

Having Dirt Bike Live alongside Arenacross in Birmingham adds another dimension for us. We can connect with riders and off-road enthusiasts during the day, while Arenacross introduces KTM to families and fans who might be experiencing the sport for the first time. It's a great opportunity to bring different parts of the off-road community together."

Matt Bates, Arenacross Promoter, said:

"This is exactly what I love about Arenacross… Dylan's been racing against the best in Australia, including current Arenacross champion Dean Wilson, and now we're bringing that level of talent to British arenas. To have riders of this calibre choosing to race our championship is absolutely fantastic, and I can't wait to see Dylan in action!.

I'm delighted for Jake too. He's been a huge supporter of Arenacross for years, and to see him putting together his own team with official backing from KTM UK is brilliant. He deserves it, and I think he and Dylan are going to be a great pairing.

Every year we push to make Arenacross bigger and better, and seeing the riders, teams and manufacturers coming together for 2027 makes all that hard work worthwhile. I genuinely cannot wait to get this championship underway."

The 2027 Arenacross British Championship will feature six rounds across three UK cities, with a £150,000 championship prize fund.

2027 ARENACROSS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

• 6 & 7 February — bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
• 12 & 13 February — O2 Arena, Belfast
• 26 & 27 February — P&J LIVE, Aberdeen

Tickets are on sale now at axworldtour.com.