Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing has added Joey Savatgy to its racing programme on a multi-year contract. The 450-class rider will join RJ Hampshire on the Ducati Desmo450 MX, completing the team’s pairing for Supercross, Pro Motocross and SuperMotocross.

Both riders are now committed to multi-year agreements, replacing Justin Barcia and Dylan Ferrandis, who competed in the Desmo450 MX’s debut season. The continuity gives Ducati’s team room to work on the motorcycle and the wider programme over time, instead of rebuilding its rider roster at the end of every season.

Savatgy’s racing background

Savatgy turned professional in 2013 and finished runner-up in the 2016 250SX East Championship. He moved into the 450 class in 2019 and won 450SX Rookie of the Year honours with the factory Kawasaki team. His 450-class record includes 13 top-five results across Supercross, motocross and SMX. During the 2026 season, he collected five top-five finishes, 12 top-10s, fourth place in Philadelphia and eighth in the Supercross standings.

He also has experience with a new racing project, having competed for Triumph in the 2024 Pro Motocross season aboard the debuting TF 250-X. Josh Wisenor, manager of the Troy Lee Designs Race Team, called the commitment from both riders an important step for the programme. He said working with them across multiple seasons should give the team a better understanding of their individual abilities and needs while development continues into the programme’s second year.