After months of anticipation Troy Lee Designs, Red Bull and Ducati Corse Off-Road proudly announce the launch of their new factory team. The American Ducati factory team will make its long-awaited debut with Justin Barcia and Dylan Ferrandis.
What began as a conversation between two passionate racing visionaries, Troy Lee and Paolo Ciabatti, grew into a full-fledged factory team as Ducati embarks on its first American Supercross campaign.
The team enters this new phase with an exceptionally strong rider lineup. Troy Lee Designs veteran Justin “BAM BAM” Barcia enters the season with the momentum of a strong 2025 year, in which he scored four Top 5 finishes and twenty Top 10 results despite missing seven races due to injury. Known for his aggressive riding style and massive fanbase, Barcia is eager to unleash the Ducati Desmo450 MX under the factory tent.
“I am absolutely hyper to join the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team,” says Justin Barcia. “It is amazing to be back with the TLD crew and reconnect with so many familiar faces with whom I share great memories. This is an amazing opportunity and I am ready to learn, push the new bike to its limits and fight for podiums and wins.”
Barcia is joined by Dylan Ferrandis, former 250 Supercross and 450 Motocross champion. His raw speed and technical precision have earned him great respect within the sport. Ferrandis is known for his relentless drive and championship mentality and adds immediate depth to the Ducati project from day one.
“I am extremely happy with the opportunity to race in Ducati’s first season in the U.S.,” says Dylan Ferrandis. “It is such an iconic brand, and I am super happy to work again with Troy Lee Designs – they were among my first sponsors during my 85cc days in Europe. The bike feels incredible and with the team, Factory Connection and everyone involved, I have no doubt that we can achieve great results.”
With speed, grit and proven credentials, Barcia and Ferrandis are ready to carry the torch for Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing and give the competition a serious wake-up call.
Leading the program is Team Manager Josh Wisenor, who brings an impressive legacy of success from years of experience in the motorcycle industry. He brings championship-level expertise and leadership to the team. Standing closely beside him is Rick “Ziggy” Zielfelder, whose deep involvement in the development of the Ducati Desmo450 MX was crucial in preparing the bike for its Supercross debut.
“It has been a privilege building the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team from the ground up,” says Wisenor. “We have assembled an all-star crew and with Ducati’s full commitment we are ready to make history. The Desmo450 MX has undergone tremendous development and we cannot wait to showcase what the bike can do when the gate drops in Anaheim.”
At the heart of the program stands Troy Lee himself, a lifelong racer, artist and innovator whose vision continues to push the limits of performance and design.
