Ducati and Troy Lee Designs Partner for AMA Supercross Debut

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Ducati and Troy Lee Designs have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at entering the AMA Supercross series, marking a historic moment for both brands and off-road racing. The collaboration was unveiled during a press event at Angel Stadium, where the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) kicked off.

The partnership will see the Troy Lee Designs team sporting Ducati Red at eight rounds of the 2025 AMA Supercross Championship. The highlight of the announcement was the unveiling of a prototype Desmo450 MX bike, featuring a hand-painted livery by the iconic Californian designer Troy Lee himself. The bike represents Ducati’s first foray into American motocross, following their success in the Italian Motocross Championships, where Alessandro Lupino won the MX1 title in their debut season.

“We are super stoked to be partnering with Ducati, one of the most prestigious brands in motorcycling,” said Troy Lee. “Racing is core to our brand and enables us to develop our products for safety at the highest performance levels. I look forward to making history together with this partnership.”

The announcement comes as Ducati prepares for its debut in the MXGP World Championship in 2025. The Italian manufacturer has been testing the waters in off-road racing, and this partnership with Troy Lee Designs signals a significant expansion into the U.S. market. The Desmo450 MX is expected to undergo further development, with the goal of homologation for competition in the near future.

The press event also featured appearances from notable figures in the motocross world, including nine-time FIM Motocross World Champion Tony Cairoli, who is rumored to be considering a ride on the Ducati in the U.S. Cairoli, who has been a key figure in Ducati’s European motocross efforts, expressed excitement about the brand’s potential in Supercross.

The 2025 AMA Supercross season is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with top riders like Jett Lawrence, Cooper Webb, and Eli Tomac vying for the championship. The addition of Ducati to the mix adds another layer of intrigue, as fans and competitors alike will be eager to see how the Italian brand performs on American soil.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Troy Lee Designs/Ducati team as they work to establish themselves in the highly competitive world of AMA Supercross. With a rich history in motorcycle racing and a reputation for innovation, Ducati’s entry into the sport is sure to be a game-changer.