text: Popular Victorian to be joined by MXD contender Hellier next season.
  Weeks of speculation have been put to rest following today’s confirmation of Empire Motorsports becoming a Kawasaki supported outfit in the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championship, with popular Victorian Dylan Long to spearhead the squad’s efforts alongside MXD contender and returning rider Deakin Hellier.
  Long will continue to campaign in the premier MX1 division aboard the all-new 2019 Kawasaki KX450 after being ranked fifth in both motocross and supercross this year, as youthful talent Hellier is set to pilot the KX250 in the development category.
  “Empire Motorsports is very excited to be teaming up with Kawasaki Australia for both motocross and supercross in 2019,” said team manager Tyson Cherry. “Early testing on both bikes is going exceptionally well and both riders are really enjoying the experience. So exciting times ahead for both Empire Motorsports and Kawasaki Australia.
  “We are really looking forward to the upcoming season with Dylan Long competing on the Kawasaki KX450 in MX1 class and Deakin Hellier on board the 2019 Kawasaki KX250 in MXD class.”
  Kawasaki Motors Australia national sales and marketing manager Robert Walker added: “Empire Motorsports has shown their fighting spirit during the 2018 MX Nationals competition. This is a team with commitment to constant improvement and rider development.
  “Kawasaki are confident that our support will take their motocross and supercross campaign to the next level. The addition of our 2019 KX450 and KX250 models to their arsenal will give a competitive edge.”
  The partnership between Empire Motorsports and Kawasaki Motors Australia comes after the news of former Dyson Motorsport-operated Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing ceased its alliance with the manufacturer, which was revealed in September. It’s understood Dyson Motorsports does not have any future plans in motocross or supercross at this stage.