Luka Freemantle joins Bridgestone Kawasaki Race Team

5 September 2022

Kawasaki New Zealand is proud to announce the signing of Luka Freemantle as MX2 rider for the Bridgestone Kawasaki Race Team. Freemantle is set to contest the 2023 New Zealand motocross season aboard the 2023 KX250.
The Kawasaki rider has big boots to fill as he steps up to race team status in place of Josiah Natzke who has chased his overseas racing career aspirations. The 19-year-old hailing from Palmerston North area is no stranger to Team Green having spent the past 2 seasons aboard the KX450 platform.

General Manager of Kawasaki NZ, Mike Cotter says, “Luka is an exciting young talent who is a very capable rider. We believe that with the right guidance and support behind him he can progress toward the pointy end of the field in MX2.”
“I think Luka’s riding style lends itself to the small-bore bike and the KX250 is improved for 2023 with an updated engine. This all helps when the standard package is competitive from the get-go.” he continues.

Luka joins teammates Micah McGoldrick (MX1), Cody Cooper (MX1) and Zara Gray (Senior Women’s) in a 4-roster lineup for the upcoming season.
Shane Verhoeven, Managing Director of Kawasaki NZ, and Team Manager comments, ‘We expect Luka to be a sponge this season and learn all he can from the likes of Cody and Micah who have years of experience to offer. It should make for an exciting team environment.”
Luka is busy preparing for the season ahead and will make his official debut at Labour Weekend’s MX Fest at Digger McEwen Motocross Park in Taupo, considered by many as a pre-season shakedown before nationals that kicks off in February 2023.

CAPTION: From left to right, Luka Freemantle and Kawasaki NZ General Manager Mike Cotter

 

Keep up to date with the team on Facebook and Instagram. @BridgesoneKawasakiRaceTeam

For more information please contact: Alarn Young – alarn@kawasaki.co.nz