Rick Elzinga to Join Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki
The 23-year-old rider will transition to the Australian ProMX Championship for the 2027 season.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Motorsports
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Rick Elzinga is set to join the Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki team for the 2027 Australian ProMX Championship. The 23-year-old moves to Australia after a recent stint in the World Championship circuit.
Why it matters
Elzinga brings significant international racing experience to the Australian domestic scene. His transition marks a major shift in the rider lineup for the upcoming MX1 season as he targets top-tier podium finishes.
Rick Elzinga finished the 2026 World Championship season in 22nd place. The 23-year-old rider previously competed as a factory rider for Yamaha and later represented Beta and van Venrooy KTM during his European tenure.
The players
Rick Elzinga
He is a 23-year-old professional motocross rider who has transitioned from the World Championship circuit to domestic racing in Australia.
Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki
This is a professional Australian motocross team that competes in the ProMX Championship.
The details
After competing across Europe in 2026, including appearances at the German Grand Prix in Talkessel, Elzinga has signed a new contract to compete in the Australian MX1 class. He aims to secure consistent podium finishes and race victories with his new team in 2027.
Timeline
At the end of 2025, Elzinga became a Yamaha factory rider.
During 2026, he competed as a Beta and KTM works rider.
Throughout 2027, Elzinga will compete in the Australian ProMX Championship.
Season Trajectory
The addition of a World Championship-level competitor significantly elevates the depth of the 2027 Australian ProMX Championship. This move forces established domestic riders to contend with a new challenger who is aiming for immediate race wins in the MX1 class.
Fans should monitor Elzinga's performance in the upcoming MX1 season as he adjusts to the Australian circuit. His entry creates new dynamics for standings predictions and fantasy rosters in the domestic competition.
The takeaway
Elzinga's relocation highlights the common flow of talent between international grand prix circuits and domestic championships. Riders often move to new regions to revitalise their careers and secure more competitive positions in top-tier local classes.
Further reading
For more updates on professional racing, visit our Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SPEEDWEEK.
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