HOT: GasGas is coming to motocross!
We previously reported on the takeover of GasGas by KTM. The Austrians would take a majority stake of 60% in GasGas. The Spanish manufacturer is best known for its trial and enduro models. It appears that the brand will produce motocross models again. This would be announced next week at the EICMA motorcycle show.
We deliberately write “again” because GasGas previously attempted to get a foot in the motocross door. As early as 1989, they made a timid attempt to conquer this branch of motorsport. Unfortunately it was not a success story because, except for our mistake, we never encountered a GasGas in the Motocross World Championship. However, we occasionally came across an enduro model in local competitions whose lighting had been dismantled.
The Spanish brand was founded in 1985 from the demise of Bultaco. Two dealers – Narcìs Casas and Josep Pibernat – suddenly found themselves without engines and joined forces to produce machines themselves in their shop. This was a success and a production hall was soon opened in Gerona in the Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia. GasGas won trials titles with Jordi Tarrés in 1993, 1994 and 1995. Even more successful was Adam Raga. He won 2 outdoor and 4 indoor titles. They also won 4 world titles in the Enduro World Championship.
With the acquisition of KTM, it seems that the brand's positioning will be lower than its two other Austrian brethren. With a probability bordering on certainty, Husqvarna will be marketed as a premium brand, KTM as a mass product and GasGas just below it. In addition, the brand would have a factory team. Whether that will be in the EMX, MX2 or elsewhere is currently unknown. It will certainly be a piece of cake to attract pilots from the many teams that KTM and Husqvarna support. Can the Husqvarna stunt be repeated and will GasGas become another Austrian success story? We will hear about it in the coming days EICMA in Milan. The important motorcycle fair will take place from November 7 to 10, 2019.
Tekst: Danny Hermans
Photos: Gas Gas
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