With one more round of the Revo British Championship and three more Michelin MX Nationals to run, Phoenix Even Strokes Kawasaki owner has moved quickly to secure the services of two riders for 2024. 2023 has seen some riders excel in MX2 and have caught the eye of many in the paddock.
Feature Image courtesy of Greg Moss
With this in mind, Barry moved to secure the riders for 2024 to fend off the interest gathering on both. The 2023 KX250F has been an unbelievable machine, with the team working on their engines in-house this year, adding a Suter Clutch, HGS pipe to take the stock factory to a race win in the Michelin MX Nationals and threatening podiums at the Revo British Championship. With minor enhancements added to the 2024 Kawasaki, the team have chosen wisely who can push for a championship in MX2.
Carlton Husband, at the age of thirty, has had his best-ever results on an MX2 bike this year, with moto wins and currently sitting in second position and only two points off the leader in the Michelin MX Nationals and sitting in fifth place in the British Championship. Carlton has been on the team for five years and has built a great relationship with Barry Moore, the team owner and Chief Mechanic Chris Talbot. His one hundred per cent effort and unwavering attitude have seen Carlton create a massive following in the north and fans to this year’s races. Carlton has twice come from last to top three in two races this year, and that never die spirit has captivated fans.
Joining Carlton in 2024 is young privateer starlet Charlie Cole who has had a huge impact this year, not only on the British scene but internationally, as he made his MX2 World Championship debut with Steve Dixon’s team, put together by Kawasaki UK. Charlie has been battling it out this year with his future teammate Carlton Husband and secured an overall win in the Michelin MX Nationals Pro MX2 and a second overall in the Revo British Championships. Twenty-three-year-old Charlie will have the full support of Kawasaki, Michelin, and Syntol under a team awning next year, so it will be exciting to see what he can achieve whilst not being distracted with getting bikes ready.
Carlton Husband
“I’m super excited to be back with Barry and Chris at Phoenix Even Strokes Kawasaki for the 2024 season, and having Charlie Cole on board, I feel it will only make us stronger again as a team. This year has been an excellent season so far, with only a few rounds left, and I would not be able to do any of it without the help and support of Barry and all our sponsors. My speed and consistency this year have been the best, so thank you all, and roll on to 2024.”
Charlie Cole
“I’m delighted to be joining Phoenix Tools Even Strokes Kawasaki race team next year in MX2. Happy to be staying on the KX250, a bike I have had a lot of success with this season. I have a good feeling for the bike already, so I am excited to see the progress we can make this off-season in pursuit of a title in 2024. I want to say a massive thank you to Barry Moore and Ross Burridge at KMUK for their belief in me.”
Barry Moore
“Super excited Charlie has agreed to sign with the team for 2024. Charlie has impressed me, many British fans, and the industry this year on the KX250F. Showing blistering speed to run at the front, we can’t wait to start our winter training with him and Carlton, who will help push each other so we have two riders in podium contention in 2024. Carlton has had a very impressive season, and it’s fantastic to see him committing to the team for a sixth year. With many teams looking at Charlie and Carlton for 2024 we wanted to move quickly and secure what I believe to be one of the best MX2 teams in the paddock next year.”
