Ramsey, Alessi head new KTM line-up.

KTM North America has announced that Nathan Ramsey and Mike Alessi will join Josh Hansen, Ryan Mills and Jay Marmont in a radically new rider line-up for next season's AMA championships.

The experienced Ramsey (top pic), who currently rides for the factory Honda team, has eleven 125 Supercross wins, two East/West Shootout wins, one 250 Supercross win and one 125 West Championship title under his belt.

16-year-old Alessi is at the opposite end of his career and tipped by many to become the next Ricky Carmichael or James 'Bubba' Stewart.

"We're starting fresh," stated race team manager Larry Brooks. "We have a brand new Supercross and Motocross crew that will be contesting the upcoming series. They are young, enthusiast and determined and we are so proud to have them as part of the Red Bull KTM Race team.

"Our scheduled riders are Nathan Ramsey, Josh Hansen, Ryan Mills, Jay Marmont and Mike Alessi," he confirmed. "All the riders will be on the KTM 250F in the 125 class in the Supercross and Outdoor series, except for Alessi who will contest the Outdoor season only in 2005. He will then challenge the Supercross and Outdoor series in 2006."

Alessi, who caused a stir by going straight to the premier 250cc class for his pro debut, finished 27th in race one at Millville, after several falls, but was as high as fourth in the second outing before slipping back slightly, then suffering a mechanical failure.

The Alessi family had earlier ruffled feathers by producing t-shirts saying 'believe the hype' to mark Mike's pro debut, while the rider himself stated he could take a podium, or a top five finish, at least.

"This decision will act as a stepping stone to aid Mike in achieving his future goals and ambitions of becoming one of the world's best motocross racers," said an Alessi family statement on the new KTM deal.

Mike's younger brother Jeff will continue with Honda racing and will contest the amateur national motocross schedule for the remainder of 2004/2005. Jeff hopes to debut in 2005 in his first professional race, and to continue the relationship with Honda Pro racing well into the future.

Meanwhile, today's announcement means that AMA veteran - and current KTM rider - Ryan Hughes (lower pic) will have to look elsewhere for a ride in 2005.