GASGAS THANKS SAM SUNDERLAND AS RALLY-RAID STAR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Thank you, Sam! It’s a bittersweet moment for GASGAS as we announce that our rally hero Sam Sunderland has decided to hang up his boots and retire from professional motorcycle racing. Sam’s journey with GASGAS and the company has been super successful, and we’re beyond proud of everything he has achieved with the team.

  • Sunderland to retire from professional motorcycle racing
  • Sam’s outstanding career included two world championships and two Dakar wins
  • Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing wish Sam all the best for the future

Joining Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing for the 2022 season, Sam kicked off his stint on the RX 450F with a bang by claiming victory in the 2022 Dakar Rally – the first ever win for GASGAS at the world’s toughest rally-raid. And that was just the beginning! Sam kept the momentum going with stellar performances at each FIM World Rally-Raid Championship round in 2022, ultimately clinching his second world championship title. What a year!

Sam first joined the company back in 2014, and during his time racing for the team he secured no less than two world championships and two Dakar victories, not to mention multiple stage and event wins along the way. Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing couldn’t be more grateful for Sam’s passion, dedication, and sheer awesomeness he brought to every race. Sam will continue working with the team, using his vast experience in a support and development role. Thank you for everything, Sam, we’re already looking forward to working closely together again in the future!

Sam Sunderland: “It is with gratitude, humility, a bit of sadness, but without regret, that I announce my retirement from motorcycle racing after having a career that I dreamed of once upon a time. From winning two world championships to my two Dakar victories, it’s been an incredible run. I would like to thank everyone that has been a part of this chapter and I’m looking forward to staying close to the team and playing a part in supporting their race efforts in the future.”

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We would like to say a massive thank you to Sam for his time with Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing. I speak for the whole team when I say we’re sad to hear that Sam is retiring from racing, but we completely respect his decision and thank him for everything he has done for us over the years. Beyond being a phenomenal racer, Sam is a fantastic person – always supportive, motivating, and a true team player. He is a huge part of the GASGAS family, and we look forward to working with him again in new and exciting ways in the future.”

Pit Beirer – Motorsports Director: “Sam joined the company back in 2014, and since then his passion, dedication, and results have been exceptional. He not only secured two world championships and two Dakar victories, but he played a massive part in the successes of the whole team. Over the years, our relationship with Sam became stronger and stronger, and with his move to Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing in 2022, he continued to make history. While it’s tough to see Sam go, we respect his decision. I’d like to personally thank Sam for everything he put into the team and wish him well for the future.”

Top five blast-back by Acosta in Sepang for Malaysian MotoGP™

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The Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit was another stage for Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Pedro Acosta to produce a riveting performance as the 20-year-old Spaniard raced to 5th place in sweltering and sapping conditions. Teammate Augusto Fernandez rode well to progress from a P21 grid slot to take 10th in a race of physical, mental and tire attrition. Daniel Holgado is still in play for 2nd position in the 2024 Moto3™ world championship despite an early race fall.

CASEY COCHRAN JOINS 2025 ROCKSTAR ENERGY GASGAS FACTORY RACING TEAM

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As part of its RED-hot new lineup for 2025, the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team proudly announces the addition of rising 250 Class talent Casey Cochran alongside returning GASGAS duo Justin Barcia and Ryder DiFrancesco. The fresh, new official GASGAS squad will be led by newly appointed team manager, Sean Murphy. Casey Cochran joins Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s 250 Class roster for 2025 Veteran leader Sean Murphy appointed as Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team Manager Bam Bam and Ryder D gear up for the 2025 season with revitalized GASGAS SMX effort! This exciting new addition and leadership appointment arrive on the heels of a newly announced partnership between Rockstar® Energy Drink and GASGAS Factory Racing, fueling more anticipation than ever for an action-packed 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) season. Cochran has been a Rockstar Athlete since his impressive debut in the 250SX Futures in 2023, where he secured three podium finishes. His journey through the KTM Group’s amateur racing program has been nothing short of remarkable. Last season marked his rookie debut in AMA Supercross, where he began in the SX Futures program to collect pro points before transitioning to the 250SX East division. During Pro Motocross, Cochran further showcased his talent by qualifying P1 at Hangtown and earning his career-first 250MX podium at Spring Creek, finishing third overall. Now, with Barcia and DiFrancesco, Cochran brings new energy and talent to the team, promising an epic dynamic and an electric season ahead. Casey Cochran: “I'm super stoked to join the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team for the 2025 season. With so many familiar faces around, especially having been a Rockstar athlete since my early amateur career, the transition has been seamless. I am excited to have new teammates that I can learn from and build fresh relationships with as we gear up for Supercross. The crew we have is incredible, and the bike is feeling great. I'm ready to get out on the track and show everyone what this team can do together. Let’s do this!" Sean Murphy brings nearly a decade of expertise to his new role as team manager for the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team. Murphy has been an integral figure in the motorsport community, serving as team coordinator for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team since its inception in 2015. Murphy’s leadership style, grounded in strategic oversight and a deep commitment to team success, was instrumental in his past role and is set to elevate the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing team as they prepare for 2025. Sean Murphy, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team Manager: “I am extremely excited to accept the role of team manager for the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team and be part of this new team partnership between two iconic brands. The Rockstar Energy brand means a lot to our racing family, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have them onboard for the 2024 SMX Championship season. I got to see Casey’s talent and great potential firsthand last year, and I’m excited to see him thrive with riders like Justin and Ryder. We’re ready for 2025!" Jennifer Kalban, Senior Sports Marketing Manager, Rockstar Energy: "Rockstar Energy is proud to expand our partnership with the KTM Group and continue growing the Rockstar Energy racing family. Working closely with Sean since the inception of the Husqvarna team has been incredibly rewarding and we’re excited to continue taking our collaboration to new heights. We are also proud to continue supporting Casey as he joins the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team and look forward to his continued success." As we gear up for the upcoming season, the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team is ready to take on new challenges and build on our success. Stay tuned for more updates as we GET ON THE GAS while preparing to line up at A1! About Rockstar Energy: Founded in 2001, Rockstar Energy Drink is committed to understanding the mind-body connection, providing functional energy to keep you moving confidently through every moment. It empowers a new generation to feel energized both mentally and physically, giving them the power to access and optimize every version of themselves. Acquired by PepsiCo in 2020, Rockstar Energy Drink offers over 40 products and is available in more than 30 countries. For more information, visit www.rockstarenergy.com and unlock your full potential, mind, and body.