Slaw Dog
After JGRMX closed its doors earlier this year, all signs pointed to Suzuki putting more resources behind the Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports team. And guess what? That’s what they are doing.
Suzuki announced on Wednesday that Twisted Tea/H.E.P. “will be the premier Suzuki 450 Supercross team” for 2021. Max Anstie and Adam Enticknap will both return to the squad with Brandon Hartranft moving up from the 250 Class to serve as the third rider.
“We are thrilled to up our game with Suzuki and its legendary RM-Z450 class bikes for the 2021 Supercross series,” said Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki Racing Team Co-Owner Dustin Pipes. “With Max, Adam, and now Brandon on the squad, we expect strong and consistent results in the premier class this season,” added Pipes.
“I’m excited to work with the Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports Team our premier 450 class Supercross team for 2021,” said Chris Wheeler, Suzuki’s Racing Manager. “This team has the experience and the strength of this rider lineup to make for a competitive and exciting Supercross season for Suzuki, and the RM Army in 2021,” added Wheeler.
This is a huge move for the team, which debut in 2018 and is managed by former racer Dustin Pipes and supported by Billy Ezernack and former 125 National Champion George Holland.
Anstie, the long-time GP rider, is back for a second season. After missing all of Monster Energy Supercross, Anstie shined outdoors finishing ninth in points. The 7DeuceDeuce returns to the team for a second season as well.
Following just three seasons in the 250 Class, Hartranft has decided to make a run at the 450 Class. The New Jersey native had his best season in 2020 with Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM, finishing fourth in the 250SX West Region behind two podium finishes. With TLD moving to GasGas, Hartranft was not re-signed and instead moved over to H.E.P.
