Chris Hollis joins with Jehi Willis to spearhead Husky’s 2009 campaign
The most anticipated factory ride for 2009 comes with the signing of Australia’s number-one off-road rider to Husqvarna Australia – Chris Hollis.
Having dominated the 2008 Australian Off-Road Championships, Chris is also the first ever rider to win the Australian Four Day Enduro in the same year and will now be defending his titles aboard a selection of models from the Husky TE range.
After his first ride on a 09 Husqvarna, Chris formed a fast relationship with the Italian off-road machines.
“The Huskies are very different to what I’m used to but they perform well. I’ve been playing around on a stock TE 450 and already I feel right at home with the way the bike rides. It’s good for my confidence in that I’m already as fast as I need to be on my practice tracks and I haven’t even adjusted a clicker or played around with the standard suspension package. I think by the time I’ve got the bike up to factory-spec, I’ll be ready to step it up another level for next year.”
With Stefan Merriman returning to race Down Under, Hollis is excited to have a world-class rider raising the bar of Australian competition.
“It’s great for our sport to have Stefan here to compete against. He’s still capable of being the best in the world, which means I’ll be elevating my own performance every time I race against him in Australia.”
As part of Hollis’ 2009 contract, he will contend select rounds of the WEC (World Enduro Championships) between competing at events in Australia.
Husqvarna Australia’s Paul Feeney is looking forward to a successful future with Chris on board his team.
“We are proud to have officially signed Chris for 2009. Not only is this an exciting prospect for Husqvarna, but for Chris it is the beginning of an International career, as we are confident he will make a big impression in the World Enduro Championships. In pursuing his potential to becoming one of the best riders in the world, Chris will be a great ambassador for Husqvarna.”
Chris’s teammate for the AORC and all Australian events will be Jehi Willis, who will pilot the new WR300.