BBMX | Team Will Continue To Race, RM ATV-MC Ending Sponsorship

April 7, 2022

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SML has gathered information regarding the status of Rocky Mountain ATV-MC/WPS/KTM, including confirmation on some details directly from team owner Forrest Butler, that the Butler Brothers MX team will continue to race despite Rocky Mountain ATV-MC’s termination of its title sponsorship agreement and changes in support by other partners. Additionally, Shane McElrath and Max Anstie are expected to participate in this weekend’s St. Louis Supercross, which will serve as their return from recent injuries.

Per Butler, BBMX will finish the 2022 Monster Energy Supercross Championship with the two riders, then contest the upcoming Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship as a threesome with Joey Savatgy.

The BBMX organization underwent several changes ahead of its nineteenth season in the pro pits, including the hiring of new employees and riders, Mark McKenzie’s involvement as an investor, a move from Southern California to Central Florida, and an “in-house” bike development program with support from Twisted Development and AEO.

Per our sources, the team’s financial concerns were addressed during this period, including issues with former partners that were settled and guarded by non-disclosure agreements.

McKenzie’s involvement was rumored through much of 2021, became evident in the announcement by the team to support amateur rider Ethan Lane in July (he is Lane’s father), and was later confirmed by Butler in a video with the Rocky Mountain ATV-MC staff in November. During the interview, Butler called the English businessman “an official partner” and said, “I have a 50-50 partner now in BBMX, which is the corporation behind the race team.”

However, we have learned and confirmed from multiple groups that McKenzie and Butler did not reach a final agreement and despite significant financial contributions to the program, McKenzie is no longer involved. We have reached out to McKenzie for a comment, but he has declined.

Although Rocky Mountain ATV-MC’s termination of the title sponsorship was confirmed on Thursday afternoon, BBMX is expected to announce a replacement title sponsor in the coming weeks. Additionally, the team will maintain support from key partners Western Power Sports and FLY Racing.

Rocky Mountain ATV-MC’s termination of the title sponsorship was confirmed on Thursday afternoon. In a statement to RotoMoto, the retailer said that BBMX “had broken a material requirement of their contract and RM has terminated their deal with the team effective immediately. The team may continue to operate but without the title name or money.”

BBMX is expected to announce a replacement title sponsor in the coming weeks and has maintained support from key partners, including Western Power Sports and FLY Racing.