KTM’s Financial Crisis Reshapes HEWC: New Era Ahead

KTM’s financial crisis continues to have wide-reaching consequences, impacting not only the company’s employees but also WESS Promotion GmbH, the promotional body behind the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC). KTM’s decision to pull its financial backing, combined with Red Bull reducing its support has led to the liquidation of WESS Promotion GmbH which originally created the WESS championship that later became the HEWC.

However, this doesn’t mark the end of the championship. The HEWC will continue under the management of a new entity but it will look different without KTM’s financial support. In a message to the riders, WESS emphasized that the team is fully committed to organizing the series for the upcoming season. The main adjustments will likely affect overseas events with the possibility of canceling non-European races like the Outliers event in Canada.

Keeping the championship within Europe will help reduce costs and ensure its survival. Despite the challenges, KTM’s departure has opened new possibilities for the championship. Winfried Kerschhaggl, the Series Manager for HEWC, shared that the removal of KTM’s influence allows for new ideas such as introducing an Adventure Bike class or allowing electric bikes and four-stroke bikes which could create fresh opportunities for manufacturers, riders and sponsors.

While KTM’s financial troubles have caused significant disruption, they may also lead to positive changes, offering room for innovation and growth in the Hard Enduro series. As the sport adjusts to these new realities, the future of the HEWC may depend on how effectively it adapts to reduced financial resources and embraces new racing formats.