Image: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna has appointed long-time race team technician and current crew chief Stephen Westfall as team manager of the US-based Supercross and Pro Motocross team.

Westfall began his time with the team in 2008 and spent six years as a highly-respected technician working with many of the sport’s top riders.

He was promoted to crew chief in 2014, where he oversees all technical and logistical aspects of the team’s operations, in addition to serving as an instrumental force in the team’s overall chemistry, and will now be the replacement of the departed Bobby Hewitt.

“We are really pleased to offer ‘Scuba’ the opportunity to move into a management role with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team,” commented Roger De Coster, KTM Group director of motorsports in North America.

“He has been an integral part of the team’s evolution over the years, from their early days at Suzuki to aligning with KTM in 2014, before transitioning to Husqvarna in 2016 to become the official factory effort in the USA.

“Obviously 2020 has been a testing year for everyone and Scuba has done a tremendous job navigating the circumstances while demonstrating the leadership skills needed to bring the factory team into championship contention this season.”

Westfall said: “I’m very excited and grateful for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to moving into the role of officially leading the team.

“I’m excited to continue working with the great group of crew members and riders that I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside for many years now. It would be a great way to finish the 2020 race season with Zach [Osborne] on top.”

With Westfall officially at the helm, Zach Osborne and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna will look to clinch their first-ever 450MX championship on Saturday at Fox Raceway for the final round of racing in 2020.