Image: Octopi Media.

Grand prix legend Tony Cairoli will return to Lucas Oil Pro Motocross at Budds Creek later this month, due to make his first appearance with Red Bull KTM since High Point’s fourth round of the season.

Cairoli, 36, has confirmed he’s going to be back on track at round 10 and it’s also anticipated that he will ride at Ironman or Fox Raceway to cap-off the 2022 series.

With Unadilla next on the schedule, Cairoli’s comeback at Budds Creek will take place on Saturday, 20 August. He had been ninth in the standings upon departing earlier in the year, scoring a best result of fifth overall in round three at Thunder Valley.

“I knew it would be very tough to compete, but then I was also a bit surprised because the top five was possible if it wasn’t for a few mistakes,” the nine-time world champion reflected. “We were always there – 7, 8, 5, 6, 4, 4. I was pretty happy in the end with the pace I had.”

While yet to be formally announced, Cairoli is tipped to form part of Team Italy in the Motocross of Nations (MXoN) set for RedBud between 24-25 September. The Italians will enter as the defending champions after claiming the Chamberlain Trophy at Mantova last September.