Image: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team manager Stephen Westfall won’t continue in the position through the 2022 season, opting to step down in news revealed one week out from Anaheim 1.

Westfall will remain with the team during the west coast rounds of Monster Energy Supercross before departing altogether to ‘focus on time with his family’.

“This is probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but ultimately I have decided to step down as team manager and head back to the east coast to spend more time with my family,” Westfall said.

“I want to thank Husqvarna Motorcycles for giving me the opportunity to work here over the past eight years and wishing my Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team all the best in the upcoming season – I will be rooting for them every weekend!”

After beginning as a technician, Westfall was promoted to crew chief for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna, where he served as an integral part of the team’s championship-winning success including three 250 titles with Zach Osborne and the brand’s first-ever 450SX championship with Jason Anderson.

Westfall became team manager in 2020, leading the squad to a very successful season despite a challenging year amidst an unprecedented global pandemic, which culminated with a first-time 450MX championship from Osborne. A replacement manager is yet to be announced.