The title-winning KTM DM31 Racing Team has unveiled its line-up for the 2026 Australian Enduro season as decorated team owner, Daniel Milner, announces his retirement from professional racing.

Reigning and six-times Australian Enduro Championship “ProEnduro” champion, outright ISDE, Hattah and A4DE winner Daniel Milner has called time on his racing career. The 34-year-old started his own race team with KTM Australia support two years ago and shifts his focus to full-time management for the 2026 season.

Daniel Milner: “The decision to retire from racing has been playing on my mind for a while, because I’ve been racing professionally for 15 seasons now, and it got to that point where I don’t quite get the enjoyment out of racing as much as I used to – and honestly, I get more satisfaction out of running the team and helping out the younger riders.

“I have achieved everything that I worked so hard for in my career – winning my sixth ProEnduro outright title this year, which takes me to the record, so it has taken me to a point where I don’t have anything to drive me forward other than what I have happening with the team. I’m thankful for my career, I enjoyed a lot of success and got to live the dream on the off-road side. I have accomplished more than I ever thought was possible, and again just really thankful.

Glittering career

Milner wraps up his career with a record total of six outright championships in AUS Enduro, as well as a total of five A4DE victories, three Hattah Desert Race wins, plus he won the International Six Days Enduro (6DAYS) outright in 2018 and helped the green and Gold boys claim the World Trophy in 2015 and 2018, plus has more than 20 Australian individual championships.

New team trio

Following a stint racing in EnduroGP World Championship, Milner returned home in 2024 to form his own KTM DM31 Racing Team and next year will continue but stand alongside the three rider squad as the boss.

Leading the charge on-track for KTM Australia’s official off-road program will be Korey McMahon defending his E3 title and, after claiming third in the ProEnduro standings, he’s aiming to pick up where Milner left off in challenging for the AUS Enduro Outright crown. He will also aim to repeat his Hattah Desert Race victory onboard the KTM 500 EXC-F.

In the E2 division, Jye Dickson will ride the KTM 450 XC-F, joining the team after claiming second position in E3 this year, as well as recording P5 in the ProEnduro standings. The former motocross racer continues to build his skillset in off-road discipline, with his transition to KTM providing a new chapter for both he and the DM31 Racing Team.

The E1 category will see talented young Jackson Versteegen on a KTM 250 XC-F entering the professional ranks for the first time under the watchful eye of Milner.

“We have a really exciting line-up for the 2026 AusEnduro Championship.” Says Milner. “We had great success this year, and now we’ve added Jackson as a young up-and-comer, which I’m really looking forward to. He’s a good young kid who’s eager to learn, and I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“Jye was awesome to watch this year, and I think that we can bring more out of him, especially on the hard-pack soil because he’s an unbelievable sand rider. I love his riding style, he’s got that heightened intensity, being an ex-motocrosser.

“Then continuing with Korey is super-exciting, because he does everything he can to make sure that he’s prepared to go win, and he’s got that hunger that I remember having when I was a young rider. A lot of what I see in Korey is what I used to feel when I was coming up through the ranks. I believe he’s going to be the guy to beat here in the near future, and I look forward to pushing him to his limits to be able to achieve that.

“With all three of them, it’s going to be a really good environment at the races. It’ll be fun working with them, from pre-season and throughout the year, helping develop them as riders. Hopefully, by the end of the season, we can achieve success together. But it is really exciting, Jackson’s definitely one of those guys that will develop over the years and, down the track, I think he’ll be a name that everyone will recognise.”

Kyle Blunden, KTM Group Australia Motorsport Manager: “Daniel’s career stands as one of the most decorated in Australian off-road history. Countless national championships, multiple A4DE and Hattah victories, and an ISDE outright win place him in truly rare territory. What’s equally impressive is the professionalism and leadership he has shown throughout his journey. As Daniel transitions into running the KTM DM31 Racing Team full-time, we’re proud to continue our partnership and support his commitment to developing the next generation of racers. His knowledge, his work ethic, and his proven ability both on and off the bike make this next chapter incredibly exciting, not only for KTM, but for the sport.”

Photo Credit: KTM Australia | DM31 Racing Team