JOSH STRANG’S NEXT CHAPTER

[MotoFactory]

By Tyler Shepardson 

For one year short of two decades, Josh Strang has been a name synonymous with off-road racing excellence. The 2010 GNCC champion, 2018 ISDE World Trophy team and Full Gas Sprint Enduro champion has spent years grinding through the grueling three-hour battles that define the sport, racing for some of the most prestigious teams in the industry. But now, at 36 years old, the Australian-born racer finds himself in a new role, one that balances the fine line between being a competitor and calling the shots. Strang is now the Beta Factory Racing team manager, adding another layer to his storied career while still lining up as an XC1 contender.

So how did one phone call change the trajectory of his future? “The job kind of fell in my lap,” Strang admitted during the On the Pipe podcast. “I got a lucky phone call one day, and next thing I know, I was negotiating the deal with Beta to race another season and take over managing the team going forward.”

While many riders spend their final years hunting for a ride to extend their careers, Strang’s situation is unique. Beta not only offered him a ride on their XC1 team but also entrusted him with running their East Coast off-road program. It’s a role that means he’s still racing at the highest level while managing the logistics, sponsorships and team operations behind the scenes.

“It’s a lot,” Strang admitted. “I’m training to stay competitive while also making sure our riders, mechanics and truck drivers have what they need. Plus, we’re building a new race shop and trying to get everything dialed.”

For the past three seasons, Beta’s East Coast headquarters was located in Ohio. Now with the addition of Strang came the need for a new home for the race team. The decision was made to move everything south and set up shop in a former NASCAR garage in Strang’s American hometown of Denver, North Carolina, putting them closer to the heart of the GNCC series and in a hotbed of racing talent that have taken over the scene in the Carolinas. 

Josh Stang had a half season on a private Beta before stepping into the role as Team Boss. Beta is supporting Jhak Walker in the XC2 class on a 250RR two-stroke.

RIDING INTO THE UNKNOWN 

Strang’s new position with Beta doesn’t just bring managerial duties, it also brings a fresh challenge on getting the bike set up. Although he spent the back half of ’24 on his own privateer-effort Beta 480RR, he had spent years on Japanese and Austrian machines. Adapting to Beta’s Italian-built motorcycles is another adjustment in itself. But, if there’s one thing Strang has proven throughout his career, it’s that he knows how to adapt and overcome.

“This year could be my last as a full-time racer,” he admitted. “I’d love to get to 20 seasons, but that depends on my results and how well I manage the team. If I have a great year, maybe the boss lets me go again. If not, maybe I focus solely on managing.”

 

Beta’s new east-coast race team headquarters is being established in Denver, North Carolina. With over 20 years of racing experience, Josh Strang has a deep well of GNCC know-how.

 

BUILDING A FUTURE 

Running a successful off-road team isn’t just about just signing riders and slapping logos on bikes.“They basically handed me the keys and said, ‘Make it work,’” Strang said. “Finding the right people was stressful, but I think we have a great group now. My mechanics, Dennis Kiser and Isiah Murphy, come from the motocross world, so they’re learning the off-road game. But, they’re eager and excited. That’s what I wanted—people who love what they do.”

Both mechanics previously wrenched for the Joe Gibbs Racing team in nearby Charlotte, North Carolina, and got introduced to GNCC and National Enduro for the first time when they showed up for work earlier this season at the opening rounds. Murphy is tasked with looking after the boss’ bike, while Kiser will be working with Beta’s young up-and-coming XC2 rider, Jhak Walker. Jhak had a successful season last year, coming up just short of the XC3 ProAm title that came down to the final round, but he will be making his debut this year as a full-time Pro rider on a 250 two-stroke in both National Series. Having a rider in year one and another in year 19, coupled with a team of guys coming over from the moto side, leaves a unique opportunity for all of the Beta boys to lean on each other for advice and share knowledge from across the spectrum.

The 480RR Race Edition is the basis for the XC1 program.

 

THE STRANG LEGACY 

Josh Strang has never been the loudest guy in the pits, nor the flashiest personality on social media. But, when it comes to grit, determination and longevity, few in off-road racing can match his resume. Whether this season marks his farewell tour as a racer or the first step in a long managerial career, one thing is certain—he’s not going to take it easy.

“I just want to enjoy it,” Strang said. “If this is my last year racing full-time, I want to have fun. Whether that means fighting for wins or just taking it all in, I’m going to make the most of it.” With a championship pedigree and a new challenge ahead, Strang’s story is far from over. Now, as both a racer and team leader, he’s setting the stage for the next generation while making sure he still has a few more battles left in him. One thing’s for sure—don’t count him out just yet.

The post JOSH STRANG’S NEXT CHAPTER appeared first on Dirt Bike Magazine.

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