Robby Bell (left) , the defending Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 co-winner, three- time Tecate SCORE Baja International Champion, current holder of the SCORE number 1x plate and top WORCS rider, officially announced today that he will be leaving Johnny Campbell Racing and has come to terms with Kawasaki to ride a Team Green-backed, fuel-injected Kawasaki KX450F starting with the 2009 racing season. Bell's plans for 2009 include racing in the WORCS series and selected AMA Outdoor Nationals. In addition, Bell is reviewing options available for a possible a defense of his Baja championship aboard the Kawasaki.

"It (Baja) is not a priority, but since this announcement, a lot of people are talking," Bell told Off-Road.com in an exclusive phone conversation.

Bell also told Off-Road.com that is already very happy with his new Kawasaki ride.

"I'm definitely stoked about it," he said. "I've only been on the Kawasaki for four days, and already I'm quicker on it than I was on the Honda."

Bell did express his appreciation to his former team in a press release issued regarding the change.

"I have had a great run with Honda and last year with JCR,” Bell said. “It was truly a rewarding experience to have ridden for some of the legends of this sport. For that opportunity I will be forever grateful. [The] 2009 [season] is the next chapter of my career and I am really excited about it. The new KX450F is awesome, and I feel right at home on it. We've just begun working with my personal set up and I am getting more and more comfortable with each change. I think it's going to be a good year." 

Check in soon to www.robbybellracing.com for future updates and a complete rundown of Robby's 2009 racing schedule.