Stroupe, a 16-year-old North Carolinian, is the most recent in a long line of high-caliber riders to have graduated from Kawasaki’s industry leading amateur motocross program, Kawasaki Team Green, and will follow in the steps of former graduates Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villopoto in transitioning directly into the successful Pro Circuit program.

“Austin has worked very hard the past few years and we feel he will have a successful transition into professional racing,” said Kawasaki Team Green Motocross Supervisor Dave Gowland. “He has won many national championships on the amateur level and we feel he is well prepared for the next level. It has been great working with him as he has progressed through the Team Green program.”

Throughout his amateur career Stroupe has won over 30 amateur motocross national titles, including four AMA Amateur National Championships at Loretta Lynn’s.

“It feels awesome to have signed with the best team out there,” said Stroupe. “I’m really comfortable riding the KX250F, having ridden the bike the last couple of years. And while my time in amateurs has been good, I am really anxious to join the pro ranks.”

Stroupe is set to make his professional debut on August 25-26 at the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship at Steel City in Delmont, Pa. He will close out the season at the final two rounds in Texas and California before preparing in the off season to compete in the 2008 Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Lites series.