Less than a week after Kurt Nicoll gave an electric bike its first National-level race win in the vets class at a US EnduroCross, its makers Alta have announced they are to enter the bike in the Red Bull Straight Rhythm on October 22, ridden by former Supercross pro Josh Hill.

Hill will try his hand on an Alta Motors Redshift MX in the 250 Class, becoming the first rider ever to race an electric motorcycle in a national-level motocross event.

Although facing off against a 250cc petrol-powered bike seems a daunting task, Alta’s Redshift MX boasts a groundbreaking electric drivetrain that delivers over 500 lb-ft of instant torque at the rear wheel from 0 RPM and 40 peak horsepower.