This week in U.S. Powersports racing.
Monster Energy® Kawasaki Unveils 2027 SMX World Championship Roster
Monster Energy® Kawasaki welcomes Malcolm Stewart to its 2027 roster, alongside 2026 450SX Rookie of the Year Garrett Marchbanks. Marchbanks earned a contract extension following his standout rookie 450 campaign in 2026. The two-rider lineup blends years of premier-class experience with rising 450 Class talent as Monster Energy Kawasaki sets its sights on the upcoming season aboard the new 2027 KX™450F-SR. Stewart brings more than a decade of professional racing experience and proven success to Monster Energy Kawasaki. The No. 27 has established himself as a consistent contender in the premier class, capturing his first career 450SX win in 2025 and earning the King of Paris SX crown later that year. Stewart battled to secure one podium and 14 Top 10 SMX finishes in 2026. Stewart’s addition to the team marks a return to his roots, having raced with Kawasaki Team Green™ throughout his amateur career and continuing the Stewart family’s storied history with the brand.  Marchbanks will return for his second season in the 450 Class after an impressive rookie campaign with Monster Energy Kawasaki. The former Kawasaki Team Green and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider steadily progressed throughout his first full season aboard the KX™450SR, earning him 2026 450SX Rookie of the Year and career-best fourth-overall finishes at Thunder Valley and Unadilla during a breakout Pro Motocross campaign. Marchbanks rounded out the year with five Top 5 SMX finishes and a notable sixth overall in the SMX World Championship standings. Marchbanks looks to continue improving his results in 2027 and establish himself among the top contenders. |
| “I’m very excited to be joining Monster Energy Kawasaki for 2027. I started my racing career on a Kawasaki as an amateur, so coming back to the brand feels like I’m returning to my roots. It’s a full-circle moment to have started my career with Kawasaki and now have the opportunity to return to where it all began. I’m looking forward to working with the team, getting on the KX™450F-SR, and starting this new chapter.” – Malcolm Stewart |
| “I’m pumped to be back with Monster Energy Kawasaki for 2027. I’m super proud of the whole team and the amazing job they did this year. I’m really happy with the progress we made together. We learned a lot throughout the season, and I’m eager to keep building on that. I’m looking forward to putting in the work and coming back even stronger in 2027.” – Garrett Marchbanks |
| “We have a strong lineup in place for 2027, with Garrett returning for his second year on the team and adding Malcolm to the program. Garrett showed strong progression aboard the KX™450SR this past year, and we look forward to building on that foundation. Malcolm brings proven experience and a strong work ethic to the team, making him a great addition to the program. Both riders have the talent and skill to compete at the front of the 450 Class, and we look forward to seeing what each of them can accomplish this upcoming year.” – Dan Fahie Kawasaki Racing Senior Manager |
Korie Steede and Ryder LeBlond deliver offroad podiums for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Defending WXC Class Champion Korie Steede claimed a hard-fought podium in Round 12 of the 2026 Grand National Cross Country Series at the Ironman GNCC, while Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Ryder LeBlond extended his podium streak in the AMA EnduroCross Championship with third place at Round 3 in Washington.
Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 12
Riders faced dry, dusty conditions in Crawfordsville, making strong starts crucial as reduced visibility added another challenge at the Indiana venue for Round 12 of the GNCC season.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Steede showed strong form from the outset at Ironman, launching her Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition into contention early. She remained in the fight throughout the race before crossing the line in third, collecting valuable points towards her WXC Class title defense.
She now sits just nine points off the championship lead heading into the season finale, the Buckwheat 100 GNCC, scheduled for November 7-8.
“I got off to a decent start, but a couple of costly mistakes ended up putting me in third,”reflected Steede.“Definitely not satisfied with my performance, but we’ve got one round left, and I’m ready to leave it all out there!”
Former GNCC Champion Craig DeLong and his Husqvarna FX 350 made a fast start, narrowly missing the holeshot after overshooting turn one. He entered the woods inside the top six before navigating the challenging conditions to climb to fourth in the XC1 Open Pro Class, adding a strong points haul to his 2026 campaign.
“I had a decent start at Ironman,”began DeLong.“I would’ve probably had the holeshot if I hadn’t overshot the first turn, which had me in fourth. I got shuffled back to six after a poor line choice into the woods, and then kind of stayed there for most of the race – the dust made it really difficult to see. Visibility was really tough, but overall we salvaged a fourth, which isn’t too bad considering the circumstances.”
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Kailub Russell, Yamaha
2. Liam Draper, Yamaha
3. Mike Witkowski, Honda
4. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
8. Grant Davis, KTM
12. Ben Kelley, KTM
WXC Class Results
1. Brandy Richards, KTM
2. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
3. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
EnduroCross Championship – Round 3
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder LeBlond secured his third-consecutive podium finish of the 2026 AMA EnduroCross Championship with third overall inside Everett’s Angel of the Winds Arena on Saturday night.
Following podium results in Las Vegas and Nampa, LeBlond continued his consistent start to the season aboard the Husqvarna FX 350, recording 3-4-3 finishes across the evening’s three-race program.
A difficult start had LeBlond positioned as far back as 10th in Race 1, before a determined charge through the field earned him third. Another average jump in Race 2 was compounded by an early crash, before he managed to recover to fourth.
LeBlond initially launched well in the final race, but was cut off and emerged from the opening exchanges just inside the top-five. He eventually worked his way into third to secure another round podium in P3 overall.
The result places LeBlond third in the championship standings on 62 points, just seven from the lead at the halfway stage of the season.
“Round 3 in Everett was a good race,” commented LeBlond.“I found the chaos, but it was good – maybe I needed that. I had a decent Hot Lap, even with some mistakes, so I knew I was going to be competitive. In the first moto, I had a bad start and went from 10th to third. Moto 2 was another bad start, then I crashed with somebody and was about half a lap down, but somehow caught back up to fourth. In the last moto, I got a good jump, but got cut off and was around fifth. It took longer to make passes, and by the time I got into third, the front two were too far ahead. To have a bad night and still end up on the podium, I’m pumped on that. We’ll work on starts over the next two weeks and come out swinging.”
The 2026 AMA EnduroCross Championship now continues with Round 4 at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 7.
EX Pro Class Results
1. Trystan Hart, KTM
2. Jonny Walker, Triumph
3. Ryder LeBlond, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
National Grand Prix Championship – Round 9
Also in action over the weekend was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mateo Oliveira, who targeted a strong result at Round 9 of the National Grand Prix Championship in Taft, California.
Oliveira started well aboard his Husqvarna FE 450, holding fourth position through the opening two laps before climbing to second on Lap 4. Displaying front-running pace, he maintained that position for a further two laps before ultimately finishing P4 in the Pro Class. Ongoing health issues have limited his ability to push for the full duration, requiring him to manage his symptoms throughout the moto.
He currently sits third in the Pro Class standings with 153 points after nine rounds, having recorded five podium finishes so far this season. One round remains, with the Desert MC Moto Oasis Grand Prix set to close out the championship in Mesquite, Nevada, on November 13-15.
“Unfortunately, as of right now, I’m struggling with health issues holding me back from being able to charge the entire moto,”commented Oliveira.“But I’m making the best of the situation and showing great speed. I got an average start but made my way through the pack with some awesome passes. Found my way into second, having good battles matching the leader. Gave it everything I had until my body couldn’t go any more, which I can be proud of.”
Pro Class Results
1. Dante Oliveira, KTM
2. Mason Semmens, KTM
3. Colton Aeck, Honda
4. Mateo Oliveira, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
FMF KTM FACTORY RACING’S TRYSTAN HART WINS NAMPA AMA ENDUROCROSS
FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart claimed his first overall victory of the 2026 AMA EnduroCross Championship inside Nampa’s Ford Idaho Center on Saturday night, with a commanding 1-2-1 scorecard securing the EX Pro Class win at Round 2.
AMA ENDUROCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 2
Two-time AMA EnduroCross Champion Hart returned to the top step of the podium in Nampa, Idaho, converting two race victories and a runner-up finish into the overall aboard his KTM 350 XC-F.
Hart launched to the front in Race 1, leading over the opening tire obstacle before going side by side with Jonny Walker into the rocks. Walker emerged ahead, but Hart maintained pressure throughout the opening laps, capitalizing on a mistake from his title rival to take control and hold the lead through to the checkered flag.
A second-row start made Race 2 more challenging for the Canadian, who was pushed wide through the opening section and shuffled toward the rear of the field. Hart began working his way forward on Lap 2, closing on the top-three before a small error allowed Walker to open a gap. He ultimately recovered to claim a valuable second-place finish.
The deciding race followed a similar pattern to the opening outing, with Hart making another strong start before Walker moved ahead through the rocks. Maintaining pressure once more, the FMF KTM Factory Racing rider reclaimed the lead when Walker fell, going on to take his second race win of the evening and seal P1 overall.
Trystan Hart:“It was a good night of racing, definitely better than Round 1. It would have been sweet for the points if Ryder [LeBlond] got P2, but Jonny made a couple of passes near the end and finished second overall. We got the win, though, so now it’s on to Round 3!”
Round 3 of the 2026 AMA EnduroCross Championship takes place inside Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington, on October 24.
EX Pro Class Results
1. Trystan Hart, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Jonny Walker, Triumph
3. Ryder LeBlond, Husqvarna
DANTE OLIVEIRA CLINCHES SEVENTH-CONSECUTIVE NGPC TITLE WITH FMF KTM FACTORY RACING
FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Dante Oliveira clinched his seventh-consecutive National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) Pro Class title on Sunday, sealing the championship with victory at the Honolulu Hills Grand Prix in Taft, California. Meanwhile, Brandy Richards claimed the WXC Class victory at the Ironman GNCC in Indiana, and Trystan Hart completed a clean-sweep at Round 3 of the AMA EnduroCross Championship in Everett, Washington.
NATIONAL GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 9
Defending champion Dante Oliveira entered Round 9 of the 2026 NGPC series in a position to clinch the title one round early with FMF KTM Factory Racing, taking the lead on Lap 1 and never looking back.
Aboard his KTM 450 XC-F, he controlled the race across the following eight laps to secure a wire-to-wire victory at the high-speed Taft venue with a total time of 1:30:40. This weekend’s win – combined with six additional victories throughout the season – secured Oliveira’s seventh NGPC Pro Class crown in a row with one round remaining.
The championship will conclude in Mesquite, Nevada, from November 13-15, with the Desert MC Moto Oasis Grand Prix hosting the NGPC season finale.
Dante Oliveira:“I’m pretty smoked after today – Taft was really demanding with having to pin it, and then also there were a lot of square-edged holes, and they just about rip you off the bike every time. It feels great to get this done and claim the title, but about halfway through, I really just wanted to see that checkered flag as I was cooked. Overall, I’m so stoked to earn another championship out here – my seventh NGPC title in a row – and I am so spoiled with the whole FMF KTM Factory Racing team who makes this all possible, so thank you.”
Pro Class Results
1. Dante Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Mason Semmens, KTM
3. Colton Aeck, Honda
4. Mateo Oliveira, Husqvarna
GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES – ROUND 12
The 12th round of the 2026 Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) took place at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where riders faced dry, dusty conditions as the series continued to challenge offroad racing’s top competitors.
WXC title contender Brandy Richards arrived at Ironman tied for the points lead, setting the stage for a pivotal showdown once more. Battling throughout the race aboard her KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION, she ultimately secured an important victory to take sole possession of the series lead heading into the finale.
Brandy Richards:“We were sprinting pretty much the whole time during that race! It was a really fast pace and difficult to maintain physically, but we dug deep on the final lap to get into the lead and put in a sprint all the way until the finish. I’m happy with the points lead entering the finale – I will likely need to win that one too, so we’ll look to come out swinging!”
In the XC2 250 Pro division, KTM 250 XC-F-mounted Jason Tino made a strong start, entering the woods section in third position. The 22-year-old remained in contention for a podium throughout the three-hour encounter, ultimately securing second place to keep his 2026 title hopes alive.
Jason Tino:“I wasn’t expecting the conditions that we had here today. I was hoping for a bit of rain, which isn’t unusual for the area, but we didn’t get it, so the visibility was terrible all day. Fortunately we got off to a good start and were in third entering the woods. From there, it was pretty much a fight for the rest of the day between the podium finishers. All-in-all, P2 marked a solid day, and we couldn’t have asked for much more.”
Round 10 winner Grant Davis showed strong form in Indiana, running at the front of the field for much of the race aboard his KTM 450 XC-F. An issue in the closing stages ultimately dropped him back to eighth in the XC1 Open Pro Class, with his focus now shifting to the season finale.
Grant Davis:“We had really dusty conditions today. I got off to a decent start and was able to get into the top three – which is where I was for most of the race fighting for position. We’re now looking forward to the final round.”
Reigning GNCC Champion Ben Kelley was also looking for a strong result at the Ironman GNCC, although his race got off to a difficult start after a turn one crash. A second fall soon after compounded the challenge, with the XC1 Open Pro Class contender ultimately credited 12th aboard his KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION.
Ben Kelley:“I had a rough day today – got a decent jump, then crashed in the first corner, which hurt a bit. I got up and fell again about a half mile later… The bike was pretty twisted up, but I kept my head down and raced onwards. Not my best day, but we will fight until the end.”
The Buckwheat 100 GNCC will host the 13th and final round of the 2026 series from November 7-8.
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Kailub Russell, Yamaha
2. Liam Draper, Yamaha
3. Mike Witkowski, Honda
4. Craig DeLong, Husqvarna
8. Grant Davis, FMF KTM Factory Racing
12. Ben Kelley, FMF KTM Factory Racing
XC2 250 Pro Class Results
1. Jhak Walker, Beta
2. Jason Tino, FMF KTM Factory Racing
3. Toby Cleveland, Husqvarna
WXC Class Results
1. Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
3. Korie Steede, Husqvarna
ENDUROCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 3
FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart delivered a perfect 1-1-1 performance at Round 3 of the 2026 AMA EnduroCross Championship inside Everett’s Angel of the Winds Arena on Saturday night, claiming his second overall victory in a row.
Two-time AMA EnduroCross Champion Hart carried his winning momentum from Nampa into Everett, Washington, sweeping all three EX Pro Class races aboard his KTM 350 XC-F.
The Canadian completed only the second clean-sweep of his EnduroCross career, delivering a maximum-points result at the halfway stage of the six-round championship.
Hart’s victory lifted him from third to second in the championship standings on 65 points, reducing his deficit to leader Jonny Walker to just four with three rounds remaining.
Trystan Hart:“Believe it or not, that was only my second time ever going 1-1-1! I knew there weren’t many, because that’s not really my style to hang it out and get everything possible, so it was really cool to sweep the motos. It was a really good night, but we’ve still got a long way to go.”
Round 4 of the 2026 AMA EnduroCross Championship takes place inside the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 7.
EX Pro Class Results
1. Trystan Hart, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Jonny Walker, Triumph
3. Ryder LeBlond, Husqvarna
Hero Racing and Ducati North America Capture AORC National Championship in First Season with Desmo450 EDX
Hero Racing and Ducati North America have secured the American Off-Road Racing Championship (AORC), marking a major milestone for the first-generation Desmo450 EDX in its inaugural season of American desert racing. Hero Racing, supported by Malcolm Smith Motorsports, sealed the championship with a victory at the historic Laughlin Desert Classic, capping a historic inaugural season defined by speed, consistency, and reliability.
Throughout the AORC season, Hero Racing completed every race without a single DNF, demonstrating the durability and competitiveness of the Desmo450 EDX across the demanding off-road championship. The title represents a significant achievement for Ducati Off-Road, establishing the first-generation EDX platform as a championship-winning machine in its debut season.
At the Laughlin Desert Classic, one of American off-road racing’s most historic events, Ciaran Naran and teammate Cody Simpson delivered the winning performance. Racing under the grand prix finish format, the duo finished just ahead of their closest competitor by just under 28 seconds, with only 12 racers completing all five scheduled laps. The victory secured the AORC championship for Hero Racing and brought Ducati’s inaugural season of desert racing to a successful conclusion.
The championship reflects the combined efforts of Hero Racing and Ducati Off-Road, whose focus on development, technical preparation, and race-day execution helped deliver results across the full season. Completing every AORC race without a DNF underscores the consistency behind the title and provides a strong foundation for Ducati’s continued ambitions in American off-road competition.
With a national championship secured in its first season, the Desmo450 EDX has made an immediate mark on American off-road racing. The result signals a strong start for Ducati Off-Road and a promising foundation for the program’s future.
Husqvarna Mobility to support multiple 250 teams for 2027 SMX season
Husqvarna Mobility will support multiple 250 Class teams for the 2027 SMX World Championship season, aligning with both the AEO Powersports Husqvarna Racing Team and Toyota Redlands BarX Husqvarna across AMA Supercross, AMA Pro Motocross and the SMX post-season.
Both independently-operated teams will compete aboard Husqvarna FC 250 machinery, forming the brand’s representation in professional competition and providing additional opportunities for riders within the highly-competitive 250 category.
“Partnering with the AEO Powersports and BarX Racing teams gives Husqvarna a strong platform in the 250 division as we enter a new chapter in SMX,” explained John Hinz, CEO, Husqvarna Mobility North America, Inc. “Both organizations bring valuable experience and ambition, and we’re excited to support their efforts with our racing technology and technical expertise. Together with our new partnership with Team Tedder in the 450 category, this structure reinforces our commitment to professional racing while allowing us to strengthen our connection with the wider Husqvarna riding community. Racing has always been a foundation for the Husqvarna brand, and these partnerships create new opportunities to support talented riders and connect with fans. We look forward to seeing all three teams represent Husqvarna in 2027 and supporting their progress throughout the season.”
The AEO Powersports Husqvarna Racing Team will field a three-rider program, including two riders – with Carson Mumford already confirmed – who will contest 250SX West, 250MX and the 250SMX post-season. The team will also expand its racing efforts into the WMX Championship during the Pro Motocross season. Further details surrounding the team’s complete roster remain to be announced.
In addition to its professional racing operation, AEO Powersports has an established connection to Husqvarna Mobility North America as an authorized dealer with three locations throughout the Southwest, including two in Arizona and one in Southern California.
“We are really looking forward to the change in brands, and now being one of the top Husqvarna-supported teams will help with our marketing efforts and add value to our partners in racing,” said Jeremy Scism, AEO Powersports Owner and Team Manager. “A facelift is needed sometimes and we’re excited to reintroduce the team for 2027 with an all-new look across all platforms. With the return of Carson Mumford, we are looking to make an even bigger impact on battling with the factory programs and hopefully continue our success from last season.”
Toyota Redlands BarX Husqvarna will also form an integral part of Husqvarna Mobility’s racing activities, with plans to field up to six riders throughout the entire 31-round SMX season. Its complete rider line-up alongside the returning Lux Turner is due to be announced separately.
BarX Racing has established itself as a development-focused organization committed to bringing together riders from a range of backgrounds and experience levels, from established professionals through to emerging talent, with the objective of helping each athlete reach their potential both on and off the track.
“We are extremely excited about this new direction for BarX Racing,” said Myron Short, Co-Owner of BarX Racing. “Our time with previous OEMs has been an important part of our team’s development and we sincerely appreciate the relationships and support we have received over the years. Moving to Husqvarna gives us an opportunity to build something special. We believe in the motorcycles, the people behind the brand, and the direction we’re taking as a team. Our goal has always been to provide our riders with the equipment, resources, and professional environment they need to compete at the highest level. This transition is another step toward achieving that goal.”
Paul Smith, Co-Owner of BarX Racing and President of Toyota of Redlands, added: “From the beginning, my vision for BarX Racing has been about much more than just putting motorcycles on the starting line. It’s about building a first-class racing organization that gives talented athletes the opportunity to succeed. Toyota of Redlands has been proud to support this program, and I believe our transition to Husqvarna represents an exciting opportunity to take BarX Racing to the next level. We have made a significant investment in this team, our people, our riders, and our future. We’re committed to giving them the right equipment, strong partnerships, and the resources needed to compete for podiums and championships. We value the experiences we had with other OEMs and look forward to building a strong, successful future with Husqvarna. This is more than a change in motorcycle manufacturers. It’s a renewed commitment to winning, developing riders, and building a team that our sponsors, partners, and fans can be proud of.”
Alongside the previously announced Rocky Mountain ATV/MC – Monster Energy – Team Tedder – Husqvarna 450 Class effort, the addition of the AEO Powersports Husqvarna Racing Team and Toyota Redlands BarX Husqvarna further strengthens Husqvarna Mobility’s presence entering 2027, with each team scheduled to make their official debut when the 2027 AMA Supercross Championship opens at Anaheim 1 in California on Saturday, January 9.
