This Week in Powersports Racing – the week of September 27, 2026

This week in US Powersports racing.

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RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING’S JORGE PRADO CROWNED 2026 SMX WORLD CHAMPION

SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Final

Prado entered the season-finale holding the 450SMX Championship leader’s red plate, qualifying third around the high-speed Thunder Ridge Nature Arena course layout aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

After finishing fifth in Moto 1, a showdown in the second race saw Prado capture one of the most important holeshots of his career, putting forward 17 spectacular laps to claim the race victory and clinch the 2026 450SMX title in the process.

The 25-year-old adds the premier class SMX World Championship to his impressive resume, which already includes two MXGP World Championships (2023, 2024) and a pair of MX2 World Championships (2018, 2019).

Originally from Lugo, Spain, Prado relocated to the United States for the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship season, reuniting with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing organization one year later to contest the 2026 series.

A strong showing in AMA Supercross – made up of two podiums, a pair of 450SX fastest qualifiers and multiple Heat Race wins – was balanced by an impressive AMA Pro Motocross Championship campaign, where he finished fourth overall in 450MX. His outdoor season featured five podium appearances, highlighted by a 1-1 sweep at the Ironman finale.

Those results saw Prado enter the SMX post-season as the number two seed, before taking over the points-lead courtesy of a third-place result at Playoff 1 in Columbus, and then extending his advantage with a victory at Dignity Health Sports Park at Playoff 2 last weekend. A 5-1 scorecard at the SMX World Championship Final secured second on the podium this weekend, enough to earn the 2026 450SMX title.

Having captured this year’s 450SMX World Championship, Prado will use the upcoming off-season to further prepare for the 2027 season, having recently signed a multi-year contract extension with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

Jorge Prado:“One year ago I wasn’t even racing in the SMX post-season, but the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team did an awesome job preparing me all winter long, every single week, and I also prepared myself the best I could to bounce back. That’s what champions do, right? They bounce back, so [I’m] super-happy about this title – it’s my first championship here in the States. I’m a four-time world champion for a reason, and I think I showed that in this last moto where it mattered the most!”

In his final race as a professional following a highly-decorated career, the legendary Eli Tomac posted the seventh-fastest qualifying time around the expansive Ridgedale circuit, signaling his final chapter on board the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Tomac finished 12th overall in Missouri, drawing a memorable end to a career that spanned nearly two decades.

Eli Tomac:“It has sunk in – I was trying to have fun out there, but to be straight up, there were some stressful moments for me! What a ride it has been. I’ve gotten to literally live the dream, and it’s sure been a ride. I’m so thankful for everyone, and I’ve said this a million times, but I truly am grateful for the whole family of Supercross and Pro Motocross. Thank you to everyone.”

‘The Cowboy’ Aaron Plessinger was also on track for a strong weekend in Missouri, with the 30-year-old powering his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to seventh in Moto 1. He followed that with 15th in the final race of the year to finish 10th overall for both the round and in the 450SMX standings.

Aaron Plessinger: “My first moto in Ridgedale went well, I made some good passes and finished up seventh. Then the second moto, I made a mistake off the start and ended up at the back, but didn’t ride to my potential in that one. Either way, it was a really positive way to finish the season together, and congratulations the team!”

Equipped with the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Julien Beaumer topped the 250SMX qualifying timesheets with a 1:15.001 lap-time, gearing up for the double-moto format as he too targeted championship success.

The 20-year-old Arizona native battled hard throughout the opening race, racing for position inside the top-five before eventually securing fourth and carrying strong momentum into Moto 2. A tough start to the final outing had ‘Juju’ playing catch-up as rain began to fall, creating a slick surface for the 250SMX field to navigate. He climbed to ninth by race’s end, which was enough to record fourth position in the 250SMX series.

Following nine months on the sidelines, Beaumer returned to competition at the Pro Motocross opener, delivering two round wins and second in the 250MX standings to enter the post-season as the fifth seed. He then won Playoff 2 in Los Angeles, highlighting what was an ultra-successful 2026 SMX campaign. He will now turn his attention to the FIM Motocross of Nations following a late call to represent Team USA in France next weekend.

Julien Beaumer: “It was a tough day. It began really well with qualifying P1, and then I started around fourth or fifth in Moto 1 and stayed there the whole race. I got a terrible start in Moto 2 and was down in the first corner, but I rode really well from there – it was just a tough track to pass on. Overall, I’m proud of our efforts, and now we’ll fly back to California and get ready for the Motocross of Nations!”

Results 450SMX Class – SMX Final

1. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha)
2. Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
3. Hunter Lawrence (Honda)
4. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna)
5. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna)
6. Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
7. Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Standings 450SMX Class 2026

1. Jorge Prado, 158 points
2. Haiden Deegan, 151
3. Hunter Lawrence, 136
4. RJ Hampshire, 99
5. Malcolm Stewart, 83
6. Aaron Plessinger, 80
7. Eli Tomac, 78

Results 250SMX Class – SMX Final

1. Cole Davies (Yamaha)
2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki)
3. Landen Gordon (Yamaha)
4. Julien Beaumer (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
5. Ryder DiFrancesco (Husqvarna)
6. Daxton Bennick (Husqvarna)

Standings 250SMX Class 2026

1. Levi Kitchen, 153 points
2. Ryder DiFrancesco, 129
3. Cole Davies, 128
4. Julien Beaumer, 119
5. Daxton Bennick, 98

MONSTER ENERGY PRO CIRCUIT KAWASAKI’S LEVI KITCHEN CROWNED 250 SMX WORLD CHAMPION

Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Levi Kitchen captured the 2026 250 SMX World Championship at the final round of the series in Ridgedale, Missouri, in front of a sold-out crowd. Kitchen delivered when it mattered most, earning podium finishes in both motos and second overall to secure the championship. Teammate Cameron McAdoo bounced back after a difficult Moto 1 to finish ninth overall (13-5). Drew Adams and Nick Romano endured a pair of challenging motos to finish 16th (16-17) and 19th (19-20) overall, respectively. Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Garrett Marchbanks put in a consistent Top 10 day for seventh (10-7) on the day and sixth overall in the SMX championship. Thunder Ridge Nature Arena set a scenic backdrop for the SMX World Championship Final. The venue created an expansive hybrid-style track that allowed for intense racing. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders posted similar times throughout both qualifying sessions. Kitchen led the team with third overall, only three-tenths of a second off the fastest time. Adams followed next in seventh overall, while Romano and McAdoo took 17th and 18th, respectively.  After qualifying, Romano and McAdoo headed to the Wild Card race to claim their transfer spot into the night show. Both riders got off to a mid-pack start, with McAdoo in third and Romano following his rear fender in fourth. McAdoo maintained his pace throughout the race to secure third, while Romano slipped one position to finish fifth.  In 250 Moto 1, Kitchen charged past all his competitors from the very inside gate to claim the holeshot on the difficult 180-degree first turn. Romano claimed a Top 10 start in eighth while Adams and McAdoo got less-than-ideal starts towards the back of the pack. Kitchen took instant control of the race and held a consistent two-second lead. Knowing Cole Davies was not in the championship fight, Kitchen allowed the pass in the closing laps and safely secured second place at the finish.McAdoo attempted to charge through the pack but was held up by the rider in front of him, forcing him to methodically plan his pass. Once able to make the pass, the No. 142 gained a few more positions to take 13th. Adams looked to move through the field but tightened up during the race and slipped to 16th at the checkered flag. Romano’s lingering back injury kept him from racing to his full potential as he crossed the line in 19th.  In 250 Moto 2, Kitchen launched off the gate with another impressive start, slotting into second place. McAdoo rebounded from his Moto 1 start with a Top 5 start, while Romano and Adams settled in just outside the Top 10. Kitchen quickly latched onto the leader, matching the pace up front as the pair pulled away from the field and built a comfortable gap over the riders behind. McAdoo held a steady fourth-place pace throughout the moto until a slight mistake in the closing laps dropped him to fifth at the finish. Adams and Romano faced challenges of their own as the race unfolded, ultimately finishing 17th and 20th, respectively. Up front, Kitchen continued his consistent pace to comfortably secure second place and clinch the SMX World Championship. Kitchen closed out the year with four moto wins, two overall victories and 13 overall podiums aboard his KX™250. In the final SMX World Championship standings, McAdoo finished 11th, followed by Adams in 14th and Romano in 18th.Marchbanks came into the race weekend feeling a bit under the weather, but the No. 36 still gave his best effort every time on the track. In 450 Qualifying, Marchbanks kept his lap time consistent through both sessions. The No. 36 earned fifth in the first session and ninth in the second session for ninth overall heading into the evening.  In 450 Moto 1, Marchbanks didn’t get the jump off the gate he wanted, leaving him mid-pack in the field. Despite running lap times near the Top 5 pace late in the moto, his early track position and vision issues limited his ability to capitalize and move further through the field. Marchbanks ultimately gained four positions to finish 10th in the moto. In 450 Moto 2, Marchbanks showed a much improved start inside the Top 10. He took the first several laps to find his rhythm and pace alongside the top competitors. Once settled, Marchbanks charged through the fast-paced track to take seventh in the moto and seventh overall. Marchbanks capped off his first full year in the 450 Class with a notable sixth-place finish in the series standings.

“Feels great to get this championship. It was a stressful day, but I was able to execute two good starts, and I completed my plan to a T. I knew Cole [Davies] was going to be fast, and I knew he was going to be a good way to try to break away from the rest of the guys, so it worked out. First moto, he got me, and then second moto I got a good start and tried to stay with him as long as I could and just managed it from there. The rain coming down too made it a little bit sketchy, but we were able to get it done. I want to thank Mitch and the team for everything, and it feels good to get this done together.”  – Levi Kitchen

“I had a fun day here, and it was a fun track. I had a really frustrating first race. I was stuck behind someone for the first 12 minutes of the moto, and that was really frustrating. I ended up getting by and then making a lot of moves at the end, but still only got 13th. I had a great Moto 2. I ran fourth pretty much the whole time. I kind of stung my wrist towards the end and went off in the sand and ended up getting fifth, but it was a good way to end it here. Glad I was able to close out the season close to the front in that second moto. I really appreciate everyone in this program who has done so much for me and always been by my side.”  – Cameron McAdoo

“It wasn’t a great day here, to be honest. I really just wasn’t myself today. I struggled with some arm tightness all day that really affected both motos. In the first moto, I actually had a great start, but another rider cut the track in front of me, forcing me to drop back. For the second moto, I didn’t have a lot in me and didn’t perform well. I threw away a lot and left a lot out there. Going into the off-season, I just want to stay healthy and really focus on myself. I want to take a big step forward to focus on myself and my program more, and get ready for next year.”  – Drew Adams

“Last round of the year and it wasn’t my best performance. I had some good speed, but I just haven’t had a lot of time on the bike coming into this series with my back injury, so I did what I could. We had long weeks and even longer weekends, but definitely an eye-opener, and I know what I need to work on and change for this coming year, and I’m super excited about it. I’m thankful to have this team around me. I’ll go back home and enjoy these next couple of weeks and lock in for 2027.”  – Nick Romano

“The day was solid. I qualified ninth overall. I knew it was going to be a hard last round. The last round has been tough for me the last couple of years when I raced these. I’m fighting some injuries right now and came into the week feeling under the weather. I told myself, give it all you have, and we’ll see how it pans out. I went 10-7 for seventh overall, and sixth in the championship. It has been a really good year for me, especially the second half after supercross. We really figured some things out during supercross and were able to turn it around outdoors and stay consistent. I haven’t always been great in these playoffs, so I was really happy with the progress we made this year and the progress today. I’m super proud of the team; they did an amazing job, and I really appreciate everything they do to put me in the best position possible.”  – Garrett Marchbanks

LEVI KITCHEN CAPTURES THE 2026 250 CLASS SMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™

Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Levi Kitchen clinches the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship™ in the 250 Class at the season finale in Ridgedale, Missouri. After a standout year highlighted by multiple wins and numerous podium finishes, Kitchen secured his first championship and Kawasaki’s 39th in the 250 Class. Kitchen’s stellar performance all year long set him up for success heading into the SMX Playoffs, where he entered the final three rounds sitting second in the series standings. After taking the overall win at Playoff 1, he moved into the series points lead. Facing a triple-points payout in the final round, Kitchen remained consistent and was able to score a podium finish to secure his first SMX championship. Through 31 rounds, Kitchen accumulated four moto wins, two overall victories and 12 overall podiums aboard his KX™250.  Kitchen’s achievement adds to the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s storied legacy, marking its 32nd championship and first SMX No. 1 plate. As Kitchen and the team celebrate this major milestone, they look forward to closing out the year representing their country at the 79th FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernée, France.

“Winning this championship feels incredible. I was on course this summer to wrap up my first Pro Motocross title but had some issues at the final round that didn’t allow me to complete that goal, so being able to end the year with the SMX championship is exactly what I needed. I put myself in a good position coming into this series. I just wanted to stay consistent and in the mix. The whole Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team has worked incredibly hard to give me a bike I felt comfortable and fast on all year long. I’m excited to celebrate this a little bit before we head to France for MXoN.”    – Levi Kitchen

“Watching Levi earn his first championship today was extremely rewarding. He faced many challenges this year, but watching the determination he rides with every time he’s on the track is inspiring. He never gave up and always gave his best effort every weekend. I’m very proud of Levi and the whole Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team for the continued effort they displayed throughout the whole year.”  – Mitch Payton Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki Team Owner

Ryder DiFrancesco claims second in 250SMX World Championship

A convincing ending for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team

Entering the final round just three points out of the points lead, DiFrancesco recorded the fourth-fastest qualifying time, setting the 21-year-old up well for the two upcoming motos where triple points were on offer.

Beginning Moto 1 in seventh, DiFrancesco and his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition delivered a spirited ride across the 17-lap outing, climbing to third by race’s end and carrying a strong result into Moto 2, which would ultimately decide the championship.

Starting outside the top-15 in race two, the Californian had his work cut out for him as rain began to fall, powering his way as high as ninth before finishing 10th and securing second overall in the 250SMX standings.

DiFrancesco experienced a breakout season with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing in 2026, capturing fourth overall in the 250SX Western Divisional Championship and fifth in the 250MX standings – results that were highlighted by multiple podium appearances.

Tonight’s 250SMX World Championship result for DiFrancesco marks a fitting end for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing organization, with the long-standing team formally concluding its SuperMotocross World Championship program on the series podium together for one final occasion.

“[The title] was at my fingertips there, but I didn’t execute the start very well,”commented DiFrancesco.“I left it all out there and I am satisfied with how this championship went – I felt like I rode really well and gave myself a title shot. I went from barely making top-fives to eight podiums this year, so there’s a lot to be happy about. Thanks to everybody who helped to make it happen this season!”

Fellow 250SMX front-runner Daxton Bennick was 10th-fastest on the combined timesheets in Missouri before charging to a 10th-place finish in Moto 1. He improved to sixth in race two amid tricky conditions, posting seventh overall in the 250SMX standings after a solid 2026.

Bennick’s season was highlighted by third in the 250SX East standings – which included two podium results along the way – alongside a moto win and second-place finish overall in the mud at SMX Playoff 1 in Columbus, Ohio.

“We have had a lot of positives this year,” Bennick recalled. “Tonight didn’t go to plan, but we did improve in the second moto and it was a solid end to the season. I’m grateful for the opportunity and everybody around me.”

In the premier 450SMX category, RJ Hampshire – the team’s 2024 250SX West Champion – recorded the fifth-fastest qualifying time, backing it up with a consistent sixth-place finish in Moto 1 aboard his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition. He repeated the result in Moto 2 to claim sixth overall for the round and seventh in the series.

“We’ve had a lot of good times with this team over the years – they’ve been like family to me,” Hampshire said. “This weekend was an awesome way to finish the playoffs, a real SMX track, and it was a consistent night of results on my end. Thank you to everybody who has been behind us at Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, there are a lot of memories we have made together as a team, and I’m thankful for the years together.”

Also equipped with the Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition, Malcolm Stewart qualified eighth and showed competitive pace in Moto 1, posting a measured eighth-place result. The likeable Floridian followed that with 14th in race two, securing ninth overall for both the round and in the 450SMX post-season standings.

“Ninth overall for the weekend and the series,” explained Stewart. “It was a lot of fun, the track here at Thunder Ridge, and the whole place is super-cool – to have the SMX Final at this location is something we will remember for a long time to come! We’ve had our ups and some downs this season, but overall, I’m really happy with my time with this team and I’m proud of the success we have shared along the way.”

Results 450SMX Class – SMX Final1. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha)2. Jorge Prado (KTM)3. Hunter Lawrence (Honda)6. RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)9. Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)10. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)12. Eli Tomac (KTM)
Standings 450SMX Class 2026 1. Jorge Prado, 158 points2. Haiden Deegan, 1513. Hunter Lawrence, 1367. RJ Hampshire, 999. Malcolm Stewart, 8310. Aaron Plessinger, 8011. Eli Tomac, 78

Results 250SMX Class – SMX Final1. Cole Davies (Yamaha)2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki)3. Landen Gordon (Yamaha)6. Julien Beaumer (KTM)7. Ryder DiFrancesco (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)8. Daxton Bennick (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)

Standings 250SMX Class 20261. Levi Kitchen, 153 points2. Ryder DiFrancesco, 1293. Cole Davies, 1284. Julien Beaumer, 1197. Daxton Bennick, 98

Fong Sweeps Saturday As Championship Narrows To Two Points For Sunday Showdown

Bobby Fong (Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing) executed a sensational double victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Saturday, winning both Quad Lock Superbike races to demolish the championship lead of Sean Dylan Kelly (OrangeCat Racing) to a razor-thin two points, while Mathew Scholtz (Strack Racing) leads JD Beach (Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing) by a single point in a battle for third overall.

With an approaching nor’easter weather forecast prompting a schedule change to hold two Superbike races on Saturday, the championship dynamic dramatically tightened. All top four riders in the overall championship standings – Kelly, Fong, Scholtz, and Beach – found themselves locked in high-stakes track battles throughout the day, mirroring the fierce competition that has characterized the entire 50th Anniversary Superbike season. Everything now comes down to Sunday’s single remaining race – Race 3 of the weekend triple-header – where both the Superbike title and podium positions in the overall and Superbike Cup standings will be decided.

Race 1: Fong Masterclass In Wet Conditions
Race 1 saw riders battling tricky, damp conditions and red-flag restarts. Fong proved unstoppable aboard his Yamaha YZF-R1, breaking away to win by 3.287 seconds over Warhorse HSBK Racing Flo4Law Ducati’s Cameron Beaubier. Behind them, Beaubier’s teammate, Benjamin Smith, produced a standout ride to capture third place, marking his first Superbike podium of the season, and a duo of Ducati V4 R’s on the Race 1 podium.

Points leader Kelly crossed the line in fourth. The fight for fifth came down to a thrilling finish at the line, as Kelly’s OrangeCat Racing teammate, Jayson Uribe, squeezed past Scholtz by just 0.015 seconds to claim fifth, dropping Scholtz to sixth. PJ Jacobsen (Rahal Ducati Moto with XPEL) placed seventh ahead of Beach, Hayden Gillim (Real Steel Honda), and Brandon Paasch (M4 ECSTAR Suzuki) rounding out the top ten.

Superbike Cup: Race 1
In Superbike Cup Race 1 action, Real Steel Honda’s Andrew Lee led the Cup contenders across the finish line with a 12th-place overall finish to secure the class victory. Super Carl Racing 57 Rider Development Carl Soltisz took second in class (13th overall), followed by Corrientes Racing Team’s Emanuel Nicolas Aguilar in third (14th overall) to complete the Superbike Cup podium.

Race 2: Five-Rider Thriller And All-Yamaha Podium Sweep
Race 2 delivered one of the most intense, edge-of-the-seat battles of the season with unpredictable track conditions. With just five laps to go, a lead group of five riders –Scholtz, Fong, Beach, Kelly, and Jacobsen bringing up the rear – were separated by less than one second, with every rider pushing on the absolute limit.

Scholtz led much of the late running, but Fong made a decisive pass into first place with one lap to go. Fong held off the charging pack through the final turns to take his second win of the day, and his sixth of the 2026 season. In a sprint for the line, Beach edged out Scholtz by 0.159 seconds to take second place (+0.443s behind Fong), completing a 1-2-3 Yamaha podium sweep.

Superbike Cup: Race 2
Race 2 brought a shakeup in the Superbike Cup class as Danilo Lewis mastered the challenging conditions aboard his Team Brazil Honda to score an impressive 8th-place overall finish and claim the class win. Aguilar backed up his Race 1 performance with a strong second-place Cup finish (10th overall). Championship leader Lee finished third in class, 11th overall, with Soltisz placing fourth in class (12th overall) which secured his spot as vice-champion in 2026’s Superbike Cup.

Meanwhile, third-place Cup points contender Deion Campbell suffered a blow to his podium hopes after failing to finish the race. Sunday’s Race 3 will decide the final Cup podium position, where Campbell leads Lewis by 15 points after Saturday’s results.

Superbike Race 1 Results
1. Bobby Fong (Yamaha)
2. Cameron Beaubier (Ducati)
3. Benjamin Smith (Ducati)
4. Sean Dylan Kelly (BMW)
5. Jayson Uribe (BMW)
6. Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha)
7. PJ Jacobsen (Ducati)
8. JD Beach (Yamaha)
9. Hayden Gillim (Honda)
10. Brandon Paasch (Suzuki)

The following quote is from Quad Lock Superbike Race 1 winner, Bobby Fong:

“We felt good. It was definitely nerve-racking out there with the red flags. This is honestly my first wet podium ever, so I’m pretty stoked about it. We have one more today, so we’ve just got to stay steady and just be smooth out there, really. This one definitely means a lot. I’ve gotten lapped in the rain before, so this one feels pretty good.”

The following quote is from Superbike Cup Race 1 winner, Andrew Lee:

“Happy to walk away from race 1 with a first-place finish. Tricky conditions with the wind and rain. I felt like there was more out there and I’m hoping to find it tomorrow!”

Superbike Race 2 Results
1. Bobby Fong (Yamaha)
2. JD Beach (Yamaha)
3. Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha)
4. Sean Dylan Kelly (Suzuki)
5. Cameron Petersen (Ducati)
6. Brandon Paasch (Suzuki)
7. Tyler Scott (Suzuki)
8. Danilo Lewis (Honda)
9. PJ Jacobsen (Ducati)
10. Emanuel Nicolas Aguilar (Honda)

The following quote is from Quad Lock Superbike Race 2 winner, Bobby Fong:

“It was slippery. I’d rather it was a torrential downpour. It was a lot sketchier than the first one. Had a good battle with these boys. I got to give a big thanks to my team, Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha. Always a dream around here. And my family at home, Sydney, my baby Ella. Just everybody who has been behind me through these years. We’ve had a long season and we want to finish strong tomorrow and have a good few-months break and regroup for next year. We’ll just keep plugging away. It’s good to have three Yamahas up here. These bikes keep improving every weekend. Mat and JD rode a hell of a race. We were sliding everywhere out there. Looking forward to tomorrow.”

The following quote is from Race 2 Superbike Cup winner, Danilo Lewis:

“It’s a dream, because I worked so hard all season, this is the first year I switched BMW for Honda. I raced for BMW for 12 years, in Brazil, and here, too. Yeah, now it’s new, and I finish one track good, but the next race, it starts at zero. Mark (Junge), who works at factory Honda. He helped me a couple hours too. My Team Brazil works so hard all season. We’re a small team. We don’t have too many sponsors. Just my dad, my brother, and me, my wife, she helps me however is possible for her. Yeah, so it’s hard, but we make it 100%, sometimes more, so thanks, for this happening. All season, I need a little, little more. Yeah, I am so happy. I know my starts very well. I take my confidence; I have my base. Yeah, my bike’s perfect. My Team Brazil works perfect. Yeah, I’m so happy about my first win this season. Thank you, God, you thank all my sponsors, and maybe tomorrow, I have one more race.”

For the full 2026 MotoAmerica schedule and to purchase tickets for MotoAmerica events, CLICK HERE.

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Rain, Resilience And A Last-Lap Penalty: MotoAmerica Feature Classes Battle The Elements On Saturday At NJMP

The MotoAmerica feature classes closed out day two at New Jersey Motorsports Park under another gray sky, with scattered but steady showers keeping the Thunderbolt Circuit wet for the majority of the day. MotoAmerica officials were forced to adjust the schedule on the fly, and several classes lost their morning qualifying sessions entirely, leaving them with only a brief Wet Familiarization period to get themselves and their machines ready to race.

Supersport

Supersport’s Qualifying 2 session ran for 30 minutes Saturday morning, but with nobody expected to touch Friday’s dry-weather times, teams instead used the time to dial in race setup for what everyone knew was coming: a soaked Race 1. That preparation paid off in a big way for BPR Racing Yamaha’s Josh Hayes, who carved his way from second on the grid to his 91st career win — a milestone he reached in his 435th career start by calling on every ounce of the wet-weather mastery that’s earned him the nickname the Mississippi Madman. The win bumps Hayes up to third in Supersport points, two ahead of Rahal Ducati Moto with Droplight’s Kayla Yaakov.

For much of the opening laps, it looked like a two-rider affair, with Hayes and Rahal Ducati Moto with Desnuda Organic Tequila’s Josh Herrin separated by as little as two-tenths of a second while Yaakov shadowed them in third. But the race flipped on its head by the halfway mark: as Hayes began stretching his lead, Herrin found himself fending off a surging Yaakov instead of chasing the leader. With six laps remaining, Yaakov made the move stick, passing Herrin and pulling away as the Californian lost rear grip in the tricky conditions. Yaakov crossed the line second, 3.611 seconds clear of Herrin in third. 

Polesitter and recently appointed Supersport champion Celtic/Economy Lube + Tire/Warhorse Ducati’s Darryn Binder never got the chance to factor into that fight — a spinning rear wheel off the start line dropped him from the front row to 11th before the race had even settled, and he could only recover to fourth by the checkered flag.

New Jersey native Rodio Racing’s Gus Rodio thrilled the home crowd by running as high as third before settling for a hard-earned fifth, and Liberty Yamaha Racing turned to fill-in specialist Karel Hanika — a two-time FIM World Endurance Champion — to replace the injured Dominic Doyle, and the Czech rider delivered immediately with a sixth-place finish in his MotoAmerica Supersport debut. 

The wet conditions claimed six riders before the finish, including Ryder Davis (Ducati Pittsburgh/Mosites Motorsports) and MP13 Racing/One Cure Racing’s Joseph LiMandri Jr., who were both running inside the top five before going down in their own separate crashes. Their misfortune promoted Hayes’ teammate, Brenden Ketelsen, to fourth, but his run was short-lived. Ketelsen crashed entering the front straight and was forced out of the race, exiting the course nursing his right arm. Although battered, he’ll be able to suit up for Sunday’s Race 2.

The following quote is from Supersport Race 1 Winner Josh Hayes:

“It does. I’ve been in this situation here many times before. I won quite a few races in the rain and the dry here. Honestly because of that, everybody was like, ‘Our money is on you that you’re going to win.’ I was fast in the morning, whenever we rode in that 30-minute session. So I actually felt quite a bit of pressure to have to come up with it. I rode pretty hard. In the middle there I had put some good laps together. When I saw I had a gap, I kind of relaxed it quite a bit just to make sure I didn’t mess it up. Big thanks to BPR, Dunlop, what a job. The track is difficult. Everybody did a fantastic job and I’m glad to put a Yamaha up on top of the podium one more time.”

Mission King Of The Baggers

Mother Nature wasn’t finished with the Baggers class either, wiping out their morning Q2 session and the Bagger Challenge entirely and replacing them with a Free Practice session in its place. By the time Race 1 rolled around — slotted in after Superbike’s second contest of the day, during a stretch with no fresh rain — a semi-dry line had begun to form, forcing every rider into a gamble on tires. Defending champion Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman rolled the dice on a rear slick paired with a front rain tire but made the switch too late to complete a warm-up lap, dropping him from second on the grid all the way to a pit-lane start. J&P Cycles/Motul/Vance & Hines Factory Indian’s Troy Herfoss, teammate Hayden Gillim, and SDI Racing’s Tyler O’Hara all gambled on full slicks instead — and it proved to be the winning call.

Herfoss played the long game, patiently working through traffic and even slipping as far back as fourth after a small bobble, before mounting a charge in the closing laps that carried him past his own teammate for the win by just 0.035 seconds — the tightest of margins after Gillim, the reigning 2026 champion, had led every lap but the last. 

In third, O’Hara made it a clean sweep of the podium for Indian Motorcycle, holding off a hard-fighting Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing’s Bradley Smith in the early laps before the Englishman ran off course, handing O’Hara the final spot on the box — his second podium in as many rounds after also finishing third at COTA. M3/Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson’s Max Flinders rounded out the top five in front of a supportive Northeast crowd. Wyman charged back to finish sixth after starting from pit lane.

The following quote is from Mission King Of The Baggers Race 1 Winner Troy Herfoss:

“It was one of them races where the rain was coming, it was going. Watching all the other events and trying to work out what to do with tire choice. I always joke that fortune favors the brave, and then five minutes before the race was starting, I was starting to second-guess myself. But I made the decision really early. There were times in the race where it did sprinkle a little bit. I could hear a crash behind me. Then I just started feeling at home. I’ve done no laps this weekend. We had such a rough first day. I sometimes wonder if I’m cut out for this or if I’m really enjoying it, and something like this happens and it’s pretty special. So I just want to say a big thank you to everyone that supports me.”

Talent Cup

There was no stopping Quarterley Racing’s Nathan Gouker on the way to his coronation weekend, as the newly crowned 2026 Talent Cup champion cruised to his ninth win of the season, controlling the race from the front with little drama. 

Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing’s Sam Drane brought it home alone in second, a result that reinforces his hold on third place in the season standings as he continues to keep fellow Australian Jake Paige at arm’s length in the points battle.

The real fireworks were happening behind them, where Team Hammer’s Paige and Real Steel Honda’s Derek Sanchez traded the final podium spot multiple times over the last four laps of a ferocious scrap, both riders more than five seconds adrift of Drane by that point. Sanchez, still chasing his first podium of the year, held the position into the final lap before Paige found a way past at the very end, snatching third by a mere 0.008 seconds at the line. Sawyer Lafayette (Sawyer Lafayette Racing) rounded out the top five, capping a Saturday that saw Gouker solidify his championship bid.

The following quote is from 2026 Talent Cup Champion and Race 1 Winner Nathan Gouker:

“I can’t thank the whole Quarterley Racing powered by Warhorse supported by Wrench Crew enough. All season long they’ve just been progressively improving this bike. If it wasn’t for them, it wouldn’t be possible. It takes a family. I had a great start. From the start, I just managed my gap. I tried to stretch it out to around two and a half to three seconds. From there, towards the end I started slowing the pace down because if I threw it down the road, Dale wouldn’t be very happy. I can’t thank my mom, dad, my whole family, the whole Wrench Crew, Robby (Petersen), Cam (Petersen). He helps me out. My grandparents for coming. Cornerspin. Chris. My cousin. Nanny.”

Twins Cup

Twins Cup was among the classes hit hardest by the weather, losing its own Qualifying 2 session to standing water on the circuit and instead being sent out for a Wet Familiarization session ahead of a Race 1 shortened from 13 laps to seven. What followed was one of the most chaotic finishes of the weekend. Karns/TST Industries Racing’s Isaac Woodworth took his maiden career win, but the story of the race was written in its closing seconds.

Robem Engineering’s Hank Vossberg — already the crowned champion — led the opening lap before Woodworth surged past on lap two, dropping Vossberg to third behind a hard-charging Quarterley Racing’s Nathan Gouker, who was making his Twins Cup debut. 

Gouker ran second behind Woodworth deep into the race, and as the leaders took the white flag, a yellow flag also flew for a downed rider in Sector 1 — the exact moment Gouker made his move to pass Woodworth for what looked like a stunning debut victory. The pass under yellow triggered a post-race penalty, and moments later Vossberg crashed out of third on the very same lap. 

When the dust settled, Woodworth was awarded the win, M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Bodie Paige was promoted to second, and Gouker’s two-position penalty dropped him to third — still a remarkable result in his first-ever Twins Cup start. Vossberg salvaged what he could, crossing in 10th, while Paige’s teammate Matthew Chapin finished fourth and Team ECB Racing’s Eli Block rounded out the top five for the best finish of his season.

The following quote is from Talent Cup Race 2 Winner Isaac Woodworth:

“Yeah, it was gnarly. I had a decent launch but the front wheel came off the ground and when it landed, it went sideways. I thought I was going to lay it down in front of everybody. But besides that, it was a great race. I pushed hard. I tried to put a little gap in-between me and Nathan (Gouker), but he closed it up. He was riding really well. He passed me under a waving yellow, so I don’t know how it’s going to play out. Hopefully it works out in our favor. But he was ripping. I was ripping. I felt good. The bike felt great. I couldn’t thank the whole Karns Performance team enough after laying her down yesterday. They worked their butt off all night to put it back together. I can’t thank them enough.”

Bobby Fong Is The 2026 Quad Lock Superbike Champion – Reversing Roles In Race For Redemption

Following Saturday’s high-drama doubleheader where Bobby Fong (Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing) took both races and cut the championship lead from 26 points down to a scant two points, Sunday’s finale set up a winner-take-all climax to MotoAmerica’s historic 50th Anniversary Superbike season.

With a punishing nor’easter pounding New Jersey Motorsports Park with torrential rain, high winds, and severe track delays throughout the day, the atmosphere in the paddock was thick with tension and anxiety. When track conditions finally allowed for racing, the pressure boiled over into a nerve-wracking 15-lap fight across a very wet track where the top four riders in the championship faced a battle for every major ranking on the line, calculating each lap around risk and reward.

For points leader Sean Dylan Kelly (OrangeCat Racing BMW), the relentless pressure of defending a two-point lead called for an aggressive, do-or-die approach. Pushing on the absolute ragged edge to keep Fong behind him, Kelly’s championship hopes evaporated on the fourth lap when he lost control on the slick asphalt and crashed out of the race.

Seeing his primary rival down, Fong executed a masterclass in risk management aboard his Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1. Riding with steady poise, Fong crossed the line in fourth place – a result that sealed his first career Quad Lock Superbike Championship with 316 points to Kelly’s 305, completing an emotional redemption story one year after a late-season title heartbreak at the same venue in 2025.

Scholtz Masters Wet Conditions As Four-Way Battle Reshapes Standings

While Fong navigated the track with championship safety in mind, Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz put on an extraordinary display of wet-weather mastery out front. Slicing through blinding spray, Scholtz pulled clear of the chasing field to secure his fifth victory of the season. The win carried immense championship weight: entering Sunday trailing Beach by just one point, Scholtz’s 25-point haul vaulted him past Beach in the final standings to secure 3rd place overall in the 2026 championship (284 points to Beach’s 274).

Wrench Motorcycles’ Cameron Petersen delivered an inspired performance aboard his Ducati Panigale V4 R in the damp conditions, holding off the pack to take an outstanding second-place finish, while Beach completed the podium in third, capping a podium locking finish for Yamaha. With Fong securing fourth, Yamaha officially clinched the MotoAmerica Manufacturer of the Year award, while Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing celebrated their fifth Superbike title (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2026).

OrangeCat Racing’s Jayson Uribe rode a gritty race to place fifth aboard his BMW M 1000 RR, holding off PJ Jacobsen (Rahal Ducati Moto with XPEL) in sixth and Max Flinders (Thrashed Bike Scheibe Aftercare Racing) in seventh, and M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch crossed in eighth.

Superbike Cup: Team Brazil’s Danilo Lewis Claims Sunday Finale

In Superbike Cup, Team Brazil Honda’s Danilo Lewis mastered the torrential wet conditions in Sunday’s finale to take 9th overall and claim his second SBK Cup victory of the weekend. Real Steel Honda’s Andrew Lee finished second in class (10th overall), officially securing the 2026 Superbike Cup Championship with an impressive 441 points. Super Carl Racing’s Carl Soltisz wrapped up Vice-Champion honors with 285 points. Meanwhile, Lewis’s Race 3 win elevated his total to 254 points, vaulting him past Deion Campbell (244 points) – who suffered a lap 5 DNF – to take third place overall in the final Superbike Cup standings.

Quad Lock Superbike Race 3 Results

1. Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha)
2. Cameron Petersen (Ducati)
3. JD Beach (Yamaha)
4. Bobby Fong (Yamaha)
5. Jayson Uribe (BMW)
6. PJ Jacobsen (Ducati)
7. Max Flinders (BMW)
8. Brandon Paasch (Suzuki)
9. Danilo Lewis (Honda)
10. Andrew Lee (Honda)

The following quote is from 2026 Quad Lock Superbike Champion, Bobby Fong:

“I just want to cry. It’s unreal. We came from a ways back. We fell short last year, and we made up for it this year. I’ve been working for this my whole entire life. I’d like to thank everybody who’s been behind me in this long journey. It feels good. I don’t even know what to say. Everybody who has been behind me, thank you so much. I’m going to send a lot of messages to everybody after this and thanking everybody who has been behind me. I don’t even know what to say. I’m speechless. But I’m happy and I’m thankful to be here.”

The following quote is from Quad Lock Superbike Race 3 winner, Mathew Scholtz:

“Last round was super difficult for us. We also struggled yesterday. So to go out like this is really awesome. Have to say thank you to the Strack team. Winning the last two supersport championships and hopping back up to the superbike class, we knew it was going to be difficult. I think the season has gone better than what we thought. Overall, that race I was following Bobby for a couple laps and him and Sean are fighting for the championship, so I wanted to make sure when I passed him it was a super clean move. Once I got to the front, I put down a couple laps and I just managed to open a gap and take it from there. But thank you to my team. Looking forward to 2027.”

The following quote is from Race 3 Superbike Cup winner, Danilo Lewis:

“After crashing out of the lead just three corners from the finish in the first race, I came back and fought through one of the toughest races of my life, and TEAM BRAZIL finished the weekend with two victories. I’m deeply grateful to God for everything, to my wife for her unwavering support and encouragement, and to everyone who has cheered for us and believed in what we’re trying to achieve.”

A Wet Goodbye: MotoAmerica’s Feature Classes Close Out The 2026 Season At NJMP

Rain wreaked havoc on the MotoAmerica schedule once more on the final day of the 2026 season, delivering the heaviest rainfall of a soggy weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP). Overnight storms left standing water pooling across the Thunderbolt Circuit and a river running down the front straight, forcing officials to delay the day’s schedule while working to protect the one championship still undecided: Quad Lock Superbike’s Race 3.

The rain continued into the early afternoon before finally letting up, though gray skies and cold temperatures lingered. Track crews spent the next stretch working to clear the circuit, but by 1:00 p.m. it was clear there wouldn’t be enough daylight left for every remaining class to get a Wet Familiarization session and a final race. With their championships already locked up, Talent Cup and Twins Cup had their final races of the season cancelled, while Supersport and Mission King Of The Baggers were able to close out their years on track. Superbike went off first once the rain relented, with Supersport and Baggers following to bring the curtain down on 2026 — and every race that did run went off fully wet, from flag to flag.

Supersport

Celtic/Economy Lube + Tire/Warhorse Ducati’s Darryn Binder authored a fitting final chapter to his championship season, taking his second win of the weekend in a Race 2 duel that went down to the wire. 

Rahal Ducati Moto with Desnuda Organic Tequila’s Josh Herrin gave the reigning champion all he could handle, the two riders trading the lead through the opening laps before briefly running side by side down the front straight after Binder momentarily lost traction. Binder answered by wrestling the lead back and building a cushion of more than a second and a half, only for Herrin to claw his way back to Binder’s rear wheel with three laps to go. Binder held firm to the line, taking the win by just 0.137 seconds — a fitting final margin for a rivalry that defined much of the 2026 season.

While the top two broke clear, Strack Racing’s Blake Davis grabbed an early third before settling for fourth at the finish, and Liberty Yamaha Racing’s Karel Hanika climbed to third in his second fill-in start for the injured Dominic Doyle. Rahal Ducati Moto with Droplight’s Kayla Yaakov had the wildest ride of the group, running as high as fourth before slipping back as far as seventh under pressure from Rahal Ducati Moto with Roller Die & Forming’s Alessandro Di Mario, Hanika, and local favorite Joseph LiMandri Jr (MP13 Racing/One Cure Racing), before clawing back to cross the line fifth. LiMandri finished in sixth with DiMario slipping back to seventh after running wide in Turn 1.

BPR Racing Yamaha’s Joshua Hayes, Saturday’s Race 1 winner, had a rougher go of it after crashing in Turn 1 directly off the start — he picked his Yamaha back up and rejoined the race only to crash in the same corner with five to go, again remounting the machine and salvaging an 11th-place finish, one lap down. Despite the chaos, Hayes actually set the fastest lap of the race with a 1:35.925, but was unable to overtake Yaakov for third in the final standings.

Final 2026 Supersport points (top three): 

1. Hayden Gillim (287) 
2. Bradley Smith (230) 
3. Troy Herfoss (228)

The following quote is from Supersport Race 2 Winner Darryn Binder:

“I’m super happy we got to race today, first of all. Yesterday didn’t go to plan. I messed up the start. Even though I felt good, I just couldn’t catch up. Fourth was the best I could manage. I was super disappointed in myself. I really wanted to end things off on a high, for the team’s sake, for everything they’ve done this year. Like you said, just to put the cherry on the cake. Thank you guys so much for everything, the whole Celtic Economy Lube Warhorse HSBK team. Thank you guys so much. Alpinestars, Sport Pesa. Thank you guys for everything this year. It’s been unreal. Looking forward to what next year holds. “

Mission King Of The Baggers

Rather than scrap the Bagger Challenge to the weather, series sponsor Mission Foods folded its $5,000 bonus into Race 2 itself: whichever rider led at the completion of lap three of the seven-lap race would claim the payout. Reigning 2026 champion J&P Cycles/Motul/Vance & Hines Factory Indian’s Hayden Gillim took the assignment seriously, leading the opening three laps to bank the bonus for himself before the real fight for the race win had even begun.

That fight ultimately belonged to Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman, who turned his rough weekend around in style. After slipping to fourth off the start from second on the grid, the New York native worked back to third by the end of lap one, then found another gear at the race’s midpoint to sweep past Gillim with four laps remaining and pull away for the win by nearly two seconds over his own teammate, Bradley Smith. Gillim held on for third, giving the Indian and Harley-Davidson factory squads a tidy way to close out the season on the box together.

Big Diehl x Harley-Davidson Factory Racing’s James Rispoli crossed fourth to cap his season, with M3/Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson’s Max Flinders capping a strong finale in front of a supportive Northeast crowd in fifth. It was a tougher day for Gillim’s teammate, Troy Herfoss, who came home seventh after a difficult race — but the result didn’t cost him what mattered most: Herfoss closes out 2026 third in the final championship standings, still just two points behind Smith for the runner-up spot after a season-long battle that came down to the final laps of the final race.

Final 2026 Mission King Of The Baggers points (top three): 

1. Hayden Gillim (287) 
2. Bradley Smith (230) 
3. Troy Herfoss (228)

The following quote is from Mission King Of The Baggers Race 2 Winner Kyle Wyman:

“It means everything. This team has changed my life. Changed my career. This one is going to feel really good for a long time. I just don’t know what to say. It’s a long day waiting around, but it was worth it because this is the greatest feeling. I don’t know what to say. How do you sum up what we’ve done with this program? You just can’t. We’ve created a lot of memories. We’ve impacted a lot of people in a very positive way. I wouldn’t want to do it with any other group. Huge thank you to Harley-Davidson, DynoJet, Rockford Fosgate, Canaan, all of our partners, all the fans. The fans have been incredible in this series. I’m glad we could give them one more win.” 

Talent Cup

The Talent Cup class of 2026 wrapped up its season under a bit of technicality, but the cancellation did nothing to diminish what was an outstanding year for MotoAmerica’s youngest and newest professional ranks. Over the course of the season, the lightweight class delivered tight finishes, late-braking passes, and drafting battles at some of the longest circuits in the country — and the riders and teams who made the trip, some rearranging school schedules and working remotely along the way, earned real credit for their dedication to the sport.

When the final standings were tallied, Quarterley Racing’s Nathan Gouker stood alone at the top. The 15-year-old collected nine wins and 13 podiums across his rookie season to claim the title, finishing 43 points clear of Team Roberts’ Kensei Matsudaira in the runner-up spot.

Gouker wasted no time capitalizing on the achievement, departing Monday for a tryout with the Red Bull Rookies Cup program in Spain, while Matsudaira will continue competing in select rounds of the European Moto4 Championship to measure himself against the continent’s top young talent on the road to MotoGP. Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing’s Sam Drane rounded out the top three in the final standings, 84 points off the pace, and looks poised to keep climbing the ranks in both MotoAmerica and American Flat Track competition. If this season proved anything, it’s that Talent Cup’s riders are already racing like professionals — even while some are still learning the ropes of life on the road.

Final 2026 Talent Cup points (top three):

1. Hank Vossberg (274)
2. Bodie Paige (184)
3. Sam Drane (170)

Twins Cup

The Twins Cup championship battle wrapped up in workmanlike fashion, with Saturday’s results standing as the final word once Sunday’s race fell victim to the weather and the calendar. Robem Engineering’s Hank Vossberg locked up the title weeks ago at VIR, and nothing about the New Jersey finale changed that story — his 274 points held up comfortably atop the standings whether a final race ever went off or not.

The real intrigue was always going to be who joined him on the season-ending podium, and that question was answered Saturday when Karns/TST Industries Racing’s Isaac Woodworth claimed his first career win, beating M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Bodie Paige to the line in a race that saw Vossberg crash out of contention and Quarterley Racing’s Nathan Gouker cross the line first before a two-position penalty dropped him to third. 

With no Sunday race left to shuffle anything further, Paige’s runner-up finish locked up second in the final championship standings on 184 points, just ahead of Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing’s Sam Drane in third (170) and Paige’s own teammate, Matthew Chapin, in fourth by a mere two points (168). Woodworth’s breakthrough win couldn’t quite close the gap in the standings, but it was a fitting way to cap his season, good enough for fifth overall.

For Gouker, the brief Twins Cup cameo was just a footnote to a much bigger 2026 — one race, one podium finish after penalty, and a small taste of the welterweight class before turning his full attention to bigger possibilities in the Red Bull Rookies Cup Program.

Final 2026 Twins Cup points (top three):

1. Hank Vossberg (274) 
2. Bodie Paige (184) 
3. Sam Drane (170)

Kyle Wyman and Harley-Davidson X Dynojet Factory Race Team Close 2026 King of the Baggers season with Victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park

Harley-Davidson® x DynoJet Factory Race Team rider Kyle Wyman mastered wet track conditions on Sunday to win the final round of the 14-race 2026 MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers championship aboard a race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycle in a double-header weekend of racing at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, N.J. Harley-Davidson® x DynoJet Factory Race Team rider Bradley Smith finished second in the same race on a race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycle and secured second place in the final championship points standings.

Racers battled rain and windy conditions all weekend in New Jersey as a major nor’easter storm moved up the Atlantic coast. Rain limited the King of the Baggers field to a single qualifying session on Friday that saw Wyman qualify second and Smith third on the 12-turn, 2.25-mile New Jersey Motorsports Park road course. The weather conditions also caused the cancellation of Saturday Mission Foods Challenger bonus sprint race.

Saturday’s eight-lap main event put riders on a drying track with some wet spots, and a light sprinkle beginning to fall, forcing a choice between racing on slick or rain tires. Wyman made a late decision to change his rear tire to a slick and missed the warm-up lap, which by rule required him to start the race from pit lane. Smith started the race in fourth place and moved up to second position by lap five but fell back to fourth position at the finish. Indian Factory racer Troy Herfoss won the race, nipping his teammate Hayden Gillim by 0.035 seconds at the finish line. Wyman finished in sixth place.

The track was much wetter for Sunday’s race, with large puddles flowing across the track surface in spots. Gillim, Smith and Wyman led from the start and the trio gradually opened a gap on the rest of the field. Wyman passed Smith to take second place on lap four, passed Gillim for the lead on lap five and went on to win by 1.896 seconds over Smith, who passed Gillim on the final lap.

“This team has changed my life and changed my career. This one’s going to feel really good for a long time,” said Wyman, who won the King of the Baggers championship in 2021 and 2025 and leads the series with 27 career victories. “How can you sum up what we’ve done with this program? You just can’t. We’ve created a lot of memories and impacted a lot of people in a positive way. I wouldn’t want to do it with any other group. I want to give a huge thanks to Harley-Davidson, to all of our partners and our fans. The fans have been incredible. It’s great to give them one more win.”

Smith finished his second season with the Harley-Davidson® x DynoJet Factory Race Team with two race victories and seven additional podium results, to score 230 points and take second place in the final standings. Big Diehl x Harley-Davidson Factory Racing rider James Rispoli scored a single podium result for the season and was sixth in the season standings.

At the conclusion of the 14-round 2026 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series Gillim is series champion with 287 points. Smith is second with 230 points, followed by Herfoss with 228 points, Wyman with 169 points, SDI Racing Indian rider Tyler O’Hara with 157 points and Rispoli with 145 points.

Harley-Davidson® x DynoJet Factory Race Team Road Glide® motorcycles are powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® 131 Performance Crate Engines. The team’s racing motorcycles also feature upgraded suspension components, including Screamin’ Eagle/Öhlins Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks, plus competition exhaust, race tires and lightweight bodywork. The Harley-Davidson® x DynoJet Factory Race Team partner roster includes DynoJet, Rockford Fosgate®, Öhlins®, Akrapovič, STM Racing Clutch, K&N Filters, SYN3® lubricants, and Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Parts and Accessories.

MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Race Results: New Jersey Motorsports Park Race 1

1. Troy Herfoss (Ind) J&P Cycles/Motul/Vance & Hines Factory Indian
2. Hayden Gillim (Ind) J&P Cycles/Motul/Vance & Hines Factory Indian
3. Tyler O’Hara (Ind) SDI Racing
4. Bradley Smith (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team
5. Max Flinders (H-D) M3/Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson
6. Kyle Wyman (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team
7. Rocco Landers (Ind) J&P Cycles/Motul/Vance & Hines Factory Indian
8. Kyle Ohnsorg (Ind) TAB Performance

MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Race Results: New Jersey Motorsports Park Race 2

1. Kyle Wyman (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team
2. Bradley Smith (H-D) Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team
3. Hayden Gillim (Ind) J&P Cycles/Motul/Vance & Hines Factory Indian
4. James Rispoli (H-D) Big Diehl x Harley-Davidson Factory Racing
5. Max Flinders (H-D) M3/Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson
6. Rocco Landers (Ind) J&P Cycles/Motul/Vance & Hines Factory Indian
7. Troy Herfoss (Ind) J&P Cycles/Motul/Vance & Hines Factory Indian 

Honda HRC Progressive Caps 2026 Season at Ridgedale SMX Final

Eight-and-a-half months and 31 races after kicking off the 2026 season, Honda HRC Progressive concluded its campaign at the SMX Final, held in a unique, picturesque amphitheater setting in southern Missouri. On a true hybrid track with a layout that made it difficult to make up time and overtake, the team didn’t manage to add to Hunter Lawrence’s 2026 AMA Pro Motocross 450 Championship, but they ended the long, eventful year pleased with their positive showing.

Lawrence was pushed wide in turn 1 on the first 450 start but emerged in third place. He pushed hard for the remainder of the moto but ultimately finished in the same position. The Australian once again started third in moto 2 and pressed through the middle part of the race, but lost ground after a close call at about the three-quarter mark and brought it home in third place. With a 3-3 result on the day and triple points up for grabs, the Australian secured third in the SMX Playoffs, capping the strongest season of his career so far.

Shimoda suffered a couple of crashes early in the first 250 moto and rejoined the race in last place. Despite his best efforts, 15th place was the best he could manage. Following a mid-pack start to the wet second moto, the Japanese rider dropped as low as 12th place, but he rode strong in the latter stages and finished eighth, for 12th overall.

NOTES

• Once again, Hunter Lawrence represented Honda HRC Progressive at the Friday press conference before all three of the team’s active riders took to the track for a pair of short practice sessions.
• Unfortunately, Chance Hymas overjumped an obstacle during Friday practice and injured his wrist, forcing him to withdraw from Saturday’s program, as well as the upcoming Motocross of Nations. A scan confirmed that the Idaho native had suffered fractures to a couple of small bones in his left wrist.
• Lawrence, Shimoda and Hymas participated in a FanFest autograph session on Friday.
• Honda of Ozarks, a dealership located approximately one hour north of the race venue, staffed a pop-up display in the Honda HRC Progressive pit footprint. Dealer personnel showcased a CRF450R and a Monkey miniMOTO, while engaging with fans and customers.
• Also on display in the Honda HRC Progressive pit were a trio of NT1100 Police motorcycles, displayed by motor officers from the City of Branson Police Department. “It’s great to see this bike catching on with departments across the country,” said Honda Police Fleet Program Liaison Bill Turner. “It’s a really good option for motor officers, and we’re happy to do our part to support law enforcement in the U.S.”
• The Honda HRC Progressive team and riders were visited by several professional athletes, including NASCAR drivers Kyle Larson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Noah Gragson, as well as former NFL player Nate Holley. Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher also spent some time with the team.
• Lawrence ended the two 450 qualifying sessions as the second-fastest rider, while Quad Lock Honda’s Christian Craig and Joey Savatgy were 12th and 17th, respectively. Valley Motorsports rider Jeremy Hand was 26th. In the 250 ranks, Jo Shimoda was the sixth-best rider in combined qualifying.
• The sport’s top female athletes were featured in the WMX Invitational, and Red Riders did well, with Quad Lock Honda’s Charli Cannon and SLR Honda’s Mayla Herrick battling for the early lead. In the end, Cannon settled for a close second-place finish to Lachlan Turner, while SLR Honda’s Mikayla Nielsen and Herrick finished fifth and ninth, respectively. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Tayla Jones ended the night 12th.
• The SMX Final marked the last race for a couple of former Red Riders—Eli Tomac and Dylan Ferrandis, who in the past raced for Factory Connection and Phoenix Racing Honda, respectively. Everyone at Honda salutes the duo and wishes them well as they enter retirement.
• Honda HRC Progressive also congratulates Red Bull KTM’s Jorge Prado and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen on earning the 2026 450 and 250 SuperMotocross Championships, respectively.
• This week, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation will auction off the autographed bodywork used by Honda HRC Progressive at round 2 of the SuperMotocross Playoffs. Visit the PBTF website to place a bid on the parts, which feature one-of-a-kind designs created by patients and printed by SKDA.

Hunter Lawrence
“Thirty-one races—man, what a long year! It’s been amazing, and I have a great team to go racing with. I’ve got a lot of things going on in my life right now, and I’m blessed to be walking away in one piece. I’m going to have a great day tomorrow and get ready for the 2027 season. I can’t wait!”

Jo Shimoda
“Last round, done. I was just kind of glad to get this one out of the way without getting hurt, and to stay healthy for the off-season. Starting this season with a neck injury, and having to get ready to race within three weeks or so, I think that kind of bit me. I got through it, and honestly, I’m just looking forward to next season. I just need a reset.”

Lars Lindstrom – Team Manager
“Thirty-one races in 38 weeks is not super easy, so I think everyone is happy and relieved to be finished with this season. Any year that you win a championship is a great year, but we did have a tough time with injuries for everyone not named Hunter Lawrence. Hopefully we can have some time to recover and recharge, so we can come into the next season with a complete and strong roster.”

Haiden Deegan Finishes Rookie 450 Season with a Win at Thunder Ridge

As a racer, winning is always the objective. In this scenario, with one million dollars on the line, triple points up for grabs, and a 16-point deficit, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan needed to win at the SMX World Championship Final to have a shot at the crown. In the end, Deegan did his part, winning the first moto and securing the overall victory with his 1-2 moto score. He came up just shy of the top spot, completing his debut season aboard the YZ450F with a runner-up finish in the 450SMX Championship. His teammate Cooper Webb also had a strong finish to the year, going 4-4 for fifth overall and securing a top-five finish in the championship standings.

After a wild couple of playoff rounds, the stage was set for a thrilling finish to the season at the all-new venue for the SMX World Championship Final – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri. It was a proper hybrid supercross-motocross track, and from the start, Deegan set the tone, topping qualifying and grabbing the holeshot in Moto 1. Under pressure early, he ran his own race and set a strong pace up front, eventually building a gap on the competition and leading every lap en route to his third moto victory of the SMX postseason.

In Moto 2, Deegan got another good start in third and quickly made his way into the runner-up spot. With the championship on the line, he kept points leader Jorge Prado in sight and closed the gap as the clock wound down. With around a minute remaining, Deegan made his move, but Prado countered, with the rookie ultimately crossing the line second. His 1-2 score secured the overall victory, his second win of the three-round playoff series.

“I qualified first and got the dub in the first moto, and put myself in a really good position to contend for this championship,” said Deegan. “I had a pretty good second race as well and ended up getting the overall, but lost the championship. I still made some good money in this SMX series, so I’m still stoked on that. Now it’s offseason time. So we’re going to go recover, and then get back to work and come out swinging at Supercross.”

In the end, Deegan was seven points shy of the title, but it still was a strong debut season in the premier class. After securing his second-consecutive 250SX West Championship earlier in the year, he made the move to the YZ450F for the outdoor season, finishing third in the 450 Pro Motocross Championship before taking the title fight down to the final moto of the SMX World Championship Finals.

His teammate Webb also showed strength at the season finale, qualifying sixth and getting two good starts to the motos. In Moto 1, he challenged for the holeshot before coming out fourth. In the second half of the moto, Prado closed in, but the three-time 450SX Champion held him off and rode on to finish fourth. In Moto 2, Webb got another solid start in sixth and quickly made his way to fourth. From there, he put in a strong ride to hold the position to the checkered flag, earning fifth overall.

“31 races complete!” said Webb. “It was a wild SMX series and a fast night of racing tonight. I ended up going 4-4 for fifth overall, and fifth in the series. I rode really well tonight, even though the results were about the same. I was happy with how it went, with how fast and how motocross the track was! It was nice being a contender again for SMX, as well.

“This was my last race with Yamaha, which was bittersweet. This team gave me a shot as a 15-year-old kid and then again as a 450 champion, and I was able to deliver them championships on both occasions. I’m proud of what we accomplished. That’s a wrap for us; now it’s time for MXON.”

Webb also enjoyed a strong 2026 season, racing all 31 rounds. He finished third in the 450SX Championship and eighth in the 450 Pro Motocross Championship, ending the outdoor season on a high note with a podium finish at the Ironman finale. He then closed out the year fifth in the 450SMX Championship.

“It was a great night of racing for both the guys,” said Wil Hahn, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 450 Team Manager. “Sadly, we came up just short of the title, but two overall wins in the series for Haiden were great.”

AMA Congratulates 2026 AMA Speedway National Champion Max Ruml

The American Motorcyclist Association extends its congratulations to Max Ruml, who captured his third AMA National Speedway championship with a strong showing during the two-round season.

Ruml entered the final round of the season at Fast Friday’s Motorcycle Speedway in Auburn, Calif., with a four-point advantage over Brady Landon, and extended his overall lead with a 23-point second round to finish with 49 points, clearing Landon’s total of 43 points by six.

“Max Ruml has consistently showcased his ability to contend for AMA National Speedway championships, as he adds yet another title to his already impressive resume,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “Max continues to elevate himself among the greats in our sport, and I am grateful for his contributions to speedway as a top-tier competitor.”

Ruml broke a two-year streak of heartbreaking second-place finishes, falling just shy of Broc Nicol by three or less points in 2024 and 2025. Now, Ruml has captured his third championship — also earning titles in 2021 and 2023 — to go along with seven second places.

2026 AMA Speedway National Championship Results

1. Max Ruml – 49
2. Brady Landon – 43
3. Broc Nicol – 40
4. Wilbur Hancock – 29
5. Aaron Fox – 25

Dunlop Riders Sweep 2026 SuperMotocross World Championships

Dunlop riders closed the 2026 Monster Energy SuperMotocross World Championship with titles in both professional classes following three postseason rounds in Columbus, Ohio; Los Angeles, California; and Ridgedale, Missouri.

Jorge Prado earned his first 450SMX World Championship, while Levi Kitchen claimed his first professional title in 250SMX. Dunlop riders filled the top 13 positions in the final 450SMX standings, and every 250SMX rider competed on Dunlop tires.

“The conditions changed dramatically from round to round, and our riders had the tire options to respond,” said Broc Glover, Senior Manager, Off-Road Racing at Dunlop. “We saw everything from the MX14 to the MX54 in use during the playoffs, along with developmental tires that reflect the ongoing work between Dunlop and the race teams. Jorge and Levi earned their championships against outstanding competition. Congratulations to them and to every Dunlop rider who contributed to a remarkable postseason.”

The playoffs opened September 12 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, where rain and mud shaped the racing. Team Dunlop Elite alumnus Haiden Deegan swept the 450SMX motos for his first premier-class overall victory, while Kitchen won the 250SMX overall. Team Dunlop Elite alumnus Kade Johnson also won the SMX Next World All-Stars race.

At Playoff 2 in Los Angeles, Prado won the 450SMX overall and extended his points lead. Julien Beaumer earned the 250SMX overall victory. Johnson finished second in the SMX Next finale, securing the series championship.

Both professional titles remained in contention heading into the September 26 SMX World Championship Final at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena. Deegan won the 450SMX overall, but Prado’s victory in the final moto secured the World Championship. In 250SMX, Cole Davies took the event overall, while Kitchen’s runner-up finish delivered the title.

The Final also featured the WMX Invitational, won by Team Dunlop Elite alumna Lachlan Turner. Turner entered the event as the 2026 Pro Motocross WMX champion.

“This postseason reflects the strength of our entire motocross program, from the work we do with young riders to the tire development and trackside support behind the world’s best,” said Chad Geer, Director, Motorcycle Marketing and Motorsports at Dunlop. “It’s especially rewarding to see Team Dunlop Elite alumni competing and winning at the top level while Dunlop products perform across such a wide range of conditions. Congratulations to Jorge, Levi and all of the riders and teams who made this season possible.”

From the mud of Columbus to the championship-deciding motos at Thunder Ridge, the playoffs demonstrated the range of Dunlop’s racing tire lineup and the value of continued development alongside the sport’s leading teams and riders.

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING THANKS AARON PLESSINGER FOR FIVE SUCCESSFUL SEASONS TOGETHER

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing extends its appreciation to Aaron Plessinger following five successful seasons together, with the partnership delivering an impressive catalog of race results across AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross.

‘The Cowboy’ continues to be one of the most popular and engaging riders in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), quickly establishing a strong connection to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing fans throughout North America and on a global scale. Over the course of five seasons with KTM, he earned 24 podiums – 11 in 450SX and 13 in 450MX – including two Supercross victories.

Plessinger first joined Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ahead of the 2022 season, making an immediate impact with a second-place result at Round 2 of the 450SX series in Oakland, and he would go on to achieve two more overall podiums outdoors (Southwick and Ironman) in his first year aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

The 2023 season saw Plessinger make further progress, with the Ohio native recording two podiums in Supercross and an additional three podium finishes in 450MX on his way to third in the final championship standings. He also represented Team USA in the MXGP category at the 2023 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Ernée, France.

Plessinger then opened the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship in outstanding form, capturing a first-career 450SX Main Event win in San Diego to take possession of the red plate, which he carried out of the following round with another top-three performance at Anaheim 2. He also took third in Arlington, before his indoor season was unfortunately cut short through injury. 

Another convincing Pro Motocross season – including six podiums at Hangtown, RedBud, Washougal, Unadilla, Budds Creek and Ironman – saw him finish third in the 450MX standings once more, and he carried that form into the SMX World Championship post-season to end the series in fourth overall.

Those results led to another MXoN appearance to complete his 2024 campaign, this time in the Open category at Matterley Basin in the United Kingdom, where he contributed to Team USA’s second-place finish on the Nations podium.

Plessinger’s 2025 450SX season was highlighted by podiums at Daytona, Birmingham and Seattle, before achieving his second-career premier class victory in a convincing performance at Foxborough. He recorded another podium in East Rutherford, while a strong start to Pro Motocross that included podiums at Hangtown and Thunder Valley was later disrupted by illness.

Always a fan favorite, Plessinger remained a valued member of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing throughout the 2026 SMX World Championship, bringing his trademark personality and commitment to the team across his final season in orange despite multiple injury setbacks impacting his season, which concluded at last weekend’s SMX Final in Ridgedale, Missouri.

Aaron Plessinger:“These have been some of the best five years of my life, and especially during my career – I’ve had a great time at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and I’m going to miss everybody a lot. Looking back, our results together have been consistently solid over a good stretch of years, which we can be proud of as a team. And the KTM fans, too, their support has meant the world to me and I’m glad that we were able to have a good run for them. Above all, I’m thankful for these years that we were able to spend together. We’ll see you at the races!”

Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager:“Working with Aaron over the last five years has been a privilege. He brought with him a unique personality, always making those around feel like a part of his inner-circle, and his cowboy style made him a favorite with the fans and our team. From race wins and podiums to some challenging moments along the way, Aaron always represented Red Bull KTM Factory Racing with passion, professionalism, and determination. We’d like to thank him for everything he has done for the Red Bull KTM team, and we wish him and his family the very best moving forward. You are family, Mr Plessinger – see you at the races.”

Plessinger and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will now officially sign off on a memorable five-year collaboration, with the entire team thanking Aaron for his contributions to the program and wishing him all the best for the future.

Aaron Plessinger Joins 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing

5.11 Triumph Factory Racing is pleased to officially welcome Aaron Plessinger to its SuperMotocross World Championship program. The experienced American has signed a two-year agreement to race the TF 450-X in the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross championships.

One of the most recognizable personalities in American motocross, Plessinger brings a wealth of experience and proven race-winning pedigree to 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing. The incredibly popular racer will play an important role in the continued development of the team and the TF 450-X as Triumph targets further success at the highest level of racing in the United States.

Plessinger’s arrival marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both rider and team. Having closely followed Triumph’s rapid progress since entering top-level motocross competition, the American shares the team’s ambition to fight for race victories and championships as the program continues to develop.

Before preparations for the 2027 season begin in earnest, Plessinger will make his first official appearance for the British manufacturer at Triumph’s Global Dealer Conference in Thailand from October 6-9, 2026. There, he will be welcomed into the Triumph family in front of approximately 1,200 dealers from around the world.

Following the event, Plessinger will return to the team’s facility near Atlanta, Georgia, to begin working with the TF 450-X and establish his base settings. His first competitive outing aboard the Triumph will then come at the Paris Supercross in November, before an extensive testing and development program gets underway ahead of the 2027 SuperMotocross World Championship.

As a highly experienced racer in both AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross, Plessinger will bring valuable knowledge to the team as it looks to take another step forward in its 450 program. Alongside his racing credentials, his enthusiasm and likeable personality make him a natural fit for the Triumph brand and team.

Aaron Plessinger

“I’m super excited to be joining 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing. I’ve been watching what the team has been building over the last few years and I really believe in the potential of both the team and the TF 450-X. We all want the same thing, which is to win races and fight for championships, and I’m excited to be part of that journey. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone, spending time with the team in Thailand at the Global Dealer Conference, and then getting back to Georgia to start testing properly. The Paris Supercross will be a great way to begin this new chapter, and after that we’ll really get to work preparing for the 2027 SuperMotocross season. Hopefully I can bring plenty of good times, some victories, and put Triumph right in the fight for championships.”

Jeremy Coker – General Manager, Triumph Racing America

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Aaron to 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing. Having worked with Aaron previously, I have a tremendous amount of respect for him both as a racer and as a person. Winning championships together with Aaron was honestly some of the most fun and rewarding racing I’ve ever been a part of, so having the opportunity to work together again is really special for me. I know what Aaron is capable of, I know the determination and personality he brings to a race team, and I truly believe we have the right people and program around him to be successful. Our goal is simple: give Aaron everything he needs to get back to his winning ways and compete for race victories and championships. I couldn’t be more excited to have him as part of 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing and to start this next chapter together.”

Ian Kimber – Head of Global Racing Programs, Triumph Motorcycles

“We’re really excited for Aaron to join 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing and work with us on taking the next step in the AMA SuperMotocross World Championship. Not only is he a respected, talented, and professional racer, he’s also a great guy and an absolute fan favorite. His enthusiasm, experience, and talent will provide a new dimension to the team, bringing us some fresh energy and a new perspective, while this will also give him a completely new challenge as he steps onto the TF 450-X. We can’t wait to see him get stuck in on the bike as we head into the off-season, and we’re really looking forward to working together.”

Husqvarna Mobility and Team Tedder join forces for 2027 SMX season

Husqvarna Mobility is pleased to announce a newly-formed partnership with Team Tedder that formally commences with the 2027 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, welcoming three-time 450SX Champion Cooper Webb in a collaboration set to debut when he represents Team USA at the 2026 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Ernée, France, from October 2-4.

Webb will make his first appearance on board the Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition at the famed international event this weekend, wearing the Stars and Stripes at MXoN for the fourth time in his career. It will also mark the 30-year-old’s reunion with the Austrian-based group of brands, where he earned the premier class Supercross title in 2019 and 2021.

Team Tedder’s addition to Husqvarna Mobility North America’s official racing program signals a new chapter for both organizations, contesting the 450SX division of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship when the series gets underway at Anaheim 1 in early January, followed by the Monster Energy SMX World Championship post-season next September.

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC – Monster Energy – Team Tedder – Husqvarna has signed Webb in a multi-year commitment alongside returning Team Tedder rider Justin Hill. The arrangement will also give Webb and Hill the opportunity compete on an international scale, together with the team’s support.

“With the addition of Cooper Webb alongside Justin Hill, I believe Team Tedder may surprise some people next season,” commented Director of Racing SX/MX, Roger De Coster. “With a strong team around him, Cooper will be able to fully concentrate on his racing, and he has the opportunity to reach another level – potentially replicating the success he’s achieved previously in his career. There is a lot of potential within this program, and I am confident it can be a very successful partnership between Team Tedder and Husqvarna.”

Based out of Southern California and built on a rich history of amateur and professional motocross competition, Team Tedder – founded by Matt Tedder and currently under the management of Dakota Tedder – is recognized as one the premier independent operations in the sport of SMX. Joining forces with Husqvarna Mobility for 2027 and beyond is another significant step in the team’s ongoing progression.

“The entire Tedder family is incredibly proud to welcome three-time 450SX Champion Cooper Webb and Husqvarna to our racing program for the 2027 and 2028 seasons,” explained Team Founder, Matt Tedder. “We are also excited to welcome Rocky Mountain ATV/MC as our title sponsor. Together with our longtime partner Monster Energy and our new partnership with Husqvarna, we will compete as the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC – Monster Energy – Team Tedder – Husqvarna Racing Team. What will not change is who we are – the Tedder family has a genuine love for this sport and a commitment to treating our riders and team members like family. We are committed to providing Cooper and Justin with the best equipment, people and support possible, while maintaining the family atmosphere that has always defined Team Tedder. We enter this new chapter with one clear goal, to compete at the highest level, win races and contend for championships.”

Team Manager, Dakota Tedder, added: “We’re really excited about what we’ve put together for next year. Bringing Cooper onto Rocky Mountain ATV/MC – Monster Energy – Team Tedder – Husqvarna, along with Justin Hill, and making the move to Husqvarna is a huge step for our team and family. We’ve been doing this a long time, and our goal has always been to keep that family feel, while continuing to grow the team and put ourselves in a position to race for wins and championships. Having a guy like Cooper believe in what we’re building means a lot to us. He knows what he wants, he knows what it takes to win, and we’ve been able to put together a program around him that I think is going to be really special. Having the support of Husqvarna behind us is a huge part of that, and we’re excited to get to work with everyone there. It’s also pretty cool that our first race together is MXoN. For Cooper to represent Team USA and make his debut with us on the Husqvarna is an awesome way to kick things off together – we’re excited to go racing!”

For Webb, as he transitions into a Supercross/SMX-only contract at this point of his decorated career, the opportunity to line up with a family-operated, race-proven team on board familiar equipment is one that he welcomes for next season. After finishing third in the standings this year, it’s a renewed chance to challenge for a fourth 450SX crown in 2027.

“I’m very excited for the future,” commented Webb. “Team Tedder and their entire family have given me an awesome opportunity to go racing on my own terms and put together a program that I believe is capable of chasing championships. I think it’s going to be the perfect balance of bringing together a family-oriented environment and the competitiveness to win. I’ll make my debut this weekend aboard the Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition for Team USA at the Motocross of Nations. It’ll be my first time competing on the Husqvarna, but it gives me a lot of confidence to return to a platform that I’ve had so much success on throughout my career. Early in my career, Roger [De Coster] and their entire crew helped turn my 450 career around, so it’s a special moment to once again have them supporting me during the later part of my career. I’ve got a lot of fight left in me and I’m motivated to get back on top.”

2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Schedule, presented by iHeartRadio, Revealed

Today, the SMX League® revealed the complete 2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship regular season schedule, comprised of the 17-race Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the 11-race Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Additionally, registration for the ticket presale for all 28 rounds will open for preferred customers starting on Tuesday, October 6, at 10 a.m. ET. Interested parties can sign up for preferred access at SupercrossLIVE.com and ProMotocross.com. Fans can also sign up for SMX Texts to receive the latest information and updates coming from the SMX League.    The 17-race Supercross schedule will once again visit 16 cities spanning 13 different states from early January to mid-May, from West Coast staples like California, Arizona, and Washington, to Midwest and East Coast stalwarts like Texas, Florida, and Indiana. The 2027 schedule will also see the addition of two new destinations, with the sport’s first visits to the famed Alamodome in San Antonio and M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The championship will also make anticipated returns to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.   The 56th season of the Pro Motocross Championship will maintain its iconic slate of celebrated Nationals, featuring the most storied venues in all off-road motorcycle racing. The 11-race campaign will consist of 22 grueling motos and will travel to 10 different states over the course of the summer, beginning on Memorial Day weekend and ending the final weekend in August. The journey will feature celebrated traditions like Father’s Day weekend at the High Point National in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, and Independence Day at the RedBud National in Buchanan, Michigan.   At the conclusion of the regular season, the Monster Energy SMX World Championship Playoffs & Final will host three postseason rounds following Labor Day weekend. Those cities and venues will be announced in January.

Complete 2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Schedule, presented by iHeartRadio

After an offseason that will bring one of the most significant amounts of change in recent memory with many new faces in different places, the biggest and most high-profile athletes in the sport will line up on the starting gate to kick off the regular season inside the hallowed grounds of Southern California’s Angel Stadium for the Anaheim Opener in January. The premier 450SMX Class will be led by reigning Supercross Champion Ken Roczen [Germany], who will be joined by fellow champions in Jason Anderson, Jett Lawrence [Australia], Chase Sexton, and Cooper Webb. This decorated group will be complemented by an impressive contingent of challengers, spearheaded by last season’s runner-up Hunter Lawrence [Australia], as well as Justin Barcia, Aaron Plessinger, and Malcolm Stewart, all of whom are former Main Event winners. It will also signify the rookie campaign for rising star Haiden Deegan.

Ken Roczen after winning his first Monster Energy Supercross Premier Class Championship at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

The outdoor season will also begin in Southern California, from the sprawling landscape of Fox Raceway at Pala. There, defending champion Hunter Lawrence will lead fellow titleholders Jett Lawrence and Sexton against the same elite lineup of championship hopefuls, headlined by Deegan and newly crowned SMX World Champion Jorge Prado [Spain].

Hunter Lawrence after winning his first Pro Motocross Premier Class Championship at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Jorge Prado after winning the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship title at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri.

While the 250SMX Class field will ultimately be divided into Eastern and Western Divisional Championships for Supercross, the smaller displacement is brimming with ascending talent and budding superstars, with defending Eastern Divisional Champion Cole Davies at the top of that list. Additionally, the likes of Max Anstie [Great Britain], Julien Beaumer, Pierce Brown, Seth Hammaker, Chance Hymas, Cameron McAdoo, Jo Shimoda, Nate Thrasher, and newly crowned SMX World Champion Levi Kitchen are all former Main Event winners expected to challenge for their first title, regardless of which division they line up for.   Davies will remain the rider to beat for the Pro Motocross campaign, where he’ll look to defend his crown against former championship runners-up in Kitchen and Shimoda and former winners like Beaumer, Hammaker, and Hymas.   The 2027 SMX regular season will also welcome the highly anticipated U.S. debut of Belgian twins Lucas and Sacha Coenen. The siblings have become two of the sport’s most rapidly rising stars in MXGP and if their guest appearances in the Pro Motocross Championship this past summer are any indication, they’ll be instant title contenders. Lucas will compete in the 450SMX Class, while Sacha will race in the 250SMX Class, already with a win to his credit from Southwick in June.   The always popular FanFest is currently planned for all Supercross rounds except Detroit (Round 7). The expansive outside footprint features unprecedented access to the sport’s biggest stars with an up-close and intimate view of their racing machines and team rigs. As the name implies, FanFest is a festival for the fans and has become a major part of the Supercross experience where fans can jump back and forth between the paddock and the stadium to also watch practice and qualifying.   Ticketing information for Daytona International Speedway (Round 9) in Daytona Beach, Florida can be found at the following link: DAYTONA Supercross – Daytona International Speedway