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2026 MX Season?

Q&A: How Pro Motocross is unfolding

Post: Kane Taylor

The topics that matter most following eight rounds of season 2026.

Eight rounds of the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship are complete, with a range of intriguing storylines emerging this summer. MotoOnline answers the questions that matter most in this Q&A feature during the two-week break, before racing resumes at the Undailla National.

Image: Octopi Media.

Q: The big question – has Haiden Deegan impressed in his 450MX debut?

A: Indeed he has, which says a lot given the hype that accompanied the two-time 250MX champion. The ‘RIP Jett’ era already feels like a distant memory as Dangerboy has settled into the 450MX division, although the Lawrence brothers have kept him – and everyone else – winless in the premier class so far. That has to sting. Subtly, Deegan’s tone has shifted towards understanding what it takes to master the bigger machine, acknowledging that both further development and additional refinement of his YZ450F package are required. That said, sitting a clear third in the standings, finishing second overall at Spring Creek, claiming pole position at Washougal, and adding four more podium finishes makes for a highly respectable rookie campaign. The thing is, Deegan wants more, and there’s little doubt he’ll be chasing at least a moto victory across the final three rounds.

Q: Has Hunter Lawrence elevated to Jett’s level?

A: For now, he has. It’s a combination of Hunter having already been on the bike – and in the 450SX title fight – throughout Supercross, while Jett spent the best part of six months on the sidelines. In addition, Jett’s bike time remains somewhat limited due to the lingering effects of his foot injury, allowing Hunter to continue building momentum. So, in a sense, it’s a bit of both. Hunter has risen to Jett’s level, although Jett isn’t yet operating at full capacity. What’s abundantly clear, however, is how far the brothers continue to push one another, with that intensity now manifesting in uncharacteristic mistakes – and crashes – from both riders. As it stands, Jett faces a 12-point deficit with three rounds remaining, and given how evenly matched the pair have been, closing that gap will be no easy task.

Q: Is Julien Beaumer the most improved 250MX rider?

A: You could probably say the same about both he and Kayden Minear, although ‘JuJu’ gets the slight nod. He’s completely flipped the ‘indoor specialist’ narrative and remains in the 250MX title fight, sitting third in the standings, just 25 points from the lead. His breakthrough overall victory at Spring Creek via a 1-4 scorecard only reinforced that. What makes the turnaround even more impressive is where he has come from, having missed nine months with a serious back injury sustained at last year’s Charlotte SMX round. In short, Beaumer is the real deal, and few – perhaps aside from Julien himself and Red Bull KTM – could have predicted such a significant jump in performance.

Q: What can we expect from Levi Kitchen and Cole Davies from here?

A: While Beaumer remains in contention, it’s increasingly looking like the 250MX title will come down to Levi Kitchen and Cole Davies. Kitchen has again been plagued by his customary poor starts, and at Washougal, Davies capitalized convincingly with a dominant 1-1 performance. The issue for the New Zealander is that he has also recorded 16th and 10th overall finishes at Spring Creek and Thunder Valley, respectively. While the speed is undeniable, moments of inconsistency have crept in. Whoever can iron out those weaknesses and deliver consistent performances over the final rounds will likely emerge as champion, and for Kitchen, that means solving his starts – for Davies, avoiding any further off weekends.

Q: How has Jorge Prado’s second 450MX campaign gone?

A: Much better, although something suggests four-time world champion Prado is a little disappointed by just how far he remains from the front-running Lawrence duo. The move to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has undoubtedly paid dividends, although for much of the season he has found himself battling Deegan for third while watching the Honda HRC Progressive pair disappear into the distance. And how do you close that gap when Jett and Hunter are pushing each other every day? It’s a difficult question to answer, and judging by his comments over the past couple of rounds, it seems to be one Prado himself is beginning to come to terms with.

Q: Which underdog stories have emerged in 2026?

A: Every year, a select few riders seem to emerge as the sport’s latest ‘summer of’ story – those who take a significant step forward from where they were previously. In 2026, Carson Mumford, Garrett Marchbanks, and Cornelius Tondel have been those riders. Mumford has finally begun showing the potential many expected after a decorated amateur career. Injuries and team changes have previously stalled his progression, although fifth at Spring Creek and fourth overall at Washougal have firmly put him back on the radar. Marchbanks, meanwhile, has established himself as a genuine top-five contender while effectively leading the Monster Energy Kawasaki program to this point, and Tondel earned a fill-in opportunity with the team following Chase Sexton’s injury after his own strong start to the season. All three have delivered, emerging as some of the standout performers of the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship.

Jason Thomas on Chase Sexton’s future

Jason Thomas has given his view on Chase Sexton’s future saying the American seems to want out but needs to find a pathway to get there and a home to go too!

JT said on the Live Motocross Podcast: “If I was them I would be trying to do everything humanly possible to make Chase happy and want to stay at this point. I don’t know if we’re gonna get there. So I’m kind of giving you every possible scenario ever mostly because I don’t think that anybody knows yet. I don’t think Chase knows yet. I don’t think Kawi knows yet.

“I think the most compelling aspect of this conversation about Chase is that I think Chase is definitely looking to leave. I think he is looking to leave and I don’t know what his options are to do so. I don’t think he knows necessarily either, I think the reason he went to Spring Creek was to find out exactly what his options were and face-to-face talk to teams and see hey can I come here? What’s the deal? Because there had been a lot of flirting and you know, hiking of skirts at each other, right? Can we do a deal? Like they’re tempting each other and teasing each other about what could be.

But I think for Chase him going to Spring Creek was about listen guys we got to do something if we’re going to do something and I’ve got to get serious about exiting Kawasaki. I don’t know, and you know, two and a half weeks later if he has all the answers he’s looking for. Maybe he’s closer, maybe has a better idea but I don’t know that he’s just there.

And then that brings up thee maybe even the harder part is like you get somebody who’s like, ‘yeah, man we’re super interested, but you’re under contract.’ Now he has to go actually enter that conversation with Kawi and say hey guys I want to get out and what does that look like right? Like I don’t know that they’ve had That serious of a conversation of we want out of the contract, right?

“Like I don’t know because the thing about it I don’t know that you can go into that conversation unless you’re ready to for whatever outcome may be. You can’t go in and say guys I want out and then a week later say just kidding, I think I’m gonna stay! You do so much harm to the relationship in that one statement and officially saying like I want out of this thing that you better have your ducks in a row and you better have a plan b in place if you get what you want, and I think that’s what he’s trying to do I think he’s trying to have a solid plan.”

Lucas Coenen clears up US rumors

Lucas Coenen will not be at the starting gate for the MXGP of Sweden in Uddevalla. The 19-year-old Red Bull KTM rider is still struggling with the after-effects of the injury he sustained at the Grand Prix in Foxhill. Problems with his left hip and sciatic nerve prevent him from competing in the 15th of 19 Grands Prix this season.

After missing the races in Loket and Lommel, Coenen has lost another weekend. Particularly bitter: After his retirement from his home GP, the Belgian had hoped the extra time until Sweden would be enough for his return.

Pain prevents the next comeback attempt.

Coenen had recently made progress and continued his treatment intensively. At the MXGP of Flanders in Lommel, he already attempted to return to the motorcycle. In free practice, he even posted the fifth fastest time.

The stopwatch, however, only told part of the story. Coenen was barely able to complete more than two laps at a time due to the pain. Even before qualifying and the race, he and his team decided to end his home Grand Prix prematurely.

Even two weeks later, it's not enough for a full race.

“It’s obviously very disappointing for me and the team. It was already tough to miss my home GP, and I had hoped that the extra days would be enough to get fit for Sweden,” Coenen explained.

The risk of a premature comeback plays a crucial role in the decision. "I'm still in pain, and another fall could set us back to square one or cause something even worse. I feel like I'm getting closer to my fitness level, but I'm not there yet."

Coenen: "This has nothing to do with the USA!"

Alongside his enforced break, Coenen was apparently confronted with comments and messages regarding the cause of his injury. The assumption was that his current problems might be related to his recent stay in the USA.

The KTM rider himself responded and clarified: "Just so everyone is clear: My injury came from the GP in Foxhill. It has nothing to do with the USA!"

Coenen explicitly points to the British Grand Prix as the origin of his current problems. Since Foxhill, the Belgian has been struggling with the after-effects of the injury to his left side and the resulting sciatic nerve issues.

His trip to the USA and the crash during the race in Southwick are, according to his own statement, unrelated to the injury that now also prevents him from starting in Uddevalla.

De Carli doesn't want to take any unnecessary risks.

Team manager Davide De Carli also sees no room for an early return. An injury of this kind takes time. Anyone wanting to compete in MXGP must be almost completely fit to race.

Coenen has not yet reached this point.

KTM and the team's physiotherapist are therefore continuing intensive treatment. Instead of setting a new return date, those involved want to assess the Belgian's condition day by day.

The world championship fight becomes a race against time.

From a sporting perspective, Coenen's injury has already significantly changed his season. With five Grand Prix victories, the former red plate holder was among the riders who dominated the battle at the top of the MXGP World Championship for much of the season.

The repeated retirements cost a significant number of points. After the Swedish Grand Prix, only four events remain in the 2026 season.

A quick return to racing at any cost is out of the question. An MXGP weekend demands much more than just a few fast practice laps. Starts, long motos, deep ruts, jumps, and battles all increase the risk of another crash.

When number 96 will be back on his KTM remains uncertain. Coenen says he now feels closer to the necessary fitness. His next comeback attempt will only take place when his hip and sciatic nerve can withstand the strain of a full Grand Prix weekend.

Jorge Prado stays with KTM and continues his US career

Jorge Prado will continue to race for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the USA in 2027. The Spaniard has prematurely extended his contract with the Austrian manufacturer for several years and will therefore remain in the SuperMotocross World Championship. The new contract includes the AMA Supercross Championship, the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, and the final SMX Playoffs.

The decision will come during Prado's first full season with KTM in the USA. After a difficult US debut year in 2025, the 25-year-old quickly found his way back to the top after returning to his former manufacturer.

Two podium finishes in Supercross, two more in Pro Motocross

In the 2026 Supercross season, Prado reached the 450SX podium twice and won two heat races. The switch from European motocross to stadium racing had been considered a potential weakness, especially in the whoop class. However, according to KTM team manager Ian Harrison, the four-time world champion made significant progress in this area.

Even after moving to outdoor riding, Prado remained in contention. After eight rounds of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, he has two more 450MX podium finishes to his name. He currently sits in third place in the combined 450SMX standings.

Prado himself sees the contract extension as a continuation of a collaboration that had already begun for him long before his move to the USA.

“I’m really happy to have re-signed with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. We’ve had some great seasons in the past and won in MXGP. This year has also gone well in Supercross. We’ve achieved some podium finishes, won a few heat races, and are now very strong out on the track,” says Prado.

The team was an important reason for him to clarify his future early on. "I'm simply happy to continue working with this great group of people. I'm very excited and hope that we can achieve our goals."

Harrison sees further potential

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has long-term plans for the Spaniard. Ian Harrison particularly emphasizes how quickly Prado has adapted to the demands of Supercross.

“We were all impressed by how quickly he adapted to Supercross in 2026. His confidence and speed, especially in the whoops, were among his greatest strengths in one of the most demanding sections of the track,” explains the team manager.

Harrison believes the development process is far from over. "Jorge has shown an enormous willingness to learn, and we believe his best years are still ahead of him."

A KTM partnership that became a World Championship title project in 2017

Prado and KTM share a long history. After his early years with the Austrian manufacturer, he became a full-time factory rider in the Motocross World Championship in 2017. He won the MX2 World Championship with KTM in 2018 and 2019.

After moving up to the premier class, he won two MXGP world championship titles in 2023 and 2024. Prado then left the Grand Prix paddock and moved to the USA. He has been riding for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing there again since this season.

In 2027, Prado will once again compete in the full US season with the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition. After the first year of rebuilding, the next step is planned: individual podium finishes and heat-race victories should evolve into a regular battle for wins and, in the long term, for the titles in 450SX, 450MX, and 450SMX.

The Story Continues - Husky

MXoN 2026: Team overview for Ernée is taking shape

The Motocross of Nations 2026 is getting closer. From 2. to 4. October The national teams will meet for the 79th edition of the MXoN at the Circuit Raymond Demy in Ernee on each other.

There are likely to be many changes to the lineups before the first race. The national federations are announcing their riders gradually, while other teams still need to make their final decisions.

We are therefore compiling all confirmed teams here and continuously updating the overview. The order of the nations is initially based on the results of the previous edition.

In addition to the three nominated drivers, you will also find current information on changes, cancellations or pending decisions within the respective teams.

Ernée in particular is likely to further influence the selection for some nations. The French circuit, with its elevation changes, hard surface, and unique atmosphere, is one of the most famous MXoN tracks in Europe.

The list continues to grow until the beginning of October. As soon as an association officially confirms its team or makes changes to a previously published lineup, we will update the overview.

Plessinger Back

Plessinger returning for final stages of Pro Motocross

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Section: Competition Post: Alex Gobert

Back on track with Red Bull KTM ahead of Unadilla this weekend.

Red Bull KTM has confirmed that Aaron Plessinger is returning to Pro Motocross for the final three rounds of the 2026 season after recovering from his recent tailbone injury.

Plessinger was sidelined following RedBud, where he crashed in the first turn of the opening 450MX moto and was wounded from his footpeg in the impact.

A brief social media update this morning confirmed the news: “The Cowboy is back for the final stages of Pro Motocross! Aaron Plessinger will return at Unadilla this weekend with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Let’s go, AP!”

After claiming a season-high of fifth at High Point, Plessinger – linked to Triumph Racing for 2027 – will aim to finish the outdoor season strongly prior to turning his attention to the Monster Energy SMX World Championship post-season.

WSX Calgary: Strong start, but Webb & Anstie win

Stark Future has kicked off the new FIM World Supercross Championship season with podium finishes, strong starts, and top positions in both classes. Michael Hicks finished the Canadian GP second overall in the SX2 class, while Brian Hsu led all three starts in his WSX debut. In SX1, Jorge Zaragoza finished second in the second sprint race, and Vince Friese collected twelve points.

Calgary's high altitude played into the hands of the electrically powered VARG. McMahon Stadium is situated approximately 1.060 meters above sea level. The electric motors were unaffected by the lower oxygen content of the air, while the combustion engines did not achieve their usual performance under these conditions.

Hsu leads after all three starts

Brian Hsu got the best start in his first WSX race, the opening sprint race. The German initially pulled away before defending champion Max Anstie closed the gap and took the lead in lap four.

Devin Simonson also overtook Hsu to finish second. Hicks held onto third place against Cameron McAdoo, while Hsu, after leading early, finished fifth.

In the second sprint, the two VARG riders were once again at the front. Hsu led ahead of Hicks, while Anstie had to close the gap on the track. The Briton gained ground, especially in the whoops. He overtook Hsu on the penultimate lap. Hicks snatched the lead from his teammate a lap later and brought Hsu home in second place.

Hicks brings Stark to second place overall

Hsu also led after the start of the Main Event. The 28-year-old thus led at least the initial stages of all three SX2 races.

Anstie prevailed once again over the twelve laps. Cameron McAdoo finished second, and Hicks came in third. With these results, the Stark driver secured second place overall behind the defending champion, while McAdoo finished third.

Hicks reached the podium with a sprained ankle. A week before Calgary, he had crashed in another race and dislocated the joint. "It's swollen and bruised, and I've been limping all week. So I didn't think tonight would go like this," Hicks said.

The American had been searching for a permanent spot in the World Supercross Championship for quite some time. "This means a lot to me. I've been trying to get a World Supercross ride, and finally Stark gave me this opportunity. I believe I can prove myself now."

Anstie has to pass the VARG three times.

Max Anstie secured the overall SX2 victory despite the starts of Hsu and Hicks. The 33-year-old won both sprint races as well as the main event, taking maximum points in his first WSX appearance for Rick Ware Racing.

The acceleration of the two VARG bikes occupied the Briton throughout the evening. “It was tough. The track was brutal – and the electric bikes. I think they were perhaps the most difficult obstacle,” said Anstie. “They were gone at the start, and on that track it was really difficult to make up the time.”

McAdoo also witnessed the starts of the electric motorcycles up close. "The electric bikes are crazy. At the start, it's truly insane. We have the altitude here, and it was pretty wild how much power they had," said the Kawasaki rider.

McAdoo finished his first World Supercross Championship race in third place overall. His Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team had given him permission to compete in Canada.

Friese leads early – Zaragoza moves into second place

Stark was also in the mix at the front in the SX1 class. In the first sprint race, Vince Friese initially took the lead, but was unable to maintain his position and finished in sixth place.

Justin Hill won the opening race. His Rick Ware Racing teammate Cooper Webb worked his way up to second place, holding off Dean Wilson. Defending champion Jason Anderson crashed out in the first lap and finished without points.

In the second sprint race, Webb reversed the order. The two-time AMA Supercross champion worked his way through the field, jumping the whoops and holding tight lines through the corners, securing the victory.

Behind him, Jorge Zaragoza brought the Stark VARG home in second place. Wilson finished third. Hill had to fight his way back after a crash in the first lap. On his way back towards the top three, he got caught between Wilson and Mitchell Harrison and dropped back to fifth. Christian Craig also crashed.

Storm stops Webb on his way to Main Event victory

Webb went into the Main Event with ten points from the first and nine from the second Sprint Race. The Rick Ware Racing driver was leading when the weather conditions over McMahon Stadium deteriorated rapidly.

Strong gusts of wind blew Tough Blocks onto the track. Initially, yellow flags were shown. As the wind continued to increase, the FIM stopped the race with a red flag. Shortly afterward, heavy rain began. Race control did not restart the main event and used the results of the two previously completed sprint races to determine the overall standings.

Webb won the Canadian GP with 19 points in his first race after joining Rick Ware Racing. The American had already participated as a wildcard in the Australian GP in 2025 and will contest the full WSX season for the first time in 2026.

“It was really good. It was nice to get the win. The conditions were pretty tough, and as you can see, the weather was already turning bad. Unfortunately, we had the red flag, but I felt really good,” Webb said before the subsequent downpour.

Wilson wins the tie against Hill.

Dean Wilson and Justin Hill each finished with 16 points after the two sprint races. Because Wilson finished ahead of Hill in the second sprint, the Honda rider took second place overall. Hill finished third.

Vince Friese finished the evening in fourth place with twelve points, securing another top finish for Stark. Mitchell Harrison followed in fifth place, also with twelve points. Zaragoza's second place in the second sprint earned him nine points and sixth place overall. Stark thus left Calgary with Hicks on the SX2 podium, and Friese and Zaragoza in fourth and sixth place respectively in SX1.

Webb's first full season in the World Supercross Championship begins in Calgary. After his wildcard appearance in Australia in 2025, the 30-year-old has committed to the entire season.