Two laps, two injured drivers – and suddenly everything came to a standstill. For Liqui Moly Beta Factory Racing The 2026 Supercross winter ended faster than anyone had planned. But instead of frantically searching for a replacement, the team made a decision with a clear stance: No Fill-In Ride. Point.
When injuries undermine the foundation
The start to the season couldn't have been worse for Beta. Benny Bloss was sidelined on press day in Anaheim, diagnosed with a broken wrist. A week later came another blow. Mitchell Oldenburg crashed heavily during qualifying in San Diego, suffering a concussion and fractures to his radius and ulna, requiring surgery. Two regular riders out – and suddenly the Supercross project lacked its foundation.
Why Beta deliberately refrains from a replacement
In this situation, many teams would have picked up the phone and arranged a fill-in ride, simply to maintain a presence in the race. Beta consciously decided against this. A driver brought in at short notice would have offered no real added value, either in terms of performance or technical expertise. No familiarization period, no development gains, just additional risk. Instead of trying to manage the results somehow, the team preferred to draw a clear line under the situation.
Reorientation instead of a stopgap solution
The focus is now entirely on outdoor racing. Instead of isolated planned appearances, Beta will contest the entire AMA Pro Motocross Championship for the first time, with all eleven rounds – in addition to the three SMX events. This means: time for complete recovery, structured testing, and genuine further development of the Beta 450 RX. No patchwork, but a real build-up.
Team manager Carlen Gardner put it very aptly: No one should be forced back onto the track too soon – neither drivers nor equipment. The decision was difficult, but it was the right one.
A retreat that demonstrates character
From the outside, leaving Supercross might seem like a step backwards. In reality, it's the opposite. Beta is showing that it's not about mere visibility, but about substance. No fill-in ride also means: no activism, no panic mode.
The next chapter begins on May 30th in Pala. This time, not just any old way – but with preparation. And sometimes, that's precisely the bravest move in motorsport: deliberately not showing up at the starting line.