Why Cooper Webb deserves to be 450SX title favorite

Reigning Supercross champion holds the momentum entering 2026.

Post: Kane Taylor

Too often has Cooper Webb been overlooked in the Monster Energy Supercross 450SX title picture, even while holding three premier class titles and again entering with the number one plate in 2026. That said, with Anaheim 1 marking a brand new series this weekend, it is Webb who many believe starts this season as favorite.

Flying under the radar has been a theme throughout the 30-year-old’s career, despite having earned a solid haul of amateur and professional championships. This narrative nearly cost him a shot at the pro ranks, with a lifeline at Star Racing Yamaha getting him lined up as a rookie in 2013.

Fittingly, he delivered last year’s 450SX title to the organization, but he was once again an underdog, with the pre-season spotlight on Jett Lawrence (Honda HRC Progressive), Chase Sexton (Monster Energy Kawasaki), and then teammate Eli Tomac – who has since moved onto Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

Webb would ultimately walk away victorious in a season that went down to the wire with Sexton, marking his third premier class crowns – together with his 2019 and 2021 titles – and a sweet one to obtain at that.

“A long time ago, when I was a 17-year-old kid, they [Star Racing] were the only team in this paddock that gave me an opportunity,” Webb said moments after claiming last year’s championship. “To repay them at this level feels amazing.

“It’s talked about all the time – I’m not Jett, I’m not Chase, I’m not Eli… but I like to say that I’m Cooper-freaking-Webb dude, and I feel like I can get it done. It wasn’t likely, entering the year I wasn’t number one on the list, but I used that as motivation to put myself there.”

Image: Octopi Media.

It is 100 percent true what he says, for whatever reason. I say that because, alongside his trio of championships, he has finished runner-up twice (2020 and 2024), as well as third overall in 2023. That’s an ultra-impressive record, showing both the speed to win and consistency to stay there for an entire season.

Which is why there is no question this year that he is the favorite, and it’s important to both say and acknowledge. And although I would see it as a fact regardless, there are additional reasons that strengthen the case.

Firstly is the absence of the now triple Monster Energy SMX World Championship title-holder, Jett Lawrence. Next, the high-profile team switches between both Sexton and Tomac, and then Hunter Lawrence’s yet-to-be-seen consistent indoor form. Lastly, there is Ken Roczen’s (Progressive Insurance Ecstar Suzuki) initial fast pace, but mid-season struggles to consider.

Naturally, Jett casts a major shadow over the sport because of what he can do on a motorcycle. A serious pre-season foot and ankle injury, however, will effectively rule him out of any title chances. In fact, most don’t expect him back until Pro Motocross come May.

For Sexton and Tomac, they’ll embark on their maiden campaigns with both Monster Energy Kawasaki and Red Bull KTM, respectively, and although both remain title prospects, one would think that there will be some teething moments as they come to grips with their new surroundings.

Not to say that it can’t be done, but lining up against Webb – who is now in his third year with Star Racing this time around – it’ll be challenging to go up against someone with that level of comfort and continuity in year one on all-new teams.

Importantly, Webb will compete on a refreshed YZ450F in 2026, with the new platform perhaps throwing some curveballs his way during the season. Asked about the new machine and defending the title, he remained optimistic.

“My title defense in 2022 – I have a lot of PTSD from that one because it was terrible, and ironically, we also had a new bike that year [laughs],” mentioned Webb during December’s SMX Media Days in Anaheim. “But we’re working hard, and the bike is getting better, so I have a lot of confidence there.

“But I think just not taking [defending] lightly. A few times I have won and – you don’t get complacent – you kind of feel like [it’s] job done. This year is opposite – now I want to go out there and show why I won.”

As for Hunter, he can be considered a wildcard. By all accounts, the former 250SX East class champion is in fine form at the test track and has undoubtedly risen through both the SMX post-season and Pro Motocross ranks in the 450 class to be considered as a genuine threat.

That form has yet to transfer over to Supercross, with an injury at Tampa’s fifth round last year, coupled with ninth overall in his rookie 450SX campaign in 2024, leaving us yet to see what the elder Lawrence brother can do in the series.

Lastly, it’s important to recognize that Roczen held the red plate during the early stages of last season. The evergreen 31-year-old remains one of the most explosive riders at the beginning of races, which, interestingly, translates to his season-long narrative too.

Watch for the number 94 to be ultra-fast from the outset, but the story will be whether he can maintain a championship-contending pace from January to May.

All said, it’s finally time that Webb is consider the favorite, as he eyes rarefied air this year by joining an exclusive group of riders with four or more 450SX titles. That honor belongs only to Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, Ryan Villopoto, and Ryan Dungey, which isn’t a bad club to join for a rider typically deemed an underdog.

Jeffrey Herlings - The Most Important Decision of His Career

MXVice...Herlings has become HRC Honda MXGP's Jeffrey Herlings now, as he prepares to embark on his first season aboard a CRF450RW and his first in a complete visual makeover with Fox Racing. In this exclusive interview, Jeffrey talks about all these factors and more, covering his past, mindset, the future, and more.

Dakar Stage 3

Jeffrey Herlings opens up on Honda switch:“The Ferrari of Motocross”

By Andy McKinstry    

Jeffrey Herlings’ headline-grabbing move from KTM to HRC Honda continues to be one of the biggest talking points ahead of the new season – and in a recent interview with Dutch media outlet NOS.nl, the five-time World Champion offered a revealing insight into how dramatic the change really is.

For Herlings, KTM had become more than just a team; it was the place where he won almost everything there is to win. But the Dutchman admits that, despite the success, the time felt right for something new.

“We won so much together but things happened. KTM had financial problems, which have since been resolved. And to be honest, I also felt like a new challenge at Honda.”

He compared Honda’s stature in motocross to one of the biggest brands in motorsport.

“The Ferrari of Motocross, a top team you want to have raced for at least once. Though I do hope I do better at Honda than Lewis does at Ferrari.”

Everything changes

Herlings acknowledged how rare such a bold career move is for someone who has spent so long with one manufacturer.

“I don’t think there has ever been a rider who stayed with the same brand for so long and then did this.”

The adjustment, he says, has been massive.

“It’s like trading Earth for Pluto – everything is different. The bike, the gear, the sponsors and the staff I have to work with.”

Aside from bringing his trusted practice mechanic with him, almost everything around him is new:

“They’re going to help me build a bike I’m really happy with. The only person I brought with me from KTM is my practice mechanic. He knows how I want my bike to be.”

Learning the Honda

Herlings likens the adaptation process to building a relationship – something that takes patience and trust.

“It’s like a relationship – you have to get used to each other and adapt. At KTM everything was more or less the same every year. This Honda, for example, has an aluminum frame – I haven’t ridden one for seven years.”

From gearbox choices to suspension settings and even boots, the smallest details matter:

“Do you want a short or long gearbox? Do you want the suspension stiff or soft? There are a hundred things like that. We’ve already tested for three days with different boots. It’s millimetre work, because you want the full grip.”

He also recognises that big team switches don’t always pay off.

“Yes, a switch like this sometimes goes wrong. Was it the rider? Was it the bike? Or a combination? Prado went from MXGP to Supercross – a completely different discipline. Compare it to a road cyclist switching to mountain biking.”

Racing the clock

Time, he admits, is not on his side.

“There’s time pressure. I have very little time to make the adjustment. I’m 31, I’ll race two or three more years and maybe only get a few more chances at the world title. In two months the first grand prix is already here. The key now is to stay healthy, test well, and go into the season with a bang.”

Yet confidence remains – and the numbers back him up.

“I don’t see why not. After everything I’ve been through, nothing is bothering me anymore. Last season I was only really fit for the final five races – and I won three of them. That tells me I can still do it.”

Herlings’ move to Honda marks the start of a bold new chapter. The challenges are real, the adjustment is intense but the Dutch star remains convinced that the decision can reignite his title ambitions.

2026 Dakar Day One

Stage One – Yanbu to Yanbu

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s early Dakar Rally form continued into Stage One, with Edgar Canet and Daniel Sanders repeating their prologue performance. The duo delivering another one-two result, mirroring their standings. The stage win, cementing Canet’s dominant form in the history books.

Sunday’s stage one delivered a brutal opening, with a 524-kilometer loop around Yanbu, including 305 kilometres raced against the clock. The day began in unforgiving terrain, where narrow passes and jagged rock gardens demanded maximum focus from all riders. Conditions only eased later on as the route opened into sand and small dunes near the finish, ensuring the first full day of racing pushed riders and machines to the limit from the very first kilometres.

The victory looked to be going the way of Ross Branch who was fastest over the 305 km special, however a speeding penalty of six-minutes dropped him well down the standings. The Hero Motosports Rally Team rider was set to take the stage win by over a minute, along with the overall lead, but ended up in seventh, behind teammate Ignacio (Nacho) Cornejo.

Canet finished 1m02s ahead of Sanders, with Honda’s Ricky Brabec the next closest competitor in third, followed by Tosha Schareina and Luciano Benavides.

Choosing to set off near the back of the lead group courtesy of his prologue victory, Canet immediately focused on chasing down the riders ahead of him. Quickest to the first checkpoint at kilometre 28, Edgar maintained his place inside the top three through to kilometre 260 where he intensified his pace to move further up the order, making very few errors.

Edgar Canet

“I’m really happy with how the rally has started. Winning the prologue gave me a great feeling straight away and my rhythm was good, I felt confident on the bike and I was able to follow the roadbook with 100% confidence, braking before the dangers and avoiding unnecessary risks while still being fast. Today’s stage was very demanding with a lot of different terrain, from fast sections to slow, rocky areas, but my navigation was strong and the bike felt great again. Apart from a small mistake that cost a few seconds, everything came together nicely, so to take another win and start the rally like this is incredible.”

Sanders followed up his second-place prologue performance with another runner-up result. Riding in the dust of fellow KTM racer Canet for the stage, the reigning Dakar Champion did exactly what was necessary to stay in touch with the Spaniard. For stage two, the situation will be the same, with Sanders chasing down his teammate at the front of the field.

Daniel Sanders

“It was great to get underway and just be back on the start line. The prologue was much faster than expected and not very technical, so it was pretty much full gas the whole way and the times were very close, but it was good to get it done and focus on the stages ahead. Stage one was similar in that sense – very fast and quite straightforward – but the conditions made it tricky, with strong winds, a lot of dust and even a sandstorm at times, which made it hard to stay fully focused. Still, it felt good to get through the first proper day without any issues. I’m looking forward to the stages to come when the terrain gets more rocky, which suits me better.”

Despite battling heavy dust throughout the stage, American Ricky Brabec once again led the Honda charge. Benefiting from his 14th starting position, he rode a measured and consistent stage to finish third, just 1’32” behind stage winner Edgar Canet.

Ricky Brabec

“It’s the first official Dakar stage and I’m exactly where I want to be. I don’t want to open this early, but I also don’t want to start at the very back. I’m happy where I’m at, looking forward to stage two and the rest of the rally. Overall, the team is looking good and the mechanics are doing a good job. Tomorrow, I’ll be happy to leave the bivouac and start heading North getting into some cooler weather. I don’t think there was any strategy for me today, for me personally, it was just to make it to the end of the stage with no mistakes and be consistent throughout the day, which I think I managed that fairly well. I’m going into stage two happy, exactly where I want to be and although I not sure when the race will start, we’re pushing hard already, so we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

Tosha Schareina enjoyed a stronger outing on his Honda CRF450 RALLY following yesterday’s prologue. Starting tenth, the Spaniard rode much of the stage alone in difficult, windy conditions, pushing on to secure fourth place, 1’49” off the fastest time.

Tosha Schareina

“Today, we started the first stage, it was not so easy as it was very windy and so fast as well. We started further back so it was easier to follow the tracks. I tried to push and passed some riders, so I ended up in the middle of nowhere, I had nobody in front or behind. So to the end I rode alone and got to the finish in fourth. The battle will continue tomorrow.”

Following on from his fourth-place result in the prologue, Benavides was the 13th rider to enter stage one. Not wanting to fall foul of the technical terrain, the Argentine rode a solid but considered special, taking little in the way of risks to post the fifth-fastest time.

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Luciano Benavides – Dakar 2026 Stage One

Luciano Benavides

“It felt really good to get the Dakar underway. There’s always some tension at the start, especially on the prologue, but it was also an important chance to check how my body was feeling. I focused on riding cleanly with a good rhythm and speed, and it was a positive way to begin the rally. Stage one was very fast for an opening day, with some sections that required careful navigation. I made a couple of small mistakes but didn’t lose much time, and in the rockier, more technical areas I chose to be cautious and avoid unnecessary risks. Overall, it was a solid first stage, and I know the pace is there, which gives me confidence moving forward.”

Adrien Van Beveren faced an early loss of front brake, forcing him to adapt his riding style. Undeterred, Van Beveren delivered a determined performance to finish eighth, 5’52” behind Canet.

Adrien Van Beveren – Dakar 2026 Stage One

Adrien Van Beveren

“It was a tough first day. The navigation was tricky, it was quite stony and I lost the front brake after about 30 kilometres. This was tough and made it quite a challenge, but this is part of the Dakar and it can happen. It wasn’t easy, mainly in the dust, as you can’t see far in front and you can’t really anticipate your braking points. I then had some clear air, managed to pass the group in front of me and I could ride normally again. I’m happy, I did my best.”

It was also a tough day for teammate Skyler Howes. Struggling with limited visibility in the dust early on, the American clipped a rock and suffered a crash. Despite riding on with bent handlebars, Howes showed grit and determination to reach the finish in ninth position.

Skyler Howes – Dakar 2026 Stage One

Skyler Howes

“Stage one was a bit of a frustrating day for me, I started in the wrong place and got stuck in the dust in the first part and I couldn’t see, hit a big rock and had a big crash, so I bent the bars pretty bad which made it really hard to push. But, everything’s all good, it was a bit frustrating as it was hard to push my maximum, but I’m glad to be at the finish line of stage one and looking forward to the rest of the first week.”

The Rally2 special saw the prolific Michael Docherty claim his eleventh win in the class on his KTM, beating the rookie Martim Ventura and his Honda, who had spent most of the stage in the lead but came up short in the final dash to the line, by 1′28″.

Martim Ventura (Rally2)

“If one year, or even six months ago, you would have told me that I would be at my first Dakar Rally, with this team and at the first stage, I wouldn’t believe it. I worked for it, the team have helped me so much, the bike is comfortable and I’m super happy. When you ride happy you do well. Sometimes you put pressure on yourself, but this stage was good. I didn’t want to worry about rankings, because I know if I do my race, things will show up with time.”

Toby Price finished the day in 16th in the Ultimate class (four-wheels).

Australian David Brock finished stage one in 94th, 2h13m17s off the leaders.

TT star James Hillier had also been competing in the Malle Moto class (unsupported), but a low speed crash demonstrated just how forgiving the Dakar can be, leaving him with a fractured arm and ending his 2026 Dakar.

James Hillier

“Unfortunately, I’ve got some bad news from today’s stage. I had a low-speed crash about 250 km in and landed awkwardly on some rocks, injuring my arm. I carried on and completed the stage, but deep down I knew I’d done some damage. After a visit to the medical centre, it’s been confirmed that I’ve fractured my arm just below the elbow and have been advised to retire from the remainder of the event. Gutted is an understatement. It’s taken a lot to get here, and I’d once again like to send my appreciation to all my sponsors who made this journey possible.”

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Next: Stage Two

Monday’s stage two of the 2026 Dakar Rally will see the teams leave Yanbu and head inland to AlUla. Totalling 504 kilometres, the stage will include a timed special of 400 kilometres, which promises to challenge riders with a mix of both fast and technical terrain.

The First AMA SX Champion

Dutchman, Pierre Karsmakers was among the early European motocross champions who brought their expertise to America, arriving in 1971 to compete for the Trans-AMA Series and finishing ninth after 11 rounds. Karsmakers goal, wa to force the motorcycle manufacturers to acknowledge more European riders and reward them with contracts.

“All the Japanese (sponsorship) contracts were going to Belgian riders,” says Karsmakers, who was a three-time motocross champion in his native Holland before traveling to America. “I got mad, because other European riders were not getting noticed. But after I started winning in 1972, it began to open doors.”
Karsmakers also brought to America the concepts of proper training and nutrition for riders and proper setup for their machines.

Racing for Yamaha in 1973, Karsmakers won the 500cc motocross national championship series. He also won the AMA Florida Winter Series that year, winning four of six events. He won seven of 11 AMA National motos and claimed 17 victories in 36 races overall.

In 1974, a three-round “Yamaha Super Series” was launched, and Karsmakers was ready. He won the inaugural 250cc AMA Supercross Championship in 1974, taking a win at Daytona, scoring a runner-up finish in Houston and finishing fourth in Los Angeles.

“Pierre showed Americans what motocross was all about,” says Ken Ford, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame executive committee and assistant treasurer of the American Motorcyclist Association board of directors. “From his performance on the track to his training regimen, he demonstrated a firm resolve to wring the most from himself and his machines.”

Karsmakers switched from Yamaha to Honda for the 1975 season, finishing second overall in the 250cc class of the AMA National Motocross Championship and first in the 1975 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme 500cc MX World Championship.

Karsmakers returned to Yamaha in 1977. He continued to win races, but a second championship eluded him. He retired from competitive motocross in December 1979, at the age of 34.
Returning to Europe, Karsmakers opened a business that imported U.S. parts and accessories for dirt bikes and other motorcycles. He also opened a Honda dealership.

COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION AT AIMExpo

From his days as a journeyman pro motocrosser to serial entrepreneur, Eddie Cole has created some of the most memorable brands in the business! Highlighting its AIMExpo pavilion, Turn 14 Powersports is commemorating Cole’s role as founder of Answer Racing, as the Answer brand celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“In recognition of his legendary career as a professional racer and serial entrepreneur—founding Answer Racing, ProTaper, Gaerne boots and Matrix Concepts—Eddie Cole will be presented with the Turn 14 Powersports Founders Award,” says Bob Schuetz, President of Turn 14 Powersports. There will also be some surprise guests joining in the ceremonies. 

In addition to presenting the Turn 14 Powersports Founders Award, AIMExpo attendees will get the hoeshot on the launch of Answer Racing’s Limited Edition 50th Anniversary gear… and the scoop on an upcoming 60-minute documentary chronicling Cole’s life and the history of Answer Racing, set to stream in mid-January.

Answer Racing started in 1976 with the goal of providing hardcore motocross enthusiasts with products they can trust. Decades of champions were forged in the hearts and minds of Answer Racing’s creative engine. Fast forward to today and Answer Racing has not lost sight of the original vision. We put our 50 years of experience behind bars into every product we make. Whether you are a diehard racer, a weekend warrior or a rider who loves the trails, we’ve got you covered. 

First Look 2027 KTM SXF?

KTM SX-F 2027 - First signs of profound evolution?

Recent recordings of an alleged KTM SX-F of the 2027 model year There are clearly more than just cosmetic changes. Numerous technical and design details suggest that KTM is working on a comprehensively redesigned generation of its four-stroke motocross bike.

New exhaust system with factory-approved components

The observations focus on a revised exhaust system, whose design strongly resembles systems that have also already been used in MXGP testing – a clear indication of technology transfer from factory racing.

Revised intake system and new plastic parts

The most striking features are... new plastic parts, especially in the area of ​​the air filter. The design suggests that the motorcycle as a whole even narrower has become. This impression is supported by newly designed radiator grilles, a altered access to the air filter and larger air intakes in the left side panel – Details that point to a revised intake concept with improved airflow and higher efficiency.

Fine-tuning of ergonomics and design

KTM also seems to have further refined the area of ​​ergonomics. modified tank shape and a newly defined tank-seat line They immediately catch the eye. The seat connects almost seamlessly to the tank; overall, the lines are clearly defined. flatter and more elongatedThe aim is likely to be even better freedom of movement for the driver and more intuitive handling.

More than just a facelift

Overall, the photos give the impression that the SX-F 2027 is not just a simple facelift. Rather, everything points to a... targeted further development towards compactness, drivability and proximity to the factory Should this impression be confirmed, the upcoming SX-F generation is likely to take a noticeable step forward – both technically and ergonomically.

Honda CRF450 Ready to Rally

Monster Energy Honda HRC cleared for takeoff as 2026 Dakar Rally gets ready to kick off in Yanbu

January 2, 2026 

With scrutineering successfully completed for Monster Energy Honda HRC, attention now firmly turns to the highly anticipated start of the 2026 Dakar Rally, the most demanding event on the rally-raid calendar.

The team arrived in Saudi Arabia last week to acclimatise to the local conditions, adapt to the time zone and temperatures, and carry out a final shakedown of their Honda CRF450 RALLY machines.  Riders Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes, Adrien Van Beveren and Tosha Schareina used the opportunity to fine-tune their setups and build confidence ahead of the opening stages.  Following these preparations, all four riders completed the mandatory administrative checks before their bikes were presented for scrutineering today at the Yanbu start camp, located on the shores of the Red Sea, where they passed without issue.

With nearly 8,000 kilometres awaiting competitors over the course of the next two weeks, the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally is set to begin in Yanbu.  The event will open with a 41km liaison section leading into a 22km prologue.  While short in distance, the gravel prologue is expected to be intense, placing immediate pressure on riders to perform.  A strong result will be vital, as finishing positions will help the riders to determine their starting order for stage one and could play a key role in shaping the early dynamics of the race.

Ruben Faria

General Manager

We are in Yanbu, the weather is good, the Honda CRF450 RALLY bikes have passed all the technical checks and the riders are really excited to start tomorrow’s 22km prologue, which looks like a mini stage with a lot of waypoints. Our bikes have been prepared and we are ready for the most important race of the year that is the Dakar Rally.

Tusk Talon Hybrid Dirt Bike Tires

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