Supercross: Chase Sexton leaves Kawasaki USA before 2027

Chase Sexton and Monster Energy Kawasaki are no longer working together. The American rider announced his departure on social media on 24 October 2026, and Kawasaki USA describes a split by mutual agreement, effective from 23 October 2026. The Supercross and motocross rider is now looking for a new challenge for the 2027 season.

Just one season at Kawasaki

Sexton joined Kawasaki on a multi-year deal that ends after a single year. On track, 2026 was a mixed bag:

• two victories in 450 Supercross, at Anaheim 2 and Salt Lake City;
• sixth place in the final Supercross championship standings;
• a Pro Motocross season cut short after a crash on press day at Thunder Valley, with a torn ACL that ruled him out for the rest of 2026.

According to the American specialist press, questions about his comfort on the KX450 had been circulating for months.

Kawasaki loses a second headline rider

The Japanese manufacturer sees a second high-profile rider leave after just one year of a multi-year contract: Jorge Prado left the team last year to join Red Bull KTM. A similar scenario, then.

In his message, Sexton thanked Kawasaki and everyone on the team for their work and dedication, and wished them well for the future.

A record that attracts teams

Chase Sexton is no ordinary name on the market: he won the 450SX Supercross title in 2023 with Honda, then the Pro Motocross 450 title in 2024 with Red Bull KTM. No new contract has been announced at this stage.

US media mention KTM and Yamaha; Gatedrop adds HEP Suzuki if Roczen retires, and the Honda name is also doing the rounds. These are speculations, not confirmed information. Time is short: the 2027 Supercross opener at Anaheim is expected in about two months.

Key points

• Split by mutual agreement, effective 23 October 2026.
• One season at Kawasaki: two 450 Supercross wins, sixth in the standings.
• 450SX title in 2023 (Honda), Pro Motocross 450 title in 2024 (Red Bull KTM).
• 2027 destination not announced.