Happy Halloween and welcome to Racerhead! As October wraps up, the SMX world is starting to become more active after a quieter period. Team announcements are on the horizon, including one from Red Bull KTM on Tuesday morning at their headquarters in Murrieta, California, where we’ll get a look at the #3 on an orange bike. KTM faced significant challenges at the end of 2025, losing Chase Sexton and Tom Vialle, dealing with a sick Aaron Plessinger, and an injured Julien Beaumer. This leaves them without a 250 rider for the upcoming Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and we might also see the new #26, the number Jorge Prado earned in 2025.
The World Supercross series kicks off next week in Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed by Vancouver, Canada. The first race will feature Haiden Deegan making his international and professional 450 debut, while the second race sees Tomac’s first race on a KTM since his 65cc days. Deegan’s teammate, Justin Cooper, will participate in both initial rounds and Deegan will continue on to the third round in Australia as well, with both listed as Wild Card riders for select events.
Among those competing throughout the five-race WSX series in SX1 are Ken Roczen, a regular participant, and his new teammate from Pipes Motorsport Group Suzuki, Jason Anderson. Also competing are Quad Lock Honda’s Joey Savatgy and Christian Craig, along with Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki’s Justin Hill, and the electric Stark Varg duo of Vince Friese and Jorge Zaragoza.
For free agents, keen observers noticed a photo of Ty Masterpool on a Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing YZ250F at the GOAT Farm, hinting at potential developments. Deegan and Star Racing’s 250 riders are under contract with THOR for gear, while the 450 riders negotiate their own deals. Consequently, #1 Cooper Webb is now with Fly Racing, and #32 Justin Cooper wears O’Neal. Deegan will be under the same 450 tent and expected to wear Fox Racing gear similar to the setups for past champions.
The Troy Lee Designs/Ducati program is taking shape, albeit with some surprises. Ducati is closely aligned with Monster Energy in Europe due to MotoGP connections, but Troy Lee continues his long-standing partnership with Red Bull as he develops a U.S. SMX team. This week, riders are expected to be announced, likely including Justin Barcia and Dylan Ferrandis.
Triumph Factory Racing is also expanding its U.S. program after a strong performance in the 250 class and will add a 450 rider next summer. Danish rider Mikkel Haarup, who performed well this summer, has been secured for the 450 ride, although not for Monster Energy AMA Supercross. The team is considering Jordon Smith from the 250 class for the Supercross series.
In terms of Eli Tomac, we received confirmation this week that his time with Yamaha is concluding after a successful five years marked by two titles and a near third due to injury. His transition to KTM raises questions about adjusting to a different bike. While competitive, the change in style, frame, and components will take time to adapt to. Tomac’s experience and skill are unquestionable, yet finding the right feel on a new bike may prove a challenge.
Change is unpredictable—it can be refreshing or a frustrating struggle. Watching Eli navigate this significant transition will be intriguing.
