RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING'S CHASE SEXTON RECLAIMS 450SX RED PLATE WITH GLENDALE WIN

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Chase Sexton has climbed back to the top of the 2025 AMA Supercross Championship 450SX standings with a winning performance at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium to complete the first Triple Crown event of the season.

Equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Sexton became the first two-time winner of the year by securing victory tonight, using consistent 3-3-2 results across the trio of Main Events to stand on top of the premier class podium.

After qualifying second fastest, the 25-year-old worked his way forward in the first two races to finish with a pair of P3 results. A strong start in the final encounter saw Sexton take the early lead, before he ultimately took the checkered flag in second position to earn the overall.

In terms of the championship standings, Sexton now holds a two-point advantage as the Supercross series heads east to Tampa for Round 5 next weekend.

Chase Sexton: "The track was really gnarly and dry, but I had fun racing with the guys tonight. In the first two races, I really made it hard on myself with terrible starts, and that made my life difficult – especially with the short races. I finally got a start in the last final when I needed it and finished that one in second. I feel like I rode really well tonight apart from a mistake in the final race, but other than that, it was solid. I’m pumped to get the overall and to get the red plate back!"

Also in the 450SX Class, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Aaron Plessinger equaled his best finish of the season with ninth overall after three intense finals.

Plessinger recorded the 12th-fastest qualifying time, before finishing with 10-7-9 scores in the Triple Crown races to claim ninth overall, moving to P15 in the point standings as a result.

Aaron Plessinger: "Glendale was a step in the right direction. I was struggling in practice, but in qualifying I figured a little something out. I got a decent jump off the gate to the first race, but went off the track on the first lap and had to come back from last up to 10th. In the second final, I was up there battling with everyone for seventh, which was better. In the last one, I got a decent start, but I didn’t really capitalize on it and got shuffled back early on. Overall, I finished the night, but I’ve got some more work to do before Tampa and we'll come out swinging."

At his home race on the schedule, 250SX West red plate-holder Julien Beaumer finished fourth overall at State Farm Stadium and held onto the points lead entering a short break for the Western Region.

Onboard the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, the spectacular teenager qualified first and launched to the holeshot of the first two Triple Crown races. Errors on the opening lap of both races forced him to work his way forward to instrumental P4 and P7 results.

Race three saw Beaumer charge his way from a top-eight start to cross the finish line with a P2 result. When the three race results were combined, 'JuJu' left Glendale with P4 and continues to lead the championship by two points.

Julien Beaumer: "It was a tough night. I made too many mistakes at the start of the first two finals and found myself on the ground. I’m frustrated to say the least, but we salvaged a lot of points tonight and we still have the red plate. I’m happy to still have the series lead coming out of this one and to salvage as many points as I did."

Next Race: February 8 – Tampa, Florida

Results 450SX Class – Glendale
1. Chase Sexton (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
2. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)
3. Ken Roczen (Suzuki)
7. Justin Hill (KTM)
9. Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
10. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna)
12. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)
19. Anthony Rodriguez (KTM)

Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 4 of 17 rounds
1. Chase Sexton, 84 points
2. Ken Roczen, 82
3. Eli Tomac, 75
8. Justin Barcia, 52
9. Malcolm Stewart, 52
11. Justin Hill, 45
15. Aaron Plessinger, 26

Results 250SX West Class – Glendale
1. Jordon Smith (Triumph)
2. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha)
3. Cole Davies (Yamaha)
4. Julien Beaumer (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
11. Lux Turner (KTM)
16. Joshua Varize (KTM)

Standings 250SX West Class 2025 after 4 of 10 rounds
1. Julien Beaumer, 87 points
2. Jordon Smith, 85
3. Haiden Deegan, 84
11. Ryder DiFrancesco (GASGAS), 35
13. Lux Turner, 33
20. Joshua Varize, 12

SMX Next Class – Glendale
1. Landen Gordon (Kawasaki)
2. Enzo Temmerman (Kawasaki)
3. Landon Hartz (Yamaha)
7. Luke Fauser (KTM)
11. Wyatt Thurman (KTM)
16. Jeremy Fappani (KTM)

    KTM NEWS

    JORGE PRADO LEADS 450SMX STANDINGS AFTER COLUMBUS PLAYOFF PODIUM

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    A weather-affected opening race of the 2026 SMX World Championship Playoffs at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado earn a hard-fought third position on the overall podium, with that result elevating him into the 450SMX points lead. Following a pair of dry on-track sessions during Friday practice, heavy rain in the region interrupted proceedings early on this morning, as the track crew worked tirelessly to prepare the circuit for the afternoon’s race schedule at SMX Playoff 1. When the gates dropped for 450SMX Moto 1, Prado powered his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to the holeshot, holding the lead through the opening moments of the race. The Spaniard prioritized consistency in the mud, successfully navigating the conditions to secure a third-place result. The four-time world champion executed another strong start in Moto 2, battling for the final podium position during the race, and eventually crossed the line in P4. That saw him claim third overall for the round, taking charge of the 450SMX red plate entering Los Angeles next weekend. Jorge Prado: "I mean, I really don’t know what to say! Like I said after Moto 1, my worst races came in the mud this year, and now I finish up here on the box, which is amazing for me. It’s a big improvement, so I am super-happy, and proud of my progress, and the work from the whole team – if you look back a year ago to where I am now, it’s a huge difference. Now we are leading the SMX series and I can’t be more happy than this." Also up front off the start of Moto 1, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger crashed soon afterward, but displayed strong pace aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION as he fought his way through the field to 10th place. Sixth in Moto 2 marked a convincing outing for ‘The Cowboy’ in his home state of Ohio, taking seventh overall and climbing to eighth in the 450SMX standings. Aaron Plessinger: "I feel like Columbus was a pretty big missed opportunity for me, since we had lots of rain and lots of mud, which is usually my cup of tea. We got off to a really good start in Moto 1, but then Jorge [Prado] slid and kind of jumped into my wheel, but no blame on him – it was a racing incident. I ended up going down, and then it was a struggle from that point on, getting up to ninth and then going down again. Moto 2, I got off to a horrible start and went to the inside of turn one, which worked out, and then ended up battling Joey [Savatgy] for fifth pretty much the whole time. I just feel like I should've been better all around – there were a lot of moments that I should've capitalized on. We'll focus on Los Angeles now and look for a stronger round." The retiring Eli Tomac raced to 15-13 results in 450SMX across the shortened double-race format aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in SMX Playoff 1, with his sights now shifting toward next weekend’s second round of the post-season, where double points will be on offer. He's currently ninth in the championship, with only two race weekends remaining in his decorated career. Eli Tomac: "It was a long day in Columbus. The conditions were tough, and I had a hard time getting going today when it counted, but the positive is that we were able to salvage some points, and it was an enjoyable weekend outside of the weather today. I'm looking forward to LA next week and fighting back toward the front in these next two races coming up." Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 250SMX contender Julien Beaumer crashed out of a top-five position on the opening lap of Moto 1, before mounting a comeback ride in challenging conditions to finish 16th on his KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Another difficult outing in race two saw Beaumer finish 18th, placing him 10th in the standings heading into Playoff 2. Julien Beaumer: “It was a terrible day for me in the mud. We got a lot of rain – I felt great yesterday in the dry – but today was rough. It is what it is, we have double and triple points at the next two, so I need to execute across the next two rounds in what are hopefully some better conditions, and give myself a chance.” Next Race: September 19 – Los Angeles, California Results 450SMX Class – SMX Playoff 1 1. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 2. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) 3. Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 7. Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 11. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna) 14. Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 16. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) Standings 450SMX Class 2026 after Playoff 1 1. Jorge Prado, 42 points 2. Haiden Deegan, 40 3. Cooper Webb, 38 8. Aaron Plessinger, 22 9. Eli Tomac, 22 12. RJ Hampshire, 19 14. Malcolm Stewart, 16 Results 250SMX Class – SMX Playoff 1 1. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki) 2. Daxton Bennick (Husqvarna) 3. Ryder DiFrancesco (Husqvarna) 18. Julien Beaumer (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) Standings 250SMX Class 2026 after Playoff 1 1. Levi Kitchen, 47 points 2. Ryder DiFrancesco, 42 3. Cole Davies, 37 4. Daxton Bennick, 34 10. Julien Beaumer, 21

    ELI TOMAC TO RETIRE AT THE CONCLUSION OF 2026 SMX POST-SEASON

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    American motocross and supercross legend Eli Tomac has announced that he will retire from professional competition following the 2026 SMX World Championship post-season, bringing a close to one of the most decorated careers in the history of the sport. At 33 years of age, Tomac has enjoyed a memorable season with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing this year, claiming four 450SX Main Event victories in the AMA Supercross Championship aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Tomac will go down as one of the greatest competitors ever, with his career spanning 17 professional seasons between 2010 and 2026. The Cortez, Colorado, native is ranked second on the all-time 450SX wins list with 57 Main Event victories, and fourth all-time in the AMA Pro Motocross 450MX wins list with a total of 32. As a two-time AMA Supercross 450SX Champion (2020, 2022) and four-time 450MX Champion (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022), Tomac has represented Team USA at the prestigious FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) on six occasions – captaining the United States to victory at RedBud in 2022. Earlier in his career, Tomac captured the 2013 250MX title outdoors after achieving 12 overall wins within the category – including his pro debut at Hangtown's season-opening round in 2010 – prior to transitioning to the premier class full-time in 2014. He also earned the 250SX West Divisional Championship in 2012. In addition, Tomac extended his Daytona Supercross record with an eighth-career victory in 2026, was notably crowned the 2024 FIM World Supercross Champion in the SX1 Class, and he was also recognized in 2022 as an ESPY Award recipient in the prestigious Best Athlete, Men’s Action Sports category. The entire Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team extends its gratitude and best wishes to Eli for the future, and looks forward to finishing the current season strongly together through the upcoming SMX Playoffs, culminating with the SMX World Championship Final in Ridgedale, Missouri, on September 26. Eli Tomac: "I will be stepping away from Supercross and motocross racing at the end of September, following the final three SMX rounds. This has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my professional career, but I know in my heart that the time is now and that the time is right. I’ve won races and championships beyond my imagination. Racing has been the only thing I’ve woken up to and known the last 25 years, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything." Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: "Eli exploded onto the scene well over a decade and a half ago, and if he wasn’t on your team, you sure wished he was, because you’d ultimately be fighting against him to try and win. Over the years, Eli has become the second-winningest rider in Supercross history and has won multiple national and Supercross championships. We’ve had the privilege of working with him this year, and it was no different – he was fighting for the title and for wins each and every week. Eli is an amazing rider, and for the team and myself, to see how he operates and to get a better understanding of his sportsmanship and work ethic was a gift after all those years that we competed against him. But, like all good things, they do eventually come to an end, and with that Eli has decided to retire at the end of this season. Our team is grateful for the opportunity we’ve had and know that whatever he does in the future, it will be successful. Eli is a hard worker, disciplined and dedicated, and we truly wish him and his family all the best." Eli Tomac Career Highlights Two-time AMA Supercross 450SX Champion (2020, 2022) 57-career 450SX Main Event victories (second all-time) Four-time AMA Pro Motocross 450MX Champion (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022) 32-career 450MX overall victories (fourth all-time) 2013 AMA Pro Motocross 250MX Champion 2012 AMA Supercross 250SX West Champion 2024 FIM World Supercross SX1 Champion A record eight-time Daytona Supercross winner (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026) ESPY Award recipient in 2022 (Best Athlete, Men’s Action Sports)

    JULIEN BEAUMER AND RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING CONTINUE INTO THE FUTURE

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    Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has re-signed Julien Beaumer through the 2027 SMX World Championship and beyond, continuing together into the future following a standout campaign to date in AMA Pro Motocross this season. Since joining KTM's factory program in 2024, Beaumer has emerged as one of the most exciting young riders in the sport. The 20-year-old broke through for a first-career 250SX victory in the AMA Supercross Championship last year on his way to second in the Western Divisional standings. Despite a serious back injury ruling him out of Supercross in 2026, 'Juju' has made a remarkable return to competition outdoors and is currently positioned third in the 250MX championship after winning his maiden overall at the Spring Creek National. In a multi-year agreement, Beaumer will enter his fourth season with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2027, targeting title success across the SMX World Championship – including the AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross Championships – equipped with the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Julien Beaumer: "I'm really stoked to announce that I've extended my contract with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. I can't thank them enough for the belief and hard work they put in – these last three years have been amazing and I couldn't be happier to be with the group of people that I'm with. Let's win some races and fight for some championships! That's the goal." Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: "Julien is one of the younger riders on our team, but with this contract extension he’ll become one of the veterans of our program. We couldn’t be prouder of the growth Julien has shown. He has demonstrated that even during challenging times, he can make smart decisions, stay focused on improvement, and continue working to become a better racer. We’ve all seen the tremendous progress he has made throughout the 2026 Pro Motocross season, both on and off the track. I have no doubt that Julien will continue to develop his racecraft and reach new levels in the years ahead. His future is incredibly bright, and we’re grateful for the trust he has placed in our team. We look forward to continuing to build on this success together."