AARON PLESSINGER AND RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING TO RACE-ON TOGETHER IN 2026

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has re-signed Aaron Plessinger for the 2026 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), inclusive of the AMA Supercross Championship and Pro Motocross Championship. This latest contract extension between the pair signifies what will be a fifth-consecutive season together next year.

'The Cowboy' will race-on with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team managed by Ian Harrison, continuing what has been a successful collaboration. Plessinger will once again be READY TO RACE in the high-profile American series, equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

With a single round remaining in Supercross 2025, fan favorite Plessinger sits sixth position in the 450SX championship standings and with five podiums to his credit. That tally is underscored by a popular second-career premier class victory at the Foxborough round in April, building momentum throughout the 17-round duration.

The 29-year-old Plessinger first joined Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2022 and has firmly established himself as one of the sport's most popular and competitive riders both indoors and outdoors. He has finished P3 in 450MX for the past two seasons and has also scored top-five finishes in the 31-round SMX World Championship series both of those years – fifth in 2023 and fourth in 2024.

In addition to his success in the United States, Plessinger has represented Team USA at the FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) on two occasions (2023-2024) since signing with KTM. The Ohio native's highlight came last year at Matterley Basin in the United Kingdom, where he stood second on the Nations podium as the American team's Open Class entry.

Aaron Plessinger: "It means everything to me to be part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2026. I love everybody and everything about this team, it's been an awesome four years together already, and it's flying by, but we're having such a good time. We've had some really, really good results, so to have the team want to keep me around and keep going together, it's really special to me. I can't wait for what the future brings and my focus right now is to get the best results that I can with the team. To build the fanbase that we have is really special as well, because without them and their support we wouldn't be anything. It's always cool to meet our fans, to interact with the KTM Junior Supercross kids and their families at the races, and that's what dirt bikes are all about. To get people on the bikes that we ride and to become KTM riders themselves, it's why we do what we do each race weekend, to give them that added spark and interest in the sport. I'm super-excited for the remainder of this season and now into next year!"

Ian Harrison – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: "Looking back on Aaron’s career here at KTM as we move into his fifth year with the brand next year, it's clear how much of an impact he has had. He is more than just a racer, he is an incredible competitor on the track and a huge personality off it as well. From his long hair and cowboy hat to his unique riding style, Aaron truly stands out. He is, and will continue to be, a massive part of the KTM fanbase into 2026. He brings energy, positivity, and authenticity that resonate not only with our team and the other riders, but also with fans, sponsors, and the entire racing series. He's had another incredible season this year after a rough start, showing grit and determination, achieving five podiums and consistent top-five finishes so far, including a victory in Foxborough. We’re proud of who he is and even prouder to have him on our team. His influence extends far beyond results – his connection with people, both inside and outside the paddock, ensures he will be remembered and appreciated for years to come. He is truly one of a kind, and we are excited that Aaron has signed a contract extension for 2026 to continue racing for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing family."

KTM NEWS

KTM celebrates 28 championship titles in 2025

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A season of dedication and teamwork delivered 28 major racing championships worldwide through a spread of disciplines in 2025 – including 16 international rider crowns, and 12 FIM manufacturer titles. The unprecedented accumulation represents a new annual benchmark for the company. KTM extends its sincere thanks to all factory riders and independent competitors, along with their teams, for their valuable contribution, unwavering dedication, and loyalty throughout the various competitive campaigns.

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING EXTENDS THANKS TO CHASE SEXTON

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Following two seasons in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing thanks Chase Sexton for the success achieved together throughout 2024 and 2025. KTM and Sexton dominated the AMA Pro Motocross Championship in 2024, winning seven of 11 rounds en route to earning the 450MX title outdoors. Despite his title defense being cut short in 2025, this year's highlight came via a single overall victory at Washougal. Supercross saw the 26-year-old Illinois native finish third in the 450SX standings in 2024 and he improved to the runner-up position in 2025, falling short of the championship by only two points this season. In total, Sexton won nine 450SX Main Events onboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, with seven of those this year – including Anaheim 1's high-profile opening round – making for the winningest season of his Supercross career. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing wishes Chase well for 2026 and beyond.

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING THANKS TOM VIALLE FOR WINNING YEARS TOGETHER

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing extends its thanks to Tom Vialle following an illustrious seven years together across both Europe and the United States, achieving two MX2 World Championships and a pair of 250SX East Supercross Championships. Vialle joined the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team ahead of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship season in the MX2 category, finishing fourth in his debut campaign before capturing his first MX2 World Championship in 2020. The Frenchman would lift his second MX2 World Championship trophy at the conclusion of a thrilling 2022 series, before relocating to North America at the beginning of 2023 to contest the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), including both the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships. After a promising rookie season in the U.S., Vialle fulfilled his goal of becoming a Supercross champion in 2024 onboard the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, before successfully defending his crown when the 2025 championship went down to the wire in Salt Lake City this past May. The now 24-year-old has also displayed his capabilities outdoors in 250MX, finishing as runner-up in the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship. He also finished second in the hybrid-type 250SMX standings that year, before backing his result up with third position in 2025. Over the past seven seasons, Vialle and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have built an impressive record together, firmly establishing him as one of the most accomplished 250 cc riders of his generation on the global stage. From 2019 to 2022 in Europe, Vialle amassed 24 MX2 Grand Prix victories, 44 individual Race wins, and 46 overall podium finishes to underline his two MX2 World Championships. Upon arriving in the United States and achieving his two 250SX East titles, Vialle has claimed three Supercross wins and 18 podium results in 250SX, while earning two-career Pro Motocross 250MX round victories and eight podiums overall. He also has three 250SMX Playoffs/Final podium finishes to his credit. In addition, Vialle was a key part of Team France's victory at the 2023 FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN), where he won the MX2 category individually with the full support of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. The entire Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team thanks Tom for his dedication and success and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.