TOM VIALLE AND AARON PLESSINGER CAPTURE DAYTONA SUPERCROSS PODIUMS

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle claimed second position in the 250SX East Main Event at Daytona International Speedway tonight, as teammate Aaron Plessinger made it a podium double in racing to his first 450SX top-three result of the 2025 AMA Supercross Championship.

Defending Eastern Division Champion Vialle returned to action in Daytona equipped with the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, powering to a top-three start in his Heat Race, before making his way into the lead and breezing to a six-second victory.

After charging to the Main Event holeshot, Vialle pieced together a measured ride throughout the race, managing conditions that grew increasingly rough to record a season-best second-place score. As a result, the two-time MX2 World Champion has climbed to P2 in the title-race.

Tom Vialle: “I was close with the leaders tonight, we were going back and forth, but the track was super-tricky – if you missed a rhythm, you'd lose a second or two pretty easily. I think second place is the best that we had tonight, although I am happy with that. I'm happy to stay close in the championship, because that is the goal."

Aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Plessinger began his Daytona weekend with the seventh-fastest qualifying time in 450SX, before a convincing Heat Race saw ‘The Cowboy’ surge his way up into second position by race's end.

Upon battling with the front-runners throughout the Main Event, Plessinger held the lead for a large portion of the race, before settling for a season-best third-place finish in what will also provide an important mid-season turnaround in his fortunes.

Aaron Plessinger: “I had a lot of fun out there tonight! It's been a while since we've been out front like that, so just having that clean air and being in the battle was really good! The track was fun tonight, it was awesome to be up there battling these guys, to come out of here with a podium is really cool. I'm stoked to turn a bit of my luck around and excited to keep this momentum rolling."

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Chase Sexton registered the fastest time in the afternoon’s 450SX qualifying session, achieving early comfort on his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION on the unique Daytona track layout.

After scoring the holeshot in his Heat Race, Sexton unfortunately went down on the opening lap while leading, eventually returning to the pits and preparing for the LCQ, which he went on to comfortably win.

Sexton displayed blistering pace once again throughout the Main Event, steadily climbing his way up toward the front and salvaging a P5 result, as well as invaluable championship points. He is still ranked second in the standings following Daytona.

Chase Sexton: “Daytona was up and down. I qualified fastest, but crashed in my Heat, forcing me to qualify through to the Main via the LCQ, so it definitely was not my best night. In the end, I did what I could tonight, but just didn’t have enough in the tank.”

Next Race: March 8 – Indianapolis, Indiana

Results 450SX Class – Daytona
1. Ken Roczen (Suzuki)
2. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)
3. Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
5. Chase Sexton (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
6. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna)
7. Justin Hill (KTM)
10. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)

Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 8 of 17 rounds
1. Cooper Webb, 168 points
2. Chase Sexton, 158
3. Ken Roczen, 152
5. Malcolm Stewart, 124
7. Justin Barcia, 111
8. Justin Hill, 101
9. Aaron Plessinger, 88

Results 250SX East Class – Daytona
1. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna)
2. Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
3. Seth Hammaker (Kawasaki)

Standings 250SX East Class 2025 after 3 of 10 rounds
1. Max Anstie, 63 points
2. Tom Vialle, 57
3. Chance Hymas, 50

KTM NEWS

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

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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."