Tout afficher

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

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

Afficher le profil
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

Afficher le profil
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."

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING RE-SIGNS JORGE PRADO IN MULTI-YEAR EXTENSION

Afficher le profil
Jorge Prado has re-signed with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing to remain in the SuperMotocross World Championship for 2027, spanning across the AMA Supercross Championship, AMA Pro Motocross Championship and SMX Playoffs as part of a multi-year contract extension. The 25-year-old has been outstanding upon reuniting with Red Bull KTM this season, achieving two 450SX podium results in Supercross, and already standing on the 450MX podium twice across the first eight rounds of the outdoors. He is currently positioned third in the combined 450SMX standings. Prado first partnered with the Austrian manufacturer over a decade ago, making his full-time Red Bull KTM Factory Racing debut in the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2017. The Spaniard went on to clinch a pair of MX2 titles in 2018 and 2019, followed by consecutive MXGP crowns in 2023-2024. Next season will see Prado continue to gain experience in United States competition on board the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION together with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, targeting ongoing success with the goal of becoming a title contender throughout the SMX categories in the future. Jorge Prado: "I'm really happy to have re-signed with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, because we've had great past seasons winning in MXGP, and this past year was great in Supercross – we achieved some podiums, had a couple of heat race wins, and now we've been very strong outdoors. I'm just happy to be working with this great group of people for the future, so I am super-excited and hopeful that we can achieve our goals." Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: "We’re excited to have Jorge continue with KTM. Jorge and KTM have agreed to a contract extension, and our entire team is looking forward to seeing him continue to develop his Supercross and motocross skills here in the United States. We were all impressed by how quickly he adapted to Supercross in 2026. His confidence and speed, particularly through the whoops, stood out as one of his greatest strengths in one of the most demanding sections of the track. Jorge has shown tremendous willingness to learn, and we believe his best years are ahead of him. We’re looking forward to this next chapter, supporting him, and seeing his growth and success with KTM in the future."