At 28 years of age, Plessinger is currently in the prime of his premier class career, to remain equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION into next year and to continue the rapid progression that he and the team had achieved in 450SX this season, prior to him being injured in Round 13 at Foxborough.

‘The Cowboy’ has been in spectacular form during 2024, holding the red plate for multiple rounds after picking up his first-career 450SX victory in San Diego, and then going on to claim additional podium finishes at the Anaheim 2 Triple Crown and in Arlington. He will unfortunately miss the final four rounds of Supercross with a fractured elbow, but is expecting to be READY TO RACE when the gates drop on the AMA Pro Motocross Championship in Pala, California, on May 25th.

Plessinger first joined Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2022, gaining momentum in 2023 by finishing third in the final 450MX standings and fifth position in the inaugural 450SMX Championship, prior to his breakout campaign this year.

Aaron Plessinger:« I’m really excited to be staying with Red Bull KTM through 2025. It is an awesome team and I think we’re going to do some big things together in the future – even bigger and better than what we’ve achieved so far. I couldn’t be more stoked to be staying within this family and building upon where we’re at, the level that we have been able to reach this season. For this year we made some major changes in the pre-season and really haven’t changed the bike at all since, which has really, really worked out in our favor. I’ve won my first Supercross Main Event, have gotten three podiums in total, and something’s clicked for us this year. This is the most enjoyment I’ve had in my entire 450 career and I’m just enjoying the ride, which is rare, and I’m very fortunate. I’m stoked to be back for 2025, so hope we keep progressing and I will be doing my best to perform to the level that we aim to once I am able to line up again outdoors. I’ll keep riding my heart out when I’m back from injury and am really blessed to be staying with the crew. »

Ian Harrison – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager:« We are really pleased to have Aaron back on the team for 2025 – he is an asset to our team from so many different aspects, from his personality to his riding, and his results. Since joining our team in 2021 he has continued his progression each year and this 2024 season we have had our best yet with him. Once he returns, we hope to continue this momentum and experience with the team for the rest of the year and into 2025. It is a pleasure to have him on our team and I look forward to next year with him. He’s not only good for himself, but he’s good for the other riders too, as well as our team morale, mechanics, and everybody. He is a great person and a real asset to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team. »

Roger De Coster – Director of Motorsports, North America:« I’m really happy that we were able to extend Aaron’s contract and we are really looking forward to ending this year strong in Pro Motocross before continuing into the 2025 season with him. He is fun to work with, he is great for the team, he’s good for other riders, and he’s good for the crew. We are very happy to have him. »

TRIUMPH RACING AND EVAN FERRY PART WAYS

Sat 20 Apr 2024

Triumph Racing and Evan Ferry have mutually decided to part ways with immediate effect. Triumph Racing would like to wish Evan all the best in his future endeavours.

It is with regret that Evan Ferry will no-longer race for Triumph Racing in the SuperMotocross World Championship. Evan joined the team during the creation of the global motocross project, a historic step into a new segment for Triumph, which included the development of the all-new TF 250-X. The British manufacturer has supported the 19-year-old throughout his time in the lead-up to the launch of the new US Racing team, and brought in a number of seasoned professionals as part of the programme.

Evan, an AMA Supercross rookie, lined up in what was a proud moment for Triumph and its team at the opening round of the 250SX East Championship in Detroit on February 3rd. With a tough qualifying, the young Floridian dominated the Last Chance Qualifier to make it through to the Main Event with his teammate. Evan was unlucky to be taken out in the first turn, but the young racer had already shown grit and promise in what was an exciting first event. Ahead of the second round in Arlington, Evan was ruled out with an unfortunate injury, and it was the team’s hope he would return to action as quickly as possible.

Despite the efforts of Triumph Racing to support Evan and adapt the programme for the remainder of his rookie year, including the offer of focussing on the Pro Motocross series, Evan has decided that he will step away from the team.

Everyone at Triumph Motorcycles and Triumph Racing wishes Evan all the best for his future.

Plessinger was sidelined from the Massachusetts race following a crash in the opening qualifying session. The impact resulted in a fracture of the proximal ulna bone in the elbow region of his arm, which will require an anticipated recovery time of 4-6 weeks.

Without having to undergo surgery, Plessinger will be targeting a return to competition at Fox Raceway’s 2024 Pro Motocross Championship season-opener in Pala, California, on Saturday, May 25th. That race also marks the second stage of the combined SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) series.

Aaron Plessinger:« I’m really bummed to not be able to finish out the full Supercross season, given I was having my best 450 season yet. Your elbow is just one of those areas of your body that takes a lot of impact when you ride, so I need to do the right thing and let it heal properly with a realistic goal to be back in time for the start of the Pro Motocross series. The good thing is there is no ligament damage, so healing should hopefully be short and sweet. It’s hard to be negative when I’m lucky enough to work with a great team who fully support healing properly, so we should all be back together getting ready for an early start on outdoor preparations in a few weeks’ time. »

Ian Harrison – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager:« Aaron started the season out so well with a race win and multiple podiums and we are just really bummed for him. He’s such a great attribute to our team and we have loved watching his growth over the past few seasons, ultimately culminating in his best 450SX season yet. But we all know that accidents happen and this is just a part of racing. The vibe in our semi is never the same without The Cowboy around, but the team will rally together and finish out the Supercross season strong knowing we’ll have Aaron back lifting everyone’s spirits come time for Pro Motocross. »

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo Announces Retirement from Racing Following the 2024 Monster Energy Supercross Season
 
Tune Into Adam’s Plugged In Podcast and This Week’s SMX Insider Episode for the Full Story
 

ELLENTON, Fla. (April 4, 2024) – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo announced today his retirement from racing following this year’s Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. The Florida native rose to fame with 11 amateur National Championships before embarking on his professional debut in 2014. He won his first attempt in AT&T Stadium and wore the red plate for most of his rookie season, ultimately finishing fifth in the standings. Cianciarulo scored three straight runners-up in 250SX Class Championship standings, including a classic title battle in the 2018 Western Regional where he fell to Aaron Plessinger by two points in the final tally. His Pro Motocross Championship came in 2019 when he scored six overall victories in the 250 Class, clipping Dylan Ferrandis by 20 points in the standings.

 “AC” immediately impressed aboard his KX450 scoring a podium in his first ever Premier Class race, the 2020 Anaheim Opener, followed by a runner-up finish in the 450 Class Motocross Championship. Cianciarulo put together his best 450SX Class season last year with a ninth overall in the point standings, including 12 top-10s, two top-fives, and a podium in Denver. With five races to go in the 2024 season, Cianciarulo holds 119 top-10’s in 154 SMX starts (77%). He added 78 top-fives and earned his 50^thSMX podium with a third overall at High Point last summer. His 20 career SMX wins are good for 37^th all-time: 11 250SX wins, 7 250 Motocross Class wins, 2 450 Motocross Class wins. In Premier Class racing alone, he has been inside the top-10 48 times in 66 tries (73%).

Adam’s retirement marks the end of an era filled with passion, dedication, and countless inspiring moments on and off the track. For Adam’s full retirement story, tune into his Plugged In podcast and this week’s SMX Insider episode on the SuperMotocross YouTube channel.

For information about the SuperMotocross World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:

• Instagram: @supermotocross
• Facebook: @supermotocross
• Twitter: @supermotocross
• YouTube: @supermotocross

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final.

Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About AMA Pro Motocross Championship:

The AMA Pro Motocross Championship features the world’s fastest outdoor motocross racers, competing aboard homologated bikes from one of seven competing manufacturers on a collection of the roughest, toughest tracks on the planet. Racing takes place each Saturday afternoon, with competition divided into two classes: one for 250cc machines, and one for 450cc machines. MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc. the industry leader in off-road powersports event production, manages the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.
 
More information can be found at www.ProMotocross.com.

About Feld Motor Sports, Inc.:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc.

Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.:

MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc. manages and produces the world’s most prestigious motocross series – the AMA Pro Motocross Championship and the SuperMotocross World Championship. The industry leader in off road powersport event production and management, its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc. organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators. 

Visit  www.mxsportsproracing.com for more information.

Trio of Speedways Set to Host Second Year of SuperMotocross World Championship^TMPlayoffs
  
Charlotte, Fort Worth and Las Vegas Named as Host Cities   
 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 2, 2024) – During tonight’s television broadcast of the DAYTONA Supercross, Round 8 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and SuperMotocross World Championship, lead analysts Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart revealed that zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, and The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final in September.
 
Last year’s landmark inaugural season saw two of the sport’s youngest and brightest stars cement their place in the history books. At just 17, Haiden Deegan earned Rookie of the Year and captured the 250cc World Championship while Australian sensation Jett Lawrence, at 20, became the first-ever 450cc World Champion in the premier class, also as a rookie.
 
Showing the world this was no fluke, both Deegan and Lawrence are off to impressive starts in their 2024 campaigns. Deegan just earned his first win of the season (and his career) this past weekend at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and sits a mere seven points back in the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship after two rounds. Lawrence, on the other hand is the current points leader in the very deep 450SX premier class and has two wins already in a year that has witnessed five different race winners in the first seven rounds. 
 
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff 1 will take place on Saturday, September 7 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. and Playoff 2 will take place on Saturday, September 14 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. The SMX World Championship Final will take place on Saturday, September 21 at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, marking a long-anticipated return to a city that has hosted many memorable final Championship rounds in Supercross’ rich history.

“Last year, we created a completely new off-road motorcycle racing playoff series that combined both disciplines of indoor stadium racing (Supercross) and outdoor motocross racing (Pro Motocross) that was fully embraced by the teams, athletes, industry and fans,” said Dave Prater, Vice President of Supercross, Feld Motor Sports, Inc. “Collectively, more than 110,000 fans from all over the world made their way here to attend the inaugural three round SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final and for the first time in the sport’s history witnessed the crowning of a true World Champion. The SuperMotocross World Championship is where the world comes to race.”
 
zMAX Dragway is situated adjacent to Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. and its world famous four-lane dragstrip and dual grandstands provided the perfect backdrop to host last year’s first-ever SMX World Championship Playoff. The Charlotte area is a hotbed for fans of the sport and is an easy city to get to from most points in the Eastern region. Last year’s playoff became the “must see” event of the year and is a primary reason for our return. zMAX Dragway proved to be a world-class facility in every way where the SMX experience was fully brought to life with a full day of fan activities on Friday, an industry packed FanFest on Saturday and a multitude of prime camping options for every budget. The “Bellagio of Dragstrips” also provided the perfect amount of width and depth to create a truly unique, world-class SMX track that surprised the teams and caught many of the sport’s star athletes off guard which led to dramatic racing and unpredictable results.
 
“Last year, we transformed a four-lane drag strip into the ultimate off-road playground and fans were treated to a full day of action-packed racing at the opening round of the inaugural SMX World Championships,” said Greg Walter, executive vice president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Building on that experience, we’re excited to once again partner with Feld Motor Sports to bring together the top Supercross and Motocross riders from around the world at zMAX Dragway to put on a high-flying, white-knuckled show for the fans.”

Texas Motor Speedway, located in Fort Worth is easily accessible for fans traveling by car or plane with its central location and proximity to multiple international airports. The 1.5-mile quad-oval superspeedway sits on over 1400 acres of land and is one of the largest sports facilities in the country. Being a world-class venue, Texas Motor Speedway is no stranger to marquee events as they are a regular stop on the NASCAR Cup Series and provide all the modern amenities motorsports fans expect when purchasing an event ticket. Last week’s Supercross round (7) in Arlington, Texas broke attendance records and this Playoff round could prove to be an even bigger spectacle with a planned Friday FanFest, and fan camping options being made available.
 
“All of us at Texas Motor Speedway are thrilled to have been chosen to host Round 2 of the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and we look forward to welcoming an entirely new and energetic group of race fans, from across the country and around the world, to our world-class facility,” said Texas Motor Speedway Executive Vice President & General Manager Mark Faber. “Supercross and motocross fans in the Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex have proven for years how much they love their sport so we look forward to proving to them how much we appreciate them coming to Texas Motor Speedway.”
 
Aptly named, The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is conveniently located just twenty minutes away from the world-famous Las Vegas strip and was a major deciding factor in bringing the SMX World Championship Final to Las Vegas.
 
“The Strip” is one of the most iconic dragstrips in the country and joins zMAX Dragway as being one of just two dragstrips in the nation to feature four-wide racing. This expansive footprint will allow our master track builders to get very imaginative in creating the final SMX World Championship track of the season. Situated right across the street from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Strip is home to more than 50 events a year and provides an intimate viewing experience from the grandstands and suites while also offering fans the ability to “line the fence”, similar to what is done at a Pro Motocross event.
 
« The pinnacle of two-wheel racing is making its return to Las Vegas, and we’re thrilled to crown the ultimate champion at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, surrounded by the passionate fans of Supercross and Motocross, » said Chris Powell, Las Vegas Motor Speedway President. « In recent years, Las Vegas has emerged as the ultimate sports hub, making it fitting to include the SuperMotocross World Championship Final on the list of prestigious events hosted here. »

The SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final will feature the best athletes in the world as the top 20 in combined Supercross and Pro Motocross points are automatically seeded into the playoff rounds. As in other sport playoffs, athletes will be competing for the sport’s ultimate World Championship title, and the prestige that comes from overcoming adversity through a 28-round, dual-discipline (indoor and outdoor) season, plus two SMX Playoffs and a Final.   
 
The SMX World Championship is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in the world and as such pays out more total prize money than any off-road motorcycle racing series on the planet.
 
All 17 rounds of the 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final will go on pre-sale, Tuesday, April 2, followed by public on-sale Tuesday, April 9. Friday FanFest, Saturday FanFest and camping options for each round and venue will be announced later in the season.  

For information about the SuperMotocross World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:

• Instagram: @supermotocross
• Facebook: @supermotocross
• Twitter: @supermotocross
• YouTube: @supermotocross

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About AMA Pro Motocross Championship:

The AMA Pro Motocross Championship features the world’s fastest outdoor motocross racers, competing aboard homologated bikes from one of seven competing manufacturers on a collection of the roughest, toughest tracks on the planet. Racing takes place each Saturday afternoon, with competition divided into two classes: one for 250cc machines, and one for 450cc machines. MX Sports Pro Racing, the industry leader in off-road powersports event production, manages the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.
 
More information can be found at www.ProMotocross.com.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final.

Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About Feld Motor Sports, Inc.:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc.

Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.:

MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc. manages and produces the world’s most prestigious motocross series – the AMA Pro Motocross Championship and the SuperMotocross World Championship. The industry leader in off road powersport event production and management, its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc. organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators. 

Visit  www.mxsportsproracing.com for more information.

INJURY PLACES ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA’S GUILLEM FARRES ON 250SX EAST SIDELINESSPANISH ROOKIE UNDERGOES SURGERY ON BROKEN FEMUR FOLLOWING TRAINING CRASH IN FLORIDA

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing recruit Guillem Farres sustained a broken femur in a crash while training in Florida on Tuesday, requiring surgery and unfortunately disrupting his rookie campaign in the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship.

The Spaniard has been impressive across the opening two rounds of the 250SX East series, finishing eighth on debut in Detroit and then backing that result up with P9 on the weekend in Arlington.

Farres first arrived in the U.S. during the 2022 season and was a revelation outdoors, before getting the opportunity to join Rockstar Energy Husqvarna on the FC 250 Rockstar Edition this year and adding Supercross to his schedule for the first time.

The 20-year-old had been preparing for this weekend’s Daytona Supercross when the incident occurred. He is now scheduled to undergo surgery and then will begin to work on his recovery, with further updates to be released in due course.

Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager: « Guillem is one of the most liked riders in the industry that I have ever worked with. I am completely gutted that he had an unfortunate crash today while testing at the Baker’s Factory. He is not only tough, but he is strong, and we will support him in every way to get him back at the races doing what he loves. »

Lining up alongside Malcolm Stewart with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team in this weekend’s eighth round of the season at the famed Daytona International Speedway will be Casey Cochran, the 17-year-old contesting the Supercross Futures category.

INJURED SHOULDER RULES EVAN FERRY OUT OF ARLINGTON SUPERCROSS

Sat 24 Feb 2024

Supercross rookie Evan Ferry has frustratingly been ruled out of the Arlington Supercross – round two of the 250SX East series – following a fall during the event’s press day, yesterday.

• Supercross rookie Evan Ferry has frustratingly been ruled out of the Arlington Supercross – round two of the 250SX East series – following a fall during the event’s press day, yesterday.

During press day inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Ferry fell, resulting in an injury to his right shoulder. Initially, Evan and the team were hopeful that he would be able to compete in the event, but following medical examinations, it became clear that he was unable to take part in today’s proceedings.

Evan will seek further medical investigation and advice from his personal doctor on Monday to confirm what the prognosis will be.

Everyone at Triumph Racing wishes Evan all the very best for a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing him back on track soon.

Bobby Hewitt – Triumph Racing Team Principal:
“Obviously, this is a huge disappointment for Evan and the whole Triumph Racing team. Evan had a really rough time of things at the opening round of the 250SX East series, getting taken out in the first corner of the main event, so we were really hoping that this weekend he’d be able to show what he’s capable of. Sadly, that’s not going to be the case, which is a huge shame for Evan. Everyone in the team wishes him all the best for a speedy recovery and we hope to have a more detailed update on the situation when he’s seen his doctor on Monday.”

ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA’S CHRISTIAN CRAIG TO SIT OUT ARLINGTON SUPERCROSSRE-AGGRAVATED ELBOW INJURY PLACES 450SX RIDER ON THE SIDELINES AHEAD OF ROUND 7

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Christian Craig has been ruled out of Round 7 of the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship in Arlington after re-aggravating an ongoing elbow injury.

The 32-year-old missed much of last season after injuring his right elbow at Glendale and then requiring multiple surgeries, however, he will now seek further medical advice as a result of re-aggravating the injury in recent weeks.

An attempt to line up in Texas on the Husqvarna Motorcycles FC 450 Rockstar Edition saw Craig on track during Friday’s press activities at AT&T Stadium, before deciding to sit out the round and focus on his recovery in order to regain 100 percent fitness.

Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager: « Christian’s elbow has been slowly getting a little more irritated over the past couple of weeks. On Thursday before coming to Arlington, it was at its worst and then he tried to ride press day, but it just wasn’t happening. He’s re-aggravated it and unfortunately will not be riding this weekend. From this point, we will do everything we can to assess what’s going on and to get him back out there, back at full form as soon as possible. »

A possible return date is yet to be determined and additional information on his condition will be made available in due course.

NBC SPORTS, PEACOCK, AND SMX LEAGUE ANNOUNCE 2024 SUPERMOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA SCHEDULE

NBC SPORTS, PEACOCK, AND SMX LEAGUE ANNOUNCE 2024 SUPERMOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA SCHEDULE

31 SuperMotocross Rounds to be Presented Across Peacock, NBC, and USA Network

Peacock to Stream All Races, Qualifying and Heats Live Across Entire Series, Including 17 Exclusive Live Rounds

SuperMotocross Season Begins in Anaheim, Calif., at Angel Stadium on Sat., Jan. 6, at 8 p.m. ET Live on USA Network and Peacock

Second Annual SuperMotocross World Championship Final Presented Sat., Sept. 21, at 10 p.m. ET on Peacock with Encore Presentation Sun., Sept. 22, at 1 p.m. ET on NBC

SMX Preview Show Presented Saturday, Dec. 30, at 4 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock

15-Time AMA Champion Ricky Carmichael, Seven-Time AMA Champion James Stewart, and Leigh Diffey Headline 2024 Commentary Team

STAMFORD, Conn. – Dec. 20, 2023 – NBC Sports, Peacock, and the SMX League announced the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) broadcast and streaming schedule, including the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. All 31 rounds across the series, including exclusive live coverage of qualifiers, heats, Main Events and Motos will be presented on Peacock, NBC, USA Network, CNBC, and NBC Sports digital platforms.

Peacock is the home of the SuperMotocross World Championship Series in 2024, presenting comprehensive live coverage of all qualifying, heats, Main Events and Motos across both Supercross and Pro Motocross, spanning 31 rounds from January to September 2024. 17 races will livestream exclusively on Peacock. The platform will also provide on-demand replays of every race. Qualifiers and heats will be available exclusively on Peacock for every race throughout the season.

2024 marks the second year of the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals, fueled by Monster Energy which unified both disciplines of Supercross and Pro Motocross. The SMX World Championship culminates in a series-ending postseason playoff style of racing that features the best racers in the world competing for the sport’s ultimate title.
 
NBC Sports’ 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship coverage begins in under a month with the Monster Energy Supercross season opener from Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., live on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 8 p.m. ET on Peacock and USA Network. An encore presentation will air the following day on Sunday, Jan. 7, on NBC at 2 p.m. ET and on Sunday, Jan. 8, on CNBC at 1 a.m. ET. CNBC will air a next-day encore for all 31 rounds across the series in 2024.

The 2024 Pro Motocross season begins with the Fox Raceway National in Pala, Calif., on Saturday, May 25, at 4 p.m. ET exclusively on Peacock.

The much-anticipated second annual SuperMotocross World Championship will culminate with two SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff rounds and the SuperMotocross World Championship Final. SMX Playoff 1 will be presented on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 3 p.m. ET on Peacock with an encore presentation on NBC at 4 p.m. ET the following day, followed by SMX Playoff 2 on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. ET on Peacock and then at 6 p.m. ET same day delayed on USA Network.

The SuperMotocross World Championship Final will be presented on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 10 p.m. ET on Peacock, with an encore presentation on NBC at 1 p.m. ET the following day. Locations for all Playoff and Final events will be announced in January.

The 2024 SuperMotocross commentary team will consist of Leigh Diffey and Jason Weigandt as play-by-play, 15-time AMA champion Ricky Carmichael and seven-time AMA champion James Stewart as analysts, with Will Christien, former veteran racer Jason Thomas, and Katie Osborne as reporters.

Race Day Live will cover all 31 rounds of the SuperMotocross World Championship series exclusively on Peacock. Dan Hubbard and Justin Braytonwill serve as hosts of the pre-race program, along with Steven “Lurch” Scott, Haley Shanley, and Osborne as reporters.

A SuperMotocross World Championship one-hour preview special airs Saturday, Dec. 30, at 4 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, headlined by appearances from 2023 SuperMotocross 450 World Champion Jett Lawrence, who will be making his Supercross debut in the premier class, and 2023 SuperMotocross 250 World Champion Haiden Deegan. The preview show will also feature Jett’s brother Hunter, who will be starting his rookie year in the 450 class, 2022 Supercross and Pro Motocross champion Eli Tomac, 2018 Supercross champion Jason Anderson, two-time Supercross champion Cooper Webb, 2023 Monster Energy 450 Supercross Champion Chase Sexton, and veteran racers Aaron Plessingerand Justin Barcia will also be featured as they prepare for the upcoming 2024 season.

All televised Supercross and Pro Motocross coverage on NBC, USA Network and CNBC will also stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app via authentication, giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

Below is the 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship broadcast and streaming schedule:

Below is the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship broadcast and streaming schedule:

Below is the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Finalbroadcast and streaming schedule:

For international viewers, The SuperMotocross Video Pass (www.supermotocross.tv) is now available in every country outside the United States, live and on-demand, in both English and Spanish, giving viewers the choice on how to follow all the racing action. SuperMotocross Video Pass subscribers can enjoy all the live 2024 racing action between January and September, plus gain access to 13 years of archival race content dating back to 2010. New for the first time ever, you can now give the gift of a 2024 Subscription to SuperMotocross Video Pass for the holidays. Visit, https://app.supermotocross.tv/gift to finish your holiday shopping today. The SuperMotocross Video Pass is currently available via the web, and in all major app stores across IOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Samsung CTV.

For information about the SuperMotocross World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:

• Instagram: @supermotocross
• Facebook: @supermotocross
• Twitter: @supermotocross
• YouTube: @supermotocross

About Peacock:

Peacock’s expansive programming features live sports coverage including Sunday Night Football, Premier League, MLB Sunday Leadoff, NASCAR, INDYCAR, Notre Dame Football, golf, Olympic sports, horse racing, and much more. Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel which streams Peacock Original Brother from Another and staples like The Dan Patrick Show and Pro Football Talk Live. Click here to learn more and to sign up.

About NBC Sports:

NBC Sports connects people to the moments that matter most and serves sports fans 24/7 with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. As the sports division of NBCUniversal, NBC Sports presents premier content across linear platforms NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel, as well numerous digital sites, including Peacock. NBC Sports possesses an unparalleled collection of media rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, Big Ten Conference, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, Notre Dame, The R&A, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, MLB, Tour de France, Roland-Garros, and many more. It also consists of NBC Sports Next, a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within its three groups: Youth & Recreational Sports, Golf, and Betting & Gaming.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final.

Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About Feld Motor Sports, Inc.:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc.

Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.:

MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc. manages and produces the world’s most prestigious motocross series – the AMA Pro Motocross Championship and the SuperMotocross World Championship. The industry leader in off road powersport event production and management, its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc. organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators. 

Visit  www.mxsportsproracing.com for more information.

Release from 07.12.2023

MALCOLM STEWART, CHRISTIAN CRAIG, RJ HAMPSHIRE, GUILLEM FARRES AND CASEY COCHRAN FORM ROSTER

An expanded five-rider Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will take centerstage when the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) season commences with the AMA Supercross Championship season-opener at Anaheim on Saturday, January 6, led by 450SX duo Malcolm Stewart and Christian Craig, alongside 250SX contenders RJ Hampshire, Guillem Farres and Casey Cochran.

The Nathan Ramsey-managed official Husqvarna Motorcycles U.S. team will be equipped with the Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition and the Husqvarna FC 250 Rockstar Edition, forming a strong foundation for all five riders to build upon as the gates drop on what is a highly anticipated new season.

In addition to the on-track action, Rockstar Energy Drink has renewed its commitment as title sponsor of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team in a multi-year commitment, which will span the entire 31-race SMX series. The team will contest 17 rounds of AMA Supercross, 11 rounds in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, and a three-round, post-season SMX Finals series.

“We’re incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Husqvarna Motorcycles. Over the past 10 years, the relationship with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team has been more than just a sponsorship and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow together, said Jennifer Kalban, Senior Motorsports Marketing Manager, PepsiCo North America. “The team is as strong as it’s ever been and the 2024 season should be an exciting one.” 

Each step of that journey will be documented in Season 3 of the Grit and Grind docuseries, which will continue to be broadcast on the Husqvarna Motorcycles YouTube channel in 2024. A collaboration between Rockstar Energy and Husqvarna Motorcycles, it will once again provide an all-access insight into the season of Stewart, Craig, Hampshire, Farres, and Cochran.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager, Nathan Ramsey, is confident that all five riders will be competitive across next year’s SMX series, determined to iron out any kinks that have proven costly in the past and to ensure that all riders can consistently deliver strong results in 2024.

« 2024 is looking good for us, the guys are having a really good off-season, and we are working hard to be ready for the season, » explained Ramsey.« I think that ultimately, we’re going to come out swinging and avoid the major ups and downs and ride it out as steady as possible and put our Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team riders up front. We have looked a lot at things that have cost us or possibly pushed us out of championship hopes in the past, and I think we have highlighted a few of those areas and we are all – the team, the crew, the riders, everyone – committed to correcting those areas and hopefully it works and pays off, because if they are corrected, I think we’re in the hunt, for sure. »

Making a welcome return to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will be Stewart, the 31-year-old who was unfortunately sidelined in the early stages of last season and is in line to pick up where he left off almost 12 months ago. The fan favorite finished a career-high third in the 450SX standings in 2022, now excited to get back behind the gates in a bid to rebuild his form in a competitive environment.

« The focus for 2024 is honestly just to get back out there and get my feet wet again, »said Stewart.« 2023 was a pretty short-lived year for me, it was kind of more for me to get back going and to finish what I started last year. I was looking really good, A1 was going very well, we had one little incident and we won a heat race, so we had some big flashes, but it just ended too quickly. This is part of racing and things happen, but I have had a really good recovery so far, and training has been going well this off-season with a good group of guys that I’m surrounded with. Everyone has been positive through the whole recovery and I’m glad I locked myself in for another two more years! I really want to win next year and I’m looking forward to getting back into the bunch with the team for the upcoming season.”

Entering his second year with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Craig was also affected by injury in 2023 but was able to return and represent Team USA at the FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in September. At 32, Craig has the desire to establish himself toward the front of the premier class and has been enjoying the pre-season to date.

« I’m feeling pretty good entering another year with the team, so I’m more comfortable, learning everyone around me, and obviously learning the bike more with more seat time, » commented Craig. « I’m coming off a pretty serious injury, so just trying to build back up from that and we’re kind of in the middle of boot camp right now. I am excited for the new year, I need to put in some results, so am very focused and driven for this one. This past season was a big learning year for me, so this time I know what to expect with the training program, riding program, and what the team brings – I need to step up and try to be upfront as much as possible. »

As one of the most experienced riders in the 250 Class, RJ Hampshire has his sights firmly set on achieving title success in the new year. He was runner-up in 250SX West last year and raced to third position in the inaugural 250SMX standings, now motivated to capture a first-career championship with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing.

« My goal is to definitely try and get a championship, »Hampshire stated.« We’ve been close the last two years in a row, so I’ll just come into the season, take it race-by-race, and build from where were last year. The team has worked really hard to make the bike as good as possible, and there are a lot of improvements already. We were in a good spot last season, so if we can be a bit better this year, I definitely think we can get it done. Supercross was massive for me because I had seven podiums in seven years and then last year I had eight in total, so that was a really big step in my career. The next step is to get the red plate, so that is the goal going into the season. The team has been awesome, there is nowhere else I would rather be, and I just renewed my deal for two more years – it just goes to show how much I believe in this team and how much I believe in myself, because we’ve grown a lot together. They believe in me a lot to go out there and perform also, and I definitely think that this year will be another big step in our relationship. »

For Farres, the chance to join Rockstar Energy Husqvarna sees him preparing for his maiden 250SX campaign, in which the 20-year-old Spanish revelation is looking to develop important Supercross experience during the upcoming season, before turning his attention outdoors. 

« The transition to the Husqvarna FC 250 and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team has been really good, » Farres said. « This is my first time ever here in Clermont, Florida, training and first time in California. So far, so good. Everyone has been really welcoming on the team, I’ve been having a good time, and I’m excited for the 2024 season. It’s going to be my rookie season in Supercross, so I am going to focus on staying healthy, being at every round, and improving every day with every lap. I’ve never raced in a stadium before, so I’m sure it’s going to be something new and I’m going to be a little nervous, but hopefully it gets better after the first round. »

Exciting teenage prospect Cochran has graduated to the professional ranks with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna full-time for 2024, the 17-year-old looking to build upon the Supercross Futures AMA National Championship that he won in 2023, while learning his craft as a professional in the sport.

« It’s my first official pro season, so I’m looking forward to getting out there with the big guys and mixing it up, getting good results, » Cochran commented. « Nothing too extravagant so far, but my goal is to get used to the whole program. It’s a super-cool opportunity because we have worked our whole lives for this deal, this contract, to be on a factory team, so I am super-excited to be here and have a great team around me and ready to get to work. I have always personally liked Supercross better than outdoors, so I am excited to race indoors. I raced Futures last year and that was a good experience, so the more indoors, the better! »

Daytona International Speedway Unveils Course Design for 2024 DAYTONA Supercross

Supercross legend Ricky Carmichael returns to design course for 17^th year in a row

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 13, 2023) – Daytona International Speedway today unveiled the highly anticipated course layout for the 2024 DAYTONA Supercross, Florida’s only AMA Supercross event of the season, taking place during Bike Week Presented by Monster Energy.

Five-time DAYTONA Supercross Champion Ricky Carmichael has designed yet another grueling course for the 17^th consecutive year, with the 2024 layout presenting some very different challenges for riders than in years past.

“Ricky continues to amaze year-after-year with his course creativity, and seeing the layout he’s constructed this time around is no different,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “Both riders and fans are going to have a blast with this course and all that action-packed racing it presents. It’s for sure going to be another electrifying DAYTONA Supercross.”

The 2024 course layout is quite a switch up compared to previous DAYTONA Supercross courses – literally. Riders will now ride in the opposite direction alongside the famous frontstretch at Daytona International Speedway, going from right to left towards the track’s Turn 4.

“There are a lot of fun things about this racetrack for sure,” said Carmichael. “We’ve got the tunnel jump which is an iconic feature of DAYTONA Supercross, but what you’re going to see that’s a little different from years past is wherever there isn’t a jump, we wanted to keep as much of the natural grass as possible, just because it kind of chews up and progresses throughout the night and gets these natural lines rather than manmade lines that you’d see at a normal racetrack.

“One of my favorite parts is the beach sand. I think we all can agree, outside of the split lane, just how much drama that section creates. So many ruts develop, breaking bumps, guys are powering through there, dirt’s flying…so keep your eyes on that.”

Last time these riders took center stage at the World Center of Racing, Eli Tomac made history, besting his own record to become “The King” of DAYTONA Supercross after securing his seventh victory at the famed track. Tomac is currently tied with “The King” of NASCAR, Richard Petty, for most wins at Daytona International Speedway, and is looking to further his accomplishments with an eighth win in 2024.

“Daytona is so unique because the track is a living beast, it changes throughout the day,” said Tomac. “I’ve been lucky enough to win the event seven times so when you go across that finish line, and you’ve got all the fans right there with you enjoying the moment… in that aspect, there’s nothing like it.”

The 54th annual DAYTONA Supercross takes place on March 2, 2024, with riders tackling Carmichael’s course under the lights at Daytona International Speedway as part of Bike Week Presented by Monster Energy.

Bike Week is a ten-day motorcycle celebration kicking off on March 1, and continuing through March 10, following the intense, high-speed racing of the DAYTONA 200 running from March 7-9.

To purchase tickets or for more information on DAYTONA Supercross or Bike Week Presented by Monster Energy, please visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Fans can save up to 30% on tickets by taking advantage of the Daytona International Speedway holiday offer, good through Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway viawww.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, onTwitter,FacebookandInstagram, as well as the all-new NASCAR TracksApp, for the latest speedway news.

• Facebook: facebook.com/supercrosslive 
• Twitter: twitter.com/supercrosslive 
• Instagram: instagram.com/supercrosslive 
• YouTube: youtube.com/supercrosslive 
• TikTok: tiktok.com/supercrossliveofficial 
• Official Merch: SupercrossSuperstore.com
• About Daytona International Speedway:
• Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. Some of the exciting racing events include January’s Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and Roar Before The Rolex 24, February’s DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, March’s Bike Week At DAYTONA Presented By Monster Energy, featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, the August Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend, and much more. The Speedway grounds are also used extensively for other events that include concerts (Welcome to Rockville, Heroes Honor Festival, etc.), sporting events (DAYTONA Soccer Fest, CLASH DAYTONA, etc.) civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training. 
• About Feld Motor Sports:
• Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.
• About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:
• Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.
• About the SuperMotocross World Championship:
• The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final.
• Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

Wednesday, 6th December 2023

American Honda Presents Race Teams Ahead of 2024 Season

During a special event this evening, American Honda presented its race plans for the fast-approaching 2024 racing season.

Held in the new Collection Hall and meeting space at the manufacturer’s Torrance, California, campus, the event was attended by team sponsors and members of the media, and was highlighted by the factory Team Honda HRC lineup, including riders, managers and technicians. The factory squad is coming off a record-setting 2023 season that saw it take a record six professional AMA championships. In addition, an impressive list of Honda-supported teams was presented, including SmarTop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts Honda, SLR Honda, JCR Honda, Turner Racing Honda, Honda Off-Road Factory Racing and Raceco-USA Honda. Also present was Phoenix Racing Honda, celebrating the recent signing of two-time AMA Pro Motocross Champion Dylan Ferrandis, to campaign the premier class in AMA Supercross.

Heading up Team Honda HRC is Jett Lawrence, who at 20 years old has already accumulated six AMA crowns, including three in 2023—the 250SX West title, the AMA Pro Motocross 450 championship and the inaugural SuperMotocross title. The 2024 season will be Jett’s first campaigning the premier class indoors. Joining Jett aboard another factory CRF450RWE is his brother Hunter Lawrence, who last season earned the 250SX East and AMA Pro Motocross 250 crowns. As previously announced, Jo Shimoda takes Hunter’s old spot aboard the team’s CRF250R, along with returning racer Chance Hymas. The four-rider lineup is among the strongest ever fielded by the squad, which is intent on carrying its success forward into the coming season.

That confidence is thanks also in part to the return of top members within the team and crew, including manager Lars Lindstrom and 450 and 250 crew chiefs Grant Hutcheson and Jordan Troxell, respectively. Christien Ducharme is Jett Lawrence’s mechanic, while Hunter’s technician is Cameron Camera. Ben Griffith and Thomas Harris will serve as mechanics for Shimoda and Hymas, respectively.

The 17-round 2024 AMA Supercross season commences on January 6 in Anaheim, California, followed by the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross series and the three-round SuperMotocross Championship.

Brandon Wilson: Manager of Racing and Experiential Marketing
“While it’s gratifying that we were able to get Team Honda HRC back on top where it belongs in 2023, this team’s proud legacy wasn’t built on a one-and-done philosophy; in fact, the recent success just makes us even more determined to keep it going in 2024. Fortunately, I think we have all the pieces needed to accomplish that: an incredibly talented rider roster, a capable crew, competitive machinery and valuable sponsors. And while of course the factory squad is the focus, I’m also very proud of the lineup of support teams we’re fielding in various disciplines. I can’t wait for the new season to get started.”

Lars Lindstrom: Team Manager
“We just finished our 2024 season introduction for Team Honda HRC and the support teams. We’ve had an incredibly rigorous off-season compared to normal, with a lot of different events and traveling. Now it feels like this was kind of the last thing on the agenda before Anaheim. Everyone worked extremely hard to make this event happen, but we planned well and it went off without a hitch. I’m really proud of the whole team, and the riders for being troopers—especially Jett and Hunter after coming from the Honda Racing Thanks Day in Japan. Now it’s all about dialing in the bikes, getting trucks ready and preparing for the first race. I’m super-excited for the season coming and really stoked to have these guys on the team right now. Our team atmosphere last year was great, and it’s even better now. I feel like we’re going to have an incredible vibe all year.”

Jo Shimoda To Race For Team Honda HRC

Team Honda HRC announced today that Jo Shimoda will race a CRF250R for Honda’s factory squad during the 2024 and ’25 seasons. The Japanese native will race alongside teammates Jett Lawrence, Hunter Lawrence and Chance Hymas.

Born and raised in Suzuka, Japan, Shimoda began riding dirt bikes when he was 4 years old. After earning early success as an amateur racer in his home country, he sought out stiffer competition internationally. He competed in Europe (even racing against Jett Lawrence on occasion) and in the U.S., earning the 2016 Supermini 2 AMA Amateur National Championship at Loretta Lynn Ranch, at age 14. He signed with the Honda-supported Factory Connection team’s amateur program in 2017, then turned pro near the end of the 2019 season. In 2020 (Shimoda’s first full year as a professional), he finished third in the AMA 250SX East Region final standings, earning the AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year Award. With the Factory Connection team closing before the following season, Shimoda signed with Pro Circuit Kawasaki. In 2021 he became the first Japanese rider to win an AMA 250SX main event, finishing second in the East Region final standings. Last year saw him become the first Japanese rider to score an AMA Pro Motocross overall win, earning second in the 250 final standings. He was third in the same series earlier this year, also taking second in the inaugural SuperMotocross 250 class. So far in his career, Shimoda has collected three 250 overall wins in AMA Pro Motocross, one 250 Regional win in AMA Supercross and one 250 win in SuperMotocross.

“I’m super-stoked to join Honda’s factory team,” Shimoda said. “I feel like I’ve progressed a lot since I was with Factory Connection, and I hope that I can take the next step in my career, to win an AMA championship. I’m friends with the Lawrence brothers since we were teammates at Factory Connection, and they’ve shown that the bikes are capable of winning at the highest level. We’ve already started testing for 2024, and I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Shimoda is the first Japanese rider to sign a factory contract with American Honda, although Honda has fielded top Japanese racers in MotoGP, World Trials and even Formula 1.

“We’re really pleased to welcome Jo back to the Honda family,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing and Experiential Marketing at American Honda. “We hated losing him ahead of 2021, so it feels like a reunion. He has made great progress in the last few years, firmly establishing himself as one of the top riders in the 250 class. Rider-signing news is always exciting, but this one is particularly meaningful for our management and many of our associates, given the Japanese connection. That said, although he’s already the most successful Japanese motocrosser to race fulltime in the U.S., Jo has his sights set on bigger goals, and we look forward to helping him achieve them.”

Jo Shimoda

 Birth Date: May 16, 2002

 2016: Supermini 2 Champion at Loretta Lynn AMA Amateur National

 2017: Signs with Factory Connection’s amateur program

 2018: Monster Energy Cup All-Stars winner

 2019: Professional debut (races final three AMA Pro Motocross 250 rounds)

 2020: AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year; 3 rd in AMA Supercross 250 East final standings; 11 th in AMA Pro Motocross 250 final standings

 2021: 2 nd in AMA Supercross 250 East final standings (1 win); 5 th in AMA Pro Motocross 250 final standings

 2022: 4 th in AMA Supercross 250 West final standings; 2 nd in AMA Pro Motocross 250 final standings (5 moto wins)

 2023: 13 th in AMA Supercross 250 East final standings; 3 rd in AMA Pro Motocross 250 final standings (3 moto wins); 2 nd in SuperMotocross 250 final standings (1 overall win)

ALL ABOUT THE CHASE: RED BULL KTM’S NEW SUPERCROSS STAR VISITS KTM HQ FOR THE FIRST TIME2023 MX news

KTM swung open the doors to their Motorsports HQ this week and welcomed brand new AMA Supercross and Motocross racer – 2023 450SX Champion – Chase Sexton, for the 24-year-old’s first visit and look around the factory.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s fresh recruit travelled to Munderfing to meet the technical team and all the staff behind the creation of the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION that he will race in the 2024 AMA 450SX series, the AMA Pro Motocross 450 Class championship and the three-round ‘play-off’ SuperMotocross contest that ties up both ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ disciplines. Sexton is one of the brightest stars of the busy and immensely popular U.S. racing scene after fighting all summer for the 2022 motocross crown (that went down to the final moto) and then ran hot into 2023 supercross where he was able to lift the coveted title.

Before an intense schedule of testing and preparation takes place with a view to Anaheim 1 in January – the opening date of supercross usually falls close to the launch of the Dakar rally and kicks the new international racing season off at full gas – Sexton had the full orange immersion in Austria.

He toured the 9500m2 Motorsport building where the machinery for motocross, Enduro, Rally and MotoGP are readied for almost 70 factory racers, and all the support vehicles, material and structures are housed. Then after a blast around the block with Member of the Board Hubert Trunkenpolz in a X-BOW GT-XR he threaded through the factory assembly lines in Mattighofen where he was able to watch the 2024 KTM 450 SX-F being built, the base of the motorcycle he’ll steer in competition next year, as the bike rolled away from processing. Lastly Chase was able to get familiar with the full KTM story and a racing heritage that now counts on nearly 340 different FIM world titles thanks to the vivid display in the KTM Motohall.

Chase will front 2024 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in North America with Aaron Plessinger, Tom Vialle and Julien Beaumer as teammates.

Chase Sexton: “Very cool! It’s been special to come here and meet everybody, see how the heart of the KTM racing program and also where my race bike is born. Then in the Motohall learning all the history and the racing story of KTM is very motivating; it makes me want to get on the bike and ride right now. KTM are very successful, definitely a winning manufacturer, and my plan is to get them back on top and to keep that rolling. At the factory I’d never really seen anything like the assembly lines before and the variety of motorcycles being built and how fast they are done by hand. I won’t forget this day.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “When we brought Chase into our structure and family we knew we were welcoming a fantastic motorcycle racer, but also a very warm and positive character. Having him here and being able to show the spirit and the organization that will be right behind him next year was a crucial moment and the best way to officially begin our story. It means Chase can connect even more with us and the company when he is racing in our colors on the other side of the world and in a very important market and championship. It was good to see how impressed he was by everything, and I think it helps him know the full force that he can count on. We really believe in his talent and his mentality and I thank him for putting his trust in us. I’m looking forward to seeing what memories we can create together.”

GUILLEM FARRES JOINS ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING FOR 2024THIRD 250 CLASS RIDER ADDED ALONGSIDE RJ HAMPSHIRE AND CASEY COCHRAN

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing has welcomed Guillem Farres for the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) season, joining RJ Hampshire and rookie Casey Cochran within the three-rider 250 Class program.

The 20-year-old Spaniard will be onboard the FC 250 leading into next year, committed to the AMA Supercross Championship, in addition to the AMA Pro Motocross Championship and SMX Finals Series.

Farres first arrived in U.S. competition during the late stages of the 2022 outdoor season, immediately displaying front-running potential with a series of top-10 results. He continued that trend in the opening part of the 2023 series and scored a top-five moto finish at the beginning of Pro Motocross, however, was unfortunately injured in round three and didn’t return to action.

An opportunity to join Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is an exciting one for Farres, set to make his 250SX debut in 2024, before continuing to build upon his promise in 250MX, while training as part of the Baker’s Factory program in Florida.

“I am really happy to be joining the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team for this upcoming season,” Farres said. “I am also super-excited to start this new chapter of my career after a tough year due to injuries. Now, I am fully healed and ready to get on the new bike. I can’t wait to get started at the Baker’s Factory – it is an honor to be part of such a legendary program with Aldon [Baker] and all the guys.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager, Nathan Ramsey, said that Farres has been on the team’s radar since his first appearance in AMA Pro Motocross and is confident that his capabilities will translate into strong results as experience continues to grow.

“Guillem caught our eye in 2022 when he came to the US for a couple of races,”explained Ramsey. “Then when he started the 2023 MX series, he once again showed signs of great speed and potential. He has a great attitude and work ethic, which I believe will lead to great things in the future. The sky is the limit for Guillem and we are happy to welcome him to the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team.”

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING AND CHASE SEXTON OFFICIALLY UNITE FOR 2024 AND BEYOND

SMX announcement

Introducing Chase Sexton, the reigning 450SX Champion and latest addition to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ahead of the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) season.

The 24-year-old will begin to defend his 2023 AMA Supercross Championship onboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION when the gate drops in January at Anaheim 1, READY TO RACE into an exciting new era for both himself and the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing organization.

Sexton has officially united with KTM to contest the AMA Supercross Championship, AMA Pro Motocross Championship, and high-profile SMX Finals Series in a multi-year commitment, also adopting a striking, new single-digit career number of four entering this next stage of his professional career.

But first, the Illinois-raised Sexton will line up with the No. one plate in his 450SX title defense and is already getting down to business in a bid to commence his highly-anticipated partnership with KTM at the highest of levels together from the outset.

Sexton clinched a first-career premier class Supercross Championship in May this year with six Main Event victories to his credit and went on to claim fourth position in the final 450MX standings, despite missing multiple rounds in the first half of the outdoors.

He then placed P3 overall following the inaugural SMX post-season to complete the marathon 31-round schedule, winning the hybrid-type Charlotte event to open the playoffs, and once again established himself as a legitimate title challenger across each discipline in taking the championship down to the wire.

Chase Sexton:“I’m extremely excited to join the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing organization. Not only is the equipment top-notch, but the team personnel and their drive to win is, too. From the first time I walked in those doors, Roger [De Coster], Ian [Harrison], the team, and the entire KTM company have been nothing but accommodating. I think we have a bright future together and I’m eager to get to work.”

Ian Harrison – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager:“Our goal with Chase from the onset is to make him feel welcomed and truly at home with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. During these early days, we are working toward preparing a great race package for both Chase and the team to build from. I really think that we can deliver the full factory support system that he longs for and deserves, and I also feel strongly that Chase will continue to elevate the team and our riders to a stronger position. We look forward to being in the fight in 2024 and thank him for trusting in us.”

Roger De Coster – Director of Motorsports, North America:“We are always watching and looking at riders progressing through their early years and Chase’s progress has been very impressive. I am impressed by his determination and tenacity on the track, as well as his professionalism in the way that he handles himself off the track, and our entire U.S. team is thrilled to have the opportunity to work and grow with Chase in the coming years. Our brand values align with those of Chase, so collectively we are really excited to see what the future has in store for both of us and what we can all achieve together.”

The competitive debut of Sexton and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is scheduled to take place at Round 1 of the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship – again doubling as the SMX season-opener – in Anaheim, California, on Saturday, January 6.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TO TAKE CASEY COCHRAN PRO IN 2024TEENAGER SET TO OPEN FULL-TIME AMA SUPERCROSS AND PRO MOTOCROSS CAREER WITHIN SMX SERIES

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will take Casey Cochran into the professional ranks full-time in 2024, scheduled to contest the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) onboard the FC 250.

Cochran, 17, has enjoyed an outstanding final year in amateur competition, in which he clinched the Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C class title in the 2023 AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s, as well as the Supercross Futures AMA National Championship in Salt Lake City and the Moto Combine overall at RedBud.

The teenage Virginia native gained immense experience in his first pro-level appearances across the final two rounds of this year’s AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Budds Creek and the Ironman National, which will also help in setting him up for a full-time transition next year with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing.

« I’ve really enjoyed this past year working with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing and getting to know everyone, so I’m super-excited to extend what we have going on and progress into the pro ranks with such a good team behind me, » Cochran commented. « Couldn’t be more stoked for the future! »

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager, Nathan Ramsey, welcomed Cochran to the factory program and is excited to see him progress throughout the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship and Pro Motocross Championship, leading into the SMX Finals series.

« Casey put together an amazing final year as our elite Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing amateur athlete and he absolutely hit all the marks that we put together for him to earn his first pro contract, » explained Ramsey.

« I am both happy and proud to have Casey join our pro team. He’s a very hard worker and is full of potential for a great future with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team. Now, I am looking forward to spending some time with him during the off-season as he builds into 2024. »