New CRF 450 Enters Works Connection R&D

Keep an eye out for new Works Connections deve;lopments for the 2027 Honda CRF 450

Sacha Coenen – First SMX Next?

Will Sacha Coenen be at the starting gate for the opening round of the 250SX pros? On Donn "Swap" Maeda's Kickstart Podcast, a different entry point was discussed. The Belgian could initially ride in SMX Next and only then move up to the 250SX East. KTM confirmed Sacha for their 250cc factory team a few weeks ago. At the time, the Austrian manufacturer left open which division he would ride in and whether he would compete in the junior class beforehand.

Southwick showed Sacha's pace and risk

During his guest appearances in the US this year, Sacha demonstrated his speed on a new motocross track. He won the second moto in Thunder Valley and both motos in Southwick. There, he gained more than 33 seconds on the second-place finisher in the first moto. In the second moto, he crashed shortly before the finish, breaking his right collarbone, yet still managed to win. Six days after surgery, he finished eighth in the MX2 Grand Prix at Foxhill.

But Supercross is a different ballgame. Even a top MX2 World Championship rider has to get used to the tight approaches and jump sequences in the stadium. Given the crashes Sacha has already experienced, the concern about an injury upon his return is justified. His outdoor results show how much speed he possesses. How reliably he can maintain that speed in the stadium will only become clear under different conditions.

What changes in the crowd

In training, Sacha can approach a rhythm section on a clear track and choose the point at which to accelerate. In the race, it's enough if the rider in front of him changes line or hesitates briefly before the jump. Then Sacha has to decide during the approach whether to still jump the planned combination. If he takes the first jump individually, he'll arrive at the next obstacle at a different speed and has to replan the rest of the section.

For KTM, a lap in the middle of the pack can therefore be more revealing than the fastest lap of the evening. How does Sacha react when he misses his preferred line after the start? How quickly does he find his rhythm again after missing a combination? A race in SMX Next can be invaluable for precisely this purpose. But before Sacha can handle such situations in the pack, he needs to have mastered the jump sequences in practice. Brian Moreau's crash demonstrated just how much can be at stake even before the first race start.

Brian Moreau crashed during free practice.

The Frenchman was the EMX125 European Champion and had already competed in the MX2 World Championship when he was scheduled to make his US Supercross debut in Tampa in 2020. He crashed in a rhythm section during free practice and suffered a severe spinal cord injury, resulting in paraplegia.

For Sacha, the question of the right timing arises even before a potential start at SMX Next. The crucial factor is whether he can find a clean alternative in training even if the run-up for his planned combination is suddenly unavailable. A stint in the junior class could then demonstrate how well he can replicate this under race conditions.

Is an MX2 factory rider allowed to start in the SMX Next series?

SMX Next aims to guide amateur riders towards the US professional championships. For 2027, 25 starting slots are planned per race. Up to 20 of these will be awarded based on results in US amateur races, with at least five by invitation. Starting in 2027, the supplemental regulations stipulate a minimum age of 16 and AMA Category A status on the day of the event. Licensed Supercross riders who have qualified for the evening program at an AMA Supercross race in the past three seasons are ineligible.

Sacha's MX2 starts alone don't prevent him from participating in SMX Next in Supercross. The rule that excludes riders with younger starts in the 40-rider field of an MXGP or MX2 Grand Prix applies to the Moto Combine in motocross. For Sacha, an invitation in Supercross would be the obvious path. Whether he receives the necessary AMA classification and a starting place remains to be seen.

From a sporting perspective, his participation would be exceptional. Sacha is just starting out in US Supercross, but he comes as a third-place finisher in the MX2 World Championship, a KTM factory rider, and a winner of a US National. For him, SMX Next would be an opportunity to gain racing experience in the stadium. For the other riders, it's about scoring points in a series designed to pave the way to the professional ranks. With Sacha at the starting gate, there would be a rider who has already made that step in motocross.

Before the East Coast kickoff, only Anaheim remains.

SMX Next kicks off on January 22nd and 23rd in Anaheim. The second event follows on February 5th and 6th in Tampa, where the 250SX East race will already be held on Saturday. According to the supplemental regulations, Sacha can only compete in one of the two classes at the same event. If KTM wants to use him at the East opener, he has exactly one SMX Next weekend beforehand. If he also races in the junior class in Tampa, his East debut will be postponed to a later round. For that, he needs the appropriate AMA Supercross license.

There are two weeks between Anaheim and Tampa. If Sacha secures a starting position in Anaheim, KTM could use this time to specifically address the issues that caused him difficulties in his first outing. A second race in SMX Next would reveal what improvements he's made since Anaheim. If he moves directly to the East series, he'll need to demonstrate these improvements in the professional field. How much adjustment he actually needs will be easier to assess after Anaheim than it is now based on the calendar.

Can Vince Friese Find His Form?

It's been a relatively quiet start – in more ways than one – for Vince Friese in Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross, tasked with developing Stark Future's factory VARG as part of the electric motocross manufacturer's pointed global expansion while still motivated to return to true form on the international stage. MotoOnline's Alex Gobert had the chance to speak with the polarizing American following Auckland last weekend, in this First Person interview.

Why Quad Lock Honda could land Sexton

The case for a Honda reunion with independent machinery.

A blockbuster signing of Chase Sexton would instantly transform Quad Lock Honda into a championship contender for 2027, and the shock move remains an intriguing possibility at this late stage of the off-season. Here’s why it’s suddenly gaining momentum.

With Pipes Motorsports Group (PMG) now apparently out of the picture, attention has increasingly centered on a potential reunion with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. However, the Australian-owned Quad Lock Honda operation could still emerge as his surprise destination following a single season at Monster Energy Kawasaki.

Adding to the intrigue, Sexton returned to riding today still wearing a Monster Energy helmet, without revealing his newfound ride or location. The helmet alone doesn’t establish his future, but it adds another question to the rumored return to Red Bull KTM. That said, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing has also remained an outside possibility.

Sexton’s recent appearance on the ‘Candid Coverage’ YouTube channel offered another important detail this week, suggesting his next motorcycle will likely come from a manufacturer he has previously represented. That would seemingly point toward either KTM or Honda, but we know it’s not Honda HRC Progressive.

The Austrian manufacturer appears the more obvious option and even logical on paper since Sexton knows the team, enjoyed considerable success during his two years there, and would return to a full factory environment. Equally though, the pairing did experience their share of difficulties in 2024 and 2025, further making a different direction conceivable.

Instead, a potential move to Yarrive Konsky’s Quad Lock-backed independent Honda team is an alternative that shouldn’t be overlooked. And Sexton’s previous success aboard Honda’s CRF450R is particularly significant, especially if this new 2027 platform is shaping up to be the best version yet.

During his longstanding stint in red, Sexton captured the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross 450SX championship with Team Honda HRC before departing for Red Bull KTM, where he subsequently secured the 2024 Pro Motocross 450MX crown. And in 2025 he won no less than seven 450SX main events equipped with the 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

Those achievements underline his ability to win races and championships on different makes of bikes, but still, a return to familiar Honda machinery could prove appealing as he looks to rebuild momentum following his Kawasaki departure. At this point, Chase Sexton needs to find stability in his career. And confidence in those surrounding him.

The timing could work in Quad Lock Honda’s favor, too. The organization has continued expanding its American presence, with Michael Mosiman joining Cameron McAdoo and Brodie Connolly in its strengthened 250 program for 2027 – and with factory HRC backing looming – while Christian Craig continues in the 450 ranks. As well, Joey Savatgy’s exit creates opportunity.

There would be no greater statement of intent than securing Sexton, and there is also another relevant precedent at play. Konsky previously worked with Ken Roczen following his departure from HRC in 2022, when the German raced with the team in World Supercross and Paris, before ultimately signing with the PMG-operated Suzuki organization.

Four years later, Quad Lock Honda is a more established operation, entering its eighth season in the US, where it has greater experience, a more developed structure and the freshly-announced involvement of Kevin Windham. Those factors could help make its case to another established champion considering his next move.

The challenge now would have to be assembling the commercial backing, technical resources, and required factory support necessary to properly accommodate Sexton across the complete Monster Energy SMX World Championship season because, naturally, signing a rider of his caliber would bring title expectations.

And Quad Lock Honda does have results to support its ambitions. From Justin Brayton’s 450SX podium at Houston in 2021 under the Muc-Off Honda banner to Savatgy’s competitive form this past season, Konsky’s team has demonstrated its ability to challenge its established factory opposition. Achievements in WSX and Australia reinforce that.

There is no confirmation that any Sexton agreement is in place, which is why it is important to note that this purely remains a case for why negotiations could be very real behind closed doors. For Konsky, attracting Sexton would represent the biggest signing in his team’s history — and potentially change its trajectory for good, just as Roczen did with PMG a few short years ago.

Racing with the Elements

 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Rally Team 2027 | KTM

2027 SMX Changes

The 2027 SMX Championship will introduce several changes, with the SMX League announcing an expanded SMX Next development pathway and a new 109 dB sound limit for professional competition.

The changes are aimed at strengthening the sport’s future, providing a clearer pathway for amateur riders to reach the professional ranks while also addressing noise levels and the long-term sustainability of motocross and supercross venues.

SMX Next Gets Global Pathway

The biggest development for aspiring racers is the expansion of the SMX Next programme, which will bring together Supercross, Pro Motocross and the newly introduced SMX Next Australia series to determine the field for the SMX Next World All-Star Championship.

From 2027, SMX Next will feature at 10 regular-season events, with five races held during Monster Energy Supercross and another five during Pro Motocross. Riders will earn points across both championships, and the top 15 prospects will automatically qualify for the postseason.

The fifth and final SMX Next race in each series will be a Showdown event, with the Supercross Showdown at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on April 3 and the Pro Motocross Showdown at Ironman Raceway on August 27.

Australia will also have a pathway into the international programme through SMX Next Australia, with up to three riders earning postseason qualification based on their combined points from SMX Next races held during the Australian Supercross Championship.

Four additional riders will be selected by invitation, creating a 22-rider field for the SMX Next World All-Stars, which will contest two postseason races at SMX Playoff 1 on September 11 and Playoff 2 on September 18.

The programme will also provide opportunities for amateur riders to qualify through six major American amateur events, including Loretta Lynn’s and Mini O’s, with results from the 2026 events determining places in the 2027 SMX Next season.

The expansion builds on the success of the programme, which has already helped develop riders such as Haiden Deegan and Cole Davies into established names in the SMX World Championship.

New 109 dB Sound Limit for 2027

Alongside the development pathway changes, the SMX League has confirmed a new maximum sound limit of 109 dB for professional competition, reducing the current AMA limit of 112 dB by three decibels.

The new standard will take effect from the opening round of the 2027 championship at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on January 9.

Developed in collaboration with the series manufacturers, AMA Pro Racing and the American Motorcyclist Association, the change is intended to reduce the impact of motorcycle noise beyond the track and help protect access to motocross venues, local riding areas and the communities surrounding them.

All manufacturers competing in SMX League events have committed to producing motorcycles that meet the updated standard, creating a common requirement across the championship.

The SMX League says the reduction is also expected to improve the experience for spectators at events, including better communication within stadiums and venues, while providing a more balanced sound for television audiences.

The new limit will require teams and manufacturers to prepare their machinery ahead of the 2027 season, with technical guidance being provided to help riders and independent teams make the transition.

HOLESHOT - The SX Series Documentary

Dirt, adrenaline, hard-fought battles, and pure passion – welcome to the world of the 2026 SX-Series!

A Rare Spirit Needs Your Prayers

PRAYERS NEEDED FOR MXA’S JODY WEISEL & HIS FAMILY

By Tim Olson

Since 1977, Jody Weisel has been more than the lifeblood of Motocross Action Magazine—he is its conscience, its sharp wit and the beating heart of an entire sport. For nearly five decades, Jody has dedicated his life to a singular, unyielding mission: protecting and championing the everyday racer. He knows what it takes to wake up before dawn, load a beat-up truck, pay an entry fee with hard-earned money and wait on a cold starting line for the love of two wheels and the drop of a gate. Jody believes with every fiber of his being that racers deserve the unvarnished truth, whether it’s about a factory flaw, an overhyped part or a bike that simply isn’t ready for the track.

He doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t bow to advertising dollars, corporate pressure or the fragile egos of motorcycle manufacturers. If an engine bogs, a frame cracks or a component fails the working man, Jody says so plainly and fearlessly in black and white. Because of that relentless integrity, Motocross Action is far more than a monthly publication; it is the “Bible” of motocross, trusted by generations of riders who turn to Jody’s guidance before spending their hard-earned money on their passion.

A few weeks ago, Jody suffered a serious stroke—a sudden, life-altering event that has profoundly changed the world for him and those closest to him. Most of all, it has changed daily life for his beloved wife, Sally, cherished by readers for decades as Jody’s devoted “Lovely Louella.” Behind every column, every late night at the keyboard and every test session in the Glen Helen dust, Sally has been his anchor, his partner and his greatest source of grace.

To Jody, the global motocross community is more than a readership—it is his extended family, bound together by premix, bruised knuckles and mutual respect. Today, that family needs to stand shoulder to shoulder for him. We are asking the thousands of riders, mechanics, industry friends and devoted readers whose lives have been touched by his words to wrap Jody and Louella in love, strength, comfort and prayers. Jody has spent nearly fifty years fighting on our behalf; now it is our turn to lift him up as he faces the day-by-day challenges of recovery and rehabilitation.

Jody’s wisdom, values and uncompromising standards are stitched into the very fabric of Motocross Action. While his desk is quiet for now, the team he built continues to uphold the truth and passion he stands for. Above all the magazines, track designs and stories, our focus is on Jody and his family. We stand beside you, Jody, and we are with you every step of the way.

If you want to send messages and prayers to Jody and his family send them to mxaction@hi-torque.com.

Rocsen and Davies Win Down Under

Round 2 of the 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship, presented by Monster Energy, delivered an action-packed night of racing at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium, with international stars Ken Roczen and Cole Davies claiming the SX1 and SX2 overall victories, respectively, in front of almost 18,000 fans.

The current Monster Energy Supercross 450SX champion Roczen (Pipes Motorsports Group) and reigning 250SX East champion Davies brought further firepower to an already stacked field, presenting a significant challenge for the championship’s regular contenders as supercross made its return to New Zealand.

Their presence was felt immediately at the highly-technical Auckland racetrack, with Roczen clocking the fastest SX1 qualifying time via a 50.246s lap-time, edging out Townsville winner Christian Craig (Quad Lock Honda) and KTM Racing Team’s Luke Clout in the process.

In the SX2 division, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Davies was in a league of his own, capturing P1 in qualifying with a 51.626s time – which was over half a second clear of MXRP Yamaha’s Max Anstie. Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha’s Lux Turner completed the top three.

Roczen and Craig split the SX1 Heat Races, with Craig leading teammate Austin Politelli and Stark Factory Racing’s Vince Friese in Heat 1, while Roczen beat Cedric Soubeyras (Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki) and Clout in Heat 2. All six riders earned a position into Superpole.

Quad Lock Honda’s Kayd Kingsford won SX2 Heat 1 ahead of his brother and teammate, reigning SX2 champion Ryder Kingsford, with Michael Hicks (Stark Factory Racing) completing the top three. Davies continued his winning form in Heat 2, finishing ahead of Turner and Cameron McAdoo (Quad Lock Honda).

The ever-entertaining, one-lap Superpole dash featured the top three finishers from each SX1 Heat Race, with Clout holding the benchmark time until Roczen recorded a blazing 50.085s lap to claim P1. Clout settled for second, ahead of Craig in third.

The electric Triple Crown finals format featured three races in each of the SX1 and SX2 divisions, with riders’ results tallied across all three gate drops to determine the overall positions for the event.

Davies maintained his perfect record in the SX2 division, sweeping all three races to secure the overall victory in front of his home New Zealand fans. McAdoo was second thanks to 2-2-2 results, leading defending number one Ryder Kingsford to complete the podium.

Roczen was also perfect across the three races, fending off challenges from Craig – who finished second – to reign supreme in the SX1 category. Clout was third overall on the night, maintaining his standing as a title challenger following two rounds of Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross competition.

In SMX Next, Jack Deveson (Monster Energy WBR Yamaha) was the rider to beat throughout the three-race format, sweeping the division with a 1-1-1 scorecard ahead of Riley Burgess and Jack Nunn.

The championship now heads back across the Tasman to Australia, with Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium set to host Round 3 on November 7. With the title battles continuing to take shape across both divisions, another action-packed night awaits at the coveted AUSX Open.

Roczen Returns for 2027!

Ken Roczen Inks 2027 Deal, Will Return to Defend Monster Energy AMA Supercross Title

This is the news everyone wanted to hear: Ken Roczen is racing in 2027! This evening his team announced a new contract with the 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Champion with a short statement:

Suzuki is excited to announce that Ken Roczen will return to the AWM Fulfillment PMG Suzuki presented by Progressive/Cycle Gear team for the 2027 Supercross season to defend his championship title aboard the RM-Z450.

Until now, Kenny had not yet said if he would be racing in 2027 or not, but he did say that if he did return, he would approach it with the same fire and focus in which he raced in 2026. That means this isn't merely a farewell tour but a genuine attempt to defend his AMA 450 Supercross Championship.

Ken is actually in action this weekend down in New Zealand. People around the world are pumped to hear this news!