The Silly Season Week: Webb Takes a Husqvarna Into the Playoffs

Cooper Webb's exit from Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha is confirmed, per SwapMoto, and the team turnover that follows is already visible. The Pulp MX Show goes further and has Webb on Husqvarna for 2027, throwing a leg over the bike during the SMX playoffs, racing it at the Motocross of Nations and then again at World Supercross in the UK. Both of those Pulp MX items sit in our confirmed column.

The knock-on is immediate. Pulp MX reports Nate Thrasher leaving Star Yamaha for Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki, graded A. From the same show, an A-grade claim that Justin Barcia has signed with HEP Motorsports Suzuki, described as his last remaining option.

The biggest rider news of the week comes from the Racer X podcasts, who report Eli Tomac will retire after the three SMX playoff rounds. Grade A, and nothing official yet.

Racer X also carries two more A-grade lines: Jason Anderson returning for the playoffs via the wild card races, and an unnamed rider, third overall at SMX Columbus, saying he will be on a different team or programme in 2027. Take your pick from a short list.

Pulp MX adds an A-grade note that Jed Beaton had planned to ride the playoffs and is no longer doing them.

Elsewhere in the confirmed pile: Jo Shimoda back in the 250 class with Honda HRC alongside Chance Hymas, per MX2K. Derek Kelley signed by Beta USA on a two-year 250SX deal, per GateDrop, taking the Liqui Moly Beta Race Team into 250 Supercross. Matt Moss to Joe Rascal Racing Ducati for the Australian Supercross Championship, per MXVice. Mads Fredsoe and Cat Moto Bauerschmidt KTM have parted after two seasons, reported by both GateDrop and MXVice. GateDrop also confirms D70 Honda Racing, a new Scottish outfit entering Pro-level UK championships and European events from 2027, and Andrea Rossi joining SevenSeven2 Ride Kawasaki for Blaxhall.

One denial. Kove told the Vital MX Show they have no factory team and have not signed Chase Sexton.

Thirty-nine new claims, 27 confirmations, one denial, 192 rumours live on the board.

Next week: does Tomac say it himself, and who fills the second Star Yamaha seat?