The Silly Season Week: Sexton Leaves Kawasaki And The Bidding Starts

Chase Sexton is leaving the Monster Energy Kawasaki factory team at the end of 2026. MX Vice has that confirmed, and it reshapes the top of the American market overnight.

Where he lands is still guesswork. Gatedrop carries two destination claims, both graded B: that Sexton could sign with Quadlock Honda, and that HEP Suzuki are in the mix. Two B grades pointing in different directions is a market still forming, not a deal done.

Gatedrop also reports a denial: Sexton will not be moving to MXGP. One line, and it closes a door that had been propped open for weeks.

Kawasaki have not been idle. Malcolm Stewart has joined the Monster Energy team, confirmed by Swapmoto, and Gatedrop reports Garrett Marchbanks has earned a 2027 extension. That is a rebuilt line-up before the vacancy had cooled.

The week's other A grade is a long-range one. MX Vice reports Vertemati and REX MOTOR intend to enter the MX2 World Championship in 2028 with newly developed machinery. Two years out, A graded, and worth watching for a prototype sighting.

Less welcome news from Swapmoto, also A graded: Mx6 Racing has shut its doors, leaving its riders without a team. Expect those names to surface in other paddock conversations quickly.

Swapmoto further reports, at A, that Tyler Bereman is Ducati's factory freerider. MX Vice has a B on Tom Steensels hinting at a new role with another MXGP team.

Elsewhere in the confirmed column: Casey Cochran to factory Star Racing Yamaha on a multi-year deal for 2027, per MX2K. Ken Roczen will return to defend his Supercross title, per Swapmoto. Ben Watson takes on the 2027 Arenacross British Championship with Dirt Store Triumph Racing. Nicolo Alvisi joins Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki in EMX250 alongside Francesco Bellei, and Ryan Oppliger steps up to EMX250 with SixtySeven Racing. Lotte van Drunen and De Baets AIT Racing have parted after three seasons, reported by both Gatedrop and MX Vice.

The board: 19 new claims, 69 confirmations, one denial, 65 rumours still live.

Next week should answer whether Honda or Suzuki firms up on Sexton, and where van Drunen signs.