Most Likely: The Biggest 450 Silly Season Move This Off-Season; What Would Vialle Do and More

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With no racing last weekend, we changed things up a bit for this edition of Most Likely. We look into the MONSTER upcoming 450 silly season, we dig into the minds of KTM and more.

Read on…

RELATED: The 2026 450 Silly Season Could Be Massive

Which 450 rider is most likely to move teams this off-season?

Slaw: Waffle, waffle, waffle… Yep, I’m going to waffle here a bit, because the obvious answer here is Chase Sexton. Jett and Hunter are locked up. Webb is going to return to Star (most likely) and the other big pieces will all fall when Sexton makes a decision. Here comes the waffle: I have no idea what he’s going to do. And, further, where does he go? Star? Kawasaki? I don’t foresee him going to Triumph unless they unload the money truck, and Honda is full. If I had to make a prediction right this second, I think he stays. But don’t hold me to this.

RELATED: Things to Watch: Tom Vialle Would Be Forced to 450SX Class If He Wins Second Title

If Tom Vialle wins a second 250 title and points out, what’s his most likely move?

Slaw: This could be massive for KTM and Vialle’s future. This reminds me of a Malcolm Stewart/Justin Bogle situation. Riders, who maybe at the time could have used another year or two in 250SX, getting forced up by winning titles. IF he does win the title, I’d go the Justin Cooper route. Race some select 450SX events in 2026, then race 250 Pro Motocross and go full-time 450 in 2027. Oh, and I think KTM would retain him. He’s been too valuable to the brand.

The points in the 250SX East Division are TIGHT, who needs a win this weekend the most?

Slaw: Is it weird to say Max Anstie? Ever since his press day crash (and in the first turn in the 250SX main event), Anstie hasn’t looked the same. After starting the season 1-2 (should have been 1-1), he’s gone 6-7 and lost control of the points lead. If this break benefited anyone, it was Max. If only just for his own self confidence, I think Max is the rider that needs a good result the most this weekend.

Images: @octopi.media