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The 2027 SMX season is still a few months away, but silly season has already delivered some major moves in the 450 class. Several big names are headed to new teams, and more changes are expected as the offseason continues.
While we’re still waiting on a few official announcements—including Malcolm Stewart’s expected move to Monster Energy Kawasaki—we already know where several high-profile riders are headed for 2027.
Here’s a look at who’s changing teams for next year (with more to come) and where they’re headed.
RJ Hampshire to Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull Ducati
Heading into their second 450 SMX season, Ducati will have an all-new lineup. Dylan Ferrandis (retired) and Justin Barcia (Suzuki) are gone and we know at least one rider who is moving to the team. With Rockstar Energy Husqvarna shutting down its factory program, RJ Hampshire was left looking for a new home and he found it with Ducati, as a multi-year deal was announced this week.
Hampshire joined Husqvarna in 2020 on the 250 team before moving up to the 450 Class in 2025.
“I am super excited for this opportunity,” said Hampshire. “I was interested right away so Ziggy and Josh were the first call. They wanted me here just as much as I wanted to be here. To start this relationship off with a newer team and a newer program, I am excited to give them my best for the next couple of years, be able to progress and put in the results. Super excited for this Ducati Desmo 450, had my first day on it and I’m stoked and I’m walking away with a lot of positives. Riding for Troy Lee is something you always dream of as a kid and to have this opportunity at this point in my career I feel super blessed. I’m ready for this refresh and looking forward to 2027.”
Cooper Webb to Rocky Mountain ATV/MC/Monster Energy/Team Tedder Husqvarna
Cooper Webb has signed a multi-year deal with the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC/Monster Energy/Team Tedder Husqvarna team. He made his debut at the Motocross of Nations at Ernee. The deal is for Supercross and the Playoffs only. Webb will not race Pro Motocross in 2027.
“I’m very excited for the future,” commented Webb. “Team Tedder and their entire family have given me an awesome opportunity to go racing on my own terms and put together a program that I believe is capable of chasing championships. I think it’s going to be the perfect balance of bringing together a family-oriented environment and the competitiveness to win. I’ll make my debut this weekend aboard the Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition for Team USA at the Motocross of Nations. It’ll be my first time competing on the Husqvarna, but it gives me a lot of confidence to return to a platform that I’ve had so much success on throughout my career. Early in my career, Roger [De Coster] and their entire crew helped turn my 450 career around, so it’s a special moment to once again have them supporting me during the later part of my career. I’ve got a lot of fight left in me and I’m motivated to get back on top.”
Aaron Plessinger to 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing
AP is headed to 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing on a two-year deal to race the SuperMotocross Championship. Plessinger will make his first official appearance for the British manufacturer at Triumph’s Global Dealer Conference in Thailand from October 6-9, 2026. His first competitive outing aboard the Triumph will then come at the Paris Supercross in November.
“I’m super excited to be joining 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing,” said Plessinger in a team release. I’ve been watching what the team has been building over the last few years and I really believe in the potential of both the team and the TF 450-X. We all want the same thing, which is to win races and fight for championships, and I’m excited to be part of that journey. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone, spending time with the team in Thailand at the Global Dealer Conference, and then getting back to Georgia to start testing properly. The Paris Supercross will be a great way to begin this new chapter, and after that we’ll really get to work preparing for the 2027 SuperMotocross season. Hopefully I can bring plenty of good times, some victories, and put Triumph right in the fight for championships.”
Justin Barcia Back to Suzuki
BamBam is headed back to Suzuki, as he’ll race with the HEP Motorspots Suzuki team in 2027. The agreement is for the 2027 season and includes a mutual option for both parties to extend the relationship through the 2028 season.
“I’m thrilled to be joining a championship winning team like Pipes Motorsports Group and a proven bike like the Suzuki RM-Z450 for the upcoming season,” said Barcia. “This is a fresh start for me, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. Dustin, the team, and everyone involved have built a top tier program, and I’m ready to put in the work this offseason, give it my all and deliver results. Can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
