Slaw
Silly season just got a whole lot more interesting.
Chase Sexton and Monster Energy Kawasaki are going their separate ways, bringing an end to a multi-year deal after just one season. Kawasaki announced the news on social media Friday.
“Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. and Chase Sexton have mutually agreed to part ways effective October 23rd, 2026. The 2026 season together was highlighted by achieving two 450 Supercross wins in Anaheim and Salt Lake City, adding Sexton to the long list of Supercross winners with Kawasaki. Kawasaki wishes him the best for the 2027 season.”
Sexton also made an announcement on his social media: “Just want to say thank you @racekawasaki. Very appreciative for all the effort by every person involved and I wish the team and all the staff the best going forward. See you at the races!”
For Sexton, the move marks another significant change in his career. The Illinois native captured the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Championship with Honda before moving to Red Bull KTM, where he added the 2024 Pro Motocross 450 Class title to his résumé.
His lone season with Kawasaki proved challenging. Although Sexton collected two Supercross victories at Anaheim 2 and Salt Lake City, he finished sixth in the championship standings. His Pro Motocross was then cut short after a crash during press day at Thunder Valley resulted in a torn ACL, sidelining him for the remainder of 2026.
For Kawasaki, this is the second year a high-profile rider has left after just one year of a multi-year deal, as Jorge Prado split from the team and signed with Red Bull KTM last off-season.
The relationship between Sexton and Kawasaki had been the subject of speculation for months, particularly surrounding his comfort aboard the KX450. As for what’s next, KTM and Yamaha have both been mentioned as potential landing spots, although no new deal has been announced.
With the 2027 Monster Energy Supercross opener at Anaheim just over two months away, Sexton’s future is suddenly one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.
