Husqvarna To End In-House SMX Team After 2026 Season, Transition to Supporting Independent Teams

The restructuring of the KTM Group (KTM, GasGas, Husqvarna) after last years financial crisis, which saw the Bajaj Mobility AG take over as controlling owners, continued today.

Ahead of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season finale in Salt Lake City this Saturday, the brand announced that following the conclusion of the SuperMotocross Playoffs at the end of the year, it will enter a new phase in which it “will transition away from operating an in-house factory racing team and instead, support independent teams and riders with factory level materials and technical expertise for the SMX series.”

“Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is fully committed to competing at the pinnacle of sport through the remainder of 2026,” the announcement read in part.

GasGas moved away from the SMX Championship prior to the start of the 2026 season.

It is unknown what will happen with riders Malcolm Stewart and RJ Hampshire (450 Class) along with Daxton Bennick, Casey Cochran and Ryder DiFrancesco (250 Class) who are currently under contract with the team.

Below is the full release:

Husqvarna Mobility’s professional motocross and supercross racing program in the United States will enter a new phase at the conclusion of the 2026 SMX World Championship season. From 2027 onward, the brand will transition away from operating an in-house factory racing team and instead, support independent teams and riders with factory level materials and technical expertise for the SMX series. This evolution ensures the brand’s presence in racing at the highest level, while repositioning its focus on the brand’s heritage and wider riding community.

For 2027, Husqvarna Mobility will realign its direction in the North American market, aiming to further differentiate and broadly support Husqvarna’s place within the motorcycle industry – spanning its extensive Motocross, Enduro, Travel, Naked, Supermoto, and Electric model lineup.

A legacy brand built upon performing at the highest levels of competition, Husqvarna’s loyal customer base and collective enthusiasts are passionate about riding – and racing – with a widespread involvement in motorcycling that often stretches across an assortment of disciplines, activities, and events.

Husqvarna Mobility’s influence extends far beyond stadium racing and the professional motocross scene. With the exceptional line-up of offroad competition motorcycles leading the way, the brand has forged a deep connection with riders and explorers alike. Backed by more than 120 years of innovation and a commitment to its pioneering spirit, Husqvarna continues to inspire riders to embrace every kind of journey, whether it’s racing, tackling rugged offroad trails, navigating daily commutes, or touring the open road in between.

As part of this transition point and strategic evolution, Husqvarna will develop an engine leasing program in North America within professional racing. Building on an existing structure, the program will make factory level engines and suspension components available for select teams and riders through a leasing model. The program allows the brand to remain active within SMX into the future, continuing to connect with the Husqvarna fanbase at the races and reinforcing the manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to motorsport.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is fully committed to competing at the pinnacle of sport through the remainder of 2026, including this weekend’s AMA Supercross Championship finals, followed by the entire Pro Motocross Championship and SMX post-season.

Press release