Most Likely: A Very Early Look at 450 2026 Silly Season

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Happy New Year and a new season of Monster Energy Supercross, which kicks off Saturday, Jan 11 at Angel Stadium. Earlier this week, we put together a list of team changes for the 450 Class entering the new year. In that piece, we looked at what the current state of contracts are in the class, and let’s just say: this off-season is going to be wild with a lot of riders up at the end of the year.

In this edition of “Most Likely” I take a stab where I “THINK” some riders could land. This is all pure speculation and just an opinion, so if any agents, wives or parents are mad, please contact Jason Weigandt. Thanks!

Where are Chase Sexton and Aaron Plessinger most likely to land after 2025?

This is very dependent on what happens with Pierer Mobility Group (which owns KTM, GasGas and Husqvarna). There are a ton of rumors as to what will happen with the brand going forward, including pulling out of MotoGP. If you want to read a good piece on the road racing side of it, check out this David Emmett article on Moto Matters.

With the brand in flux at least for the first part of 2025 (and probably beyond), I could see Sexton going to another brand after his current contract is up. With Eli Tomac leaving Monster Energy/Yamaha Star Racing, I could see Sexton moving over to take his spot.

If Sexton were to leave, I think KTM finds a way to keep Plessinger. He’s re-signed on a lot of one-year deals, but I think they sign him long-term (two years) after his current contract is up.

Where is Cooper Webb most likely to land after 2025?

I think Webb returns to Star. He loves it there, is gelling with the bike and I’d think wants to end his career where it started.

Where is Jason Anderson most likely to land after 2025?

This will be one of the biggest off-season moves at the end of the year. If Bobby Hewitt hadn’t parted with Triumph, I would have said it was a shoo-in Anderson would lead Triumph’s 450 debut season in 2026. Although Hewitt is gone, I still think Anderson could end up at Triumph or return to Kawasaki. If I had to say right now, I’ll lean toward a move to Triumph.

Where is Ken Roczen most likely to land after 2025?

I have to think he is going to be a major target for Ducati as they enter their first season in the U.S. in 2026. Kenny is a global star and fits the mold of Ducati. If Kenny doesn’t go there, I think he returns to HEP Suzuki, where he has found a good home in the latter stages of his career.

Where is Malcolm Stewart most likely to land after 2025?

As noted above, this is very dependent on what happens with PMG going into 2025 and beyond. If Husqvarna remains on the gates in 2026, I think Malcolm returns. If not, maybe a move to Triumph or Ducati is in play. Going to be wild off-season next year that’s for sure.

Main image: KTM Images