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Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle is now a two-time 250SX champion in Monster Energy AMA Supercross. With his second title, he’s now required to move to the 450 Class in Supercross beginning in 2026. The world doesn’t need another opinion on whether Vialle is a deserving champion (he is, and the two trophies prove it). Instead, let’s look at what this move means going forward—not just for Vialle, but for Red Bull KTM.
In the post-race press conference following Salt Lake City, Vialle was asked about his impending move to the 450SX Class. He explained that the plan was already to transition to the 450 for Pro Motocross in 2026.
“Yeah, I’m actually really excited,” he said. “I’ve been riding the 450 a little bit this year when I was able to ride outdoors, and I think that was the plan anyway, to move next year, next summer for the 450 outdoor. I was still not sure depending on the championship if I was staying in 250 for Supercross or not, but now we have to. I’ve been in 250 for a long time, like my first pro year was 2019, so I’ve been like maybe five or six years that I’m pro in 250, so I feel like that’s a new challenge. I’m gonna work pretty hard this winter to get on the 450, and it’s something new, so I’m pretty excited about it.”
While Vialle is relatively new to the 250 Class in the U.S., he’s been in the class a long time globally. The Frenchman debuted in the MX2 Class in the FIM World Motocross Championship in 2019 and finished fourth overall in his rookie season. He went on to win his first MX2 title in 2020, added a second in 2022, and then made the move to the States.
In his first AMA Supercross season, Vialle finished eighth overall. Since then, he’s captured back-to-back 250SX East Region titles, which now triggers the rule requiring him to move to the 450 Class in Supercross.
It’s important to note—and the key point of this blog—that this rule does not apply to Pro Motocross. There is no equivalent requirement outdoors. A rider could, in theory, race the 250 Class until they’re 50.
What Will Red Bull KTM Do?
Aaron Plessinger has already re-signed for 2026, and rumors suggest Chase Sexton may be moving to another team in next year as his contract is up, opening a spot for Vialle. Meanwhile, the Internet continues to buzz about KTM possibly pursuing Eli Tomac. Does Vialle’s move affect that?
If those rumors are true, it might. But I don’t think Vialle’s promotion necessarily rules out Tomac. KTM could simply choose not to replace Vialle in the 250 Class and instead field three 450 riders. I don’t have insight into KTM’s internal contracts or budget allocations, but from the outside, it seems like a plausible scenario.
What I Think They Should Do…
Follow the Star Racing blueprint with Justin Cooper.
After pointing out in 2022, Cooper remained with Monster Energy/Yamaha Star Racing, raced select 450SX rounds, and returned to the 250 Class for Pro Motocross. He then made the full-time jump to the 450s in 2024. That approach has paid off—Cooper just finished third overall in 450SX and showed major progress by season’s end.
Whether KTM takes a similar path remains to be seen, but it’s definitely something to watch during what’s shaping up to be a wild silly season.
Images: @octopi.media
