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A rather tame off-season received a massive injection on Friday, as Monster Energy Kawasaki and Chase Sexton officially parted ways just one year into a multi-year deal.
Following months of speculation, the plug was finally pulled on a relationship that, from the outside looking in, never seemed to work for either side. For Kawasaki, it’s another off-season filled with questions surrounding the program, just one year removed from its high-profile split with Jorge Prado.
For Sexton, it’s another team change after just one season, one that likely comes with some financial consequences and leaves him with precious little time to prepare for the upcoming 2027 season.
But the million-dollar question is obvious: Where in the world is Chase Sexton going?
His options might be limited, especially this late in the game, but let’s not pretend teams wouldn’t find a way to make room for a rider of Sexton’s caliber. Former 450 Supercross and Pro Motocross champions don’t exactly grow on trees. When one suddenly becomes available, you at least pick up the phone.
I’m always straightforward about what I know and what I don’t. And in this case, I’ll tell you right now: I have no idea where Sexton is going to land. Like everyone else, I’ve heard some things, but nothing substantial enough that I’d feel comfortable presenting it as fact.
That doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun with it.
We all have a pretty good idea of the potential landing spots, some more realistic than others. So, for this week’s GUTS Power Rankings, I’m ranking Sexton’s possible destinations based on where I think he’s most likely to end up.
4: Quad Lock Honda
Full credit to Steve Matthes, he of PulpMX Hockey fame, for this one. I hadn’t heard this possibility floated until Steve brought it up on his Reaction Podcast last week. And, honestly, the more I think about it, the more sense it makes.
Quad Lock Honda is looking to make a splash in the U.S., and while the team certainly has plenty of talent, rumors of Joey Savatgy heading to Ducati could leave a sizable hole in the program. What better way to make a statement than signing a former 450SX and 450MX champion?
Of course, there are some hurdles. Honda has a new bike coming, and parts availability could be an issue. And then there’s the obvious question of money.
Do I think this is the most likely destination? No. But I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss it, either. Stranger things have happened in this sport.
3: Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
Depending on which rumors you believe, this may or may not even be a realistic option. There have been reports that Star would want Sexton training at the GOAT Farm, while Sexton would prefer to stick with his own program. Then there’s the financial side of things to sort out, especially with Factory Yamaha handling the 450 side of the Star operation.
But let’s put all that aside for a second.
From a pure racing standpoint, I think this is the best fit for Sexton, particularly when it comes to his comfort on the motorcycle. Star has established itself as one of the elite programs in the premier class, with plenty of resources, talented people behind the scenes, and arguably the best 450 on the gate.
For a rider who has spent the last few years searching for that perfect feeling on the bike, it’s hard to imagine a better landing spot. If I’m Sexton, I’m doing everything I can to make a deal with Star happen. The pieces are there for him to get back to winning races and contending for championships.
Will it actually happen, though? Ehhh. Maybe?
2: HEP Suzuki
Yes, the bike is old. But guess what? It still gets the job done at a pretty high level. Need proof? Ken Roczen just won a Supercross title on it, and Justin Barcia believed in the program enough to sign on this off-season.
Pipes Motorsports Group has quickly established itself as one of the premier non-factory teams in the paddock. They’ve attracted major outside sponsors, proven they can win races, and now have a championship to show for it. Perhaps just as importantly, they’ve built a team atmosphere that riders genuinely seem to enjoy. Just ask Kenny.
And for a rider like Sexton, who has struggled to find comfort and consistency with his last couple of teams, that might be worth more than people realize.
I actually think this is where Sexton ends up. Well, I would, if not for…
1: Red Bull KTM
Would KTM welcome Sexton back? Better yet, would Sexton even want to go back?
Things certainly didn’t end on the best of terms, but with Eli Tomac retiring, KTM suddenly has a pretty big hole to fill. Sure, Lucas Coenen is already a title favorite in Pro Motocross, but his Supercross ability remains a question mark, especially coming off an injury. Adding a proven champion like Sexton alongside Jorge Prado would give KTM one heck of a lineup heading into 2027.
And let’s not forget, Sexton and KTM have had success together. They won a Pro Motocross title in 2024, even if the relationship ultimately went south.
I don’t know why I keep coming back to this pairing. Maybe it’s because KTM did something similar last year by bringing Prado back into the fold, and that seems to have worked out pretty well. Maybe it’s because there’s already a history of success between Sexton and the Austrian brand. Or maybe I’m just overthinking the whole thing.
Call it a GUT feeling (pun absolutely intended), but I’ve got Sexton returning to orange in 2027. Now, wouldn’t that be something?
