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Power Rankings is back! This week, I’m going to rank the best silly season moves of the off-season. Keep in mind, I’m only taking into account riders that changed teams. I will not focus on riders like say Eli Tomac, who just re-signed. Nope. Does not count.
Also, the rankings below aren’t just taking into account results. I’m looking at team fit, vibes, etc.
While not a ton of 450 riders will be changing teams for 2025 (2026 COULD be a massive year) there were still plenty of changes you may have forgotten about. We’ll dig into the 250 Class next week, which is going to be interesting.
With that said, here are my top 5 silly season moves in the 450 Class.
#1 Jorge Prado to Monster Energy Kawasaki
The obvious choice at #1 is Kawasaki landing the four-time World Champion. We got a glimpse of Prado in Monster Energy Supercross in 2024, but 2025 will mark his full-time debut stateside.
I was chatting with some fellow moto bros about the expectations for Prado in Supercross next year and the predictions raged from “he’ll be a top 5-10 guy” to “he’ll win at least two races.” I tend to lean more toward top 5-10 guy, but we really don’t know for Supercross until we see more.
In terms of Pro Motocross, that’s a different story. He’s a title contender right out of the gate and I can’t wait to see a full season of Jett v Prado v Sexton v Tomac v Hunter and everyone else. This summer is going to fing rock.
#2 Mitchell Oldenburg to Factory Beta
There is a reason why I had Mitch over Joey. While I think Joey will have a stronger Supercross season, Beta is entering year two of being in Monster Energy Supercross and they needed a solid second rider to add with Benny Bloss. And they got that and more with Oldenburg.
Mitch is just solid, year-in and year-out. While he won’t blow you away, at the end of the year he’ll have multiple top-10s and probably finish 10th in points. It’s just what he does. This was a massive pickup for Beta.
#3 Joey Savatgy to Fire Power Honda
With DeanO going on a World Tour in 2025, Fire Power needed another star. They got one in Joe Dog. Perpetually underrated, Joey is going to deliver you consistent results. Although he took a year off of Supercross while with Triumph, Joey should be fine come Anaheim, as he spent the off-season racing the Australian Supercross Championship (where he won the 450 title) and the FIM World Supercross Championship with the team. Great pick up for the Australian-based team.
#4 Christian Craig to Monster Energy/Star Racing Yamaha
Craig returns home and in a different role. While I think we see a much better Craig in 2025 (he is coming off injury, so it might take a bit), I love this deal because what he brings to the team off the track. Craig will help mentor Haiden Deegan and the rest of the 250 squad, while still putting in solid results on the track.
#5 Colt Nichols to HEP Suzuki
Don’t sleep on this deal for the HEP boys. Colt can give you a top 10 on any given Saturday and pairs great alongside Ken Roczen and Kyle Chisholm. He brings a great attitude and won’t disrupt the team vibe, which is what your looking for in a rider like Colt. The big question will be: can he stay healthy for 17 rounds, which is why I have him fifth.
Main image: Kawasaki
