Slaw
Riding into 2027 with the most Supercross and Motocross championships, the most shootout wins, and a legacy of dominance, the all-new YZ250F changes the game … again. Welcome to advanced moto technology with a new engine producing more power across the rev range, enhanced handling thanks to its new state-of-the-art aluminum frame, compact ergonomics and updated bodywork and unmatched smartphone tuneability. Learn more.
Since 1997, the AMA has handed out the Horizon Award, an honor given to the A-class rider who shows the most promise as they prepare to make the jump into the professional ranks. Nick Wey was the first recipient of the award and past winners include the likes of Travis Pastrana, James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto, Chase Sexton and more.
In 2017, the American Motorcyclist Association renamed the award in honor of Nicky Hayden, who also won the award in 1997 for his Flat Track achievements, after his tragic passing.
I would need a Fowler Facts or someone to verify this, but I’m pretty sure 2026 was the first year the winner of the Horizon Award didn’t win a class overall. That’s right, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Landon Gibson finished second overall in both Open Pro Sport (8-1-1) and 250 Pro Sport (3-3-1) to claim the award.
This is not disparaging Gibson’s week. Far from it. Aside from a bad first moto in Open Pro Sport, he was solid all week long and while you could argue Ryder Malinoski deserved the award by winning 250 Pro Sport, his 12th overall in Open Pro Sport ended his chances. And no, Zach Osborne should not have won it.
250 Pro Sport Overall
Open Pro Sport Overall
With the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team shutting down at the end of the 2026 SMX season, it was a big week for Gibson. Rumors have him headed to Triumph for 2027, but for now, lets look back at his amateur career via the Vurbmoto Prospect app.
Want more? Dive into rider stats, results, rankings and racing history on the Prospect app for FREE. Download on the App Store or Google Play.
Landen Gordon Amateur Statistics
Every Nicky Hayden AMA Horizon Award Winner
| Year | Rider | Brand |
| 2026 | Landon Gibson | Husqvarna |
| 2025 | Enzo Temmerman | Kawasaki |
| 2024 | Drew Adams | Kawasaki |
| 2023 | Daxton Bennick | Yamaha |
| 2022 | Caden Braswell | GasGas |
| 2021 | Levi Kitchen | Yamaha |
| 2020 | Stilez Robertson | Husqvarna |
| 2019 | Jalek Swoll | Husqvarna |
| 2018 | Derek Drake | KTM |
| 2017 | Justin Cooper | Yamaha |
| 2016 | Chase Sexton | Honda |
| 2015 | Benny Bloss | Yamaha |
| 2014 | RJ Hampshire | Honda |
| 2013 | Matt Bisceglia | Honda |
| 2012 | Zach Bell | Honda |
| 2011 | Justin Bogle | Honda |
| 2010 | Jason Anderson | Kawasaki |
| 2009 | Dean Wilson | Kawasaki |
| 2008 | Darryn Durham and P.J. Larsen | Durham (Suzuki) & Larsen (Kawasaki) |
| 2007 | Trey Canard | Honda |
| 2006 | Josh Hill | Yamaha |
| 2005 | Ryan Villopoto | Kawasaki |
| 2004 | Mike Alessi | Honda |
| 2003 | Davi Millsaps | Suzuki |
| 2002 | Evan Laughridge | Suzuki |
| 2001 | James Stewart | Kawasaki |
| 2000 | Ben Riddle | Suzuki |
| 1999 | Travis Pastrana | Suzuki |
| 1998 | Billy Payne | Kawasaki |
| 1997 | Nick Wey | Kawasaki |
