Chase Sexton and Monster Energy Kawasaki are officially done. They parted ways effective October 23, 2026, ending a three-year contract after a single season together. This move is massive, and it’s got everyone wondering what went wrong after only one year with the factory team.
The Brevity Speaks Volumes, The Blame Game Speaks Louder
Both Kawasaki and Sexton kept their public statements tight, and honestly, that brevity says it all. Kawasaki’s official word was a concise three sentences, basically highlighting Sexton’s two 450 Supercross wins in Anaheim and Salt Lake City, and wishing him well for 2027. Sexton’s Instagram post was equally short, just a “thank you” to @racekawasaki. When statements are that succinct, you know the relationship had hit a wall.
Those two main-event wins were definitely the high points for Sexton’s season, which got cut short when he hurt his knee during practice at the Pro Motocross round at Thunder Valley. But here’s where things get really spicy: both sides are pointing fingers about what caused that accident. Sexton claims the engine stalled mid-jump even though he had the clutch lever pulled. Team Manager Dan Fahie, though, hinted that Sexton was at least partially at fault for not having the clutch disengaged. Yikes. That kind of disagreement? That’s not the sign of a happy partnership.
A Troubling Trend Kawasaki Can’t Ignore
Here’s the kicker: this isn’t the first time Kawasaki has had a 450 rider bail on a three-year deal after only one year. Last season, Jorge Prado and the team also reached a settlement for an early release, also after a single year of a three-year contract, following his season being derailed by a shoulder injury. So, two years in a row, two top riders, two early exits from three-year deals. That’s not mere bad luck; that’s a pattern, and it’s gotta be setting off alarm bells for the Monster Energy Kawasaki squad. What’s going on behind those green walls?
What’s Next: Big Questions for the Green Machine
So, where does this leave everyone? Monster Energy Kawasaki has a big hole to fill, with no replacement for Sexton named yet. They do have Garrett Marchbanks under contract for 2027, but he can’t carry the whole load. As for Sexton, he hasn’t dropped any hints about where he’s headed for 2027. This whole situation leaves a ton of unanswered questions, and you can bet the entire motocross world is gonna be watching Kawasaki’s next move. They’ve gotta figure this out, and fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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