The Monster Energy Kawasaki Team has confirmed the termination of Chase Sexton’s contract after just one season.

Official: Chase Sexton and Kawasaki part ways

Sexton, who secured two victories in sixteen races aboard the controversial KX450, has not yet confirmed his plans for the 2027 SMX World Championship. Although Kawasaki has not yet confirmed its line-up for 2027, it is known that Garrett Marchbanks will return for a second season and partner Malcolm Stewart. Stewart will sign a two-year contract that will also include the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Sexton’s departure mirrors that of Jorge Prado last season (confirmed on 9 October 2025). The new KX450, praised by test riders as “very different”, could represent the light at the end of the tunnel for Kawasaki, which has been at the centre of numerous controversies for almost two years.