Takes: The 2026 450 Silly Season Could Be Massive

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Triumph kicked off Silly Season yesterday when it announced it has signed Jalek Swoll to a one-year extension through the 2026 season. It got me thinking: while it is only March, it is hard not to look ahead to the 450 Silly Season that is approaching because…

IT IS A MONSTER, FOLKS.

Aside from Jett and Hunter Lawrence (both locked in at Honda HRC Progressive) pretty much everyone is up at the end of the 2025 SuperMotocross season. Chase Sexton? Yup, his deal ends. Ken Roczen? You bet. Cooper Webb? Yep, him too. Every rider currently in the top 10 in 450SX standings could be on the move next year. Add in the expected entrance of Triumph and Ducati into the fold in 2026 and this off-season could be amazing.

Check out some of the big names that could be changing teams:

Red Bull KTM

Chase Sexton: Is on year two of a two-year deal. His contract is up at the end of 2025.  

Aaron Plessinger: Signed an extension last April that is up at the end of 2025.

Monster Energy/Yamaha Star Racing

Cooper Webb: Is on the second year of a two-year deal. Current deal is up at the end of 2025.

Eli Tomac: Will he return to racing in 2026? Who knows, but his deal is only through 2025.

Justin Cooper: Signed a one-year deal this off-season, which means his deal is also up at the end of the year.

Christian Craig: Inked a two-year deal this off-season with the team.

Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki

Ken Roczen: Signed a one-year extension this off-season, which means his current deal is up at the end of 2025.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna

Malcolm Stewart: His current two-year deal expires after the 2025 season.

Monster Energy Kawasaki

Jason Anderson: Is currently on year two of a two-year deal. His deal is up at the end of 2025.

Jorge Prado: Signed a multi-year deal with the team this off-season.

Rockstar Energy GasGas

Justin Barcia: His two-year deal is up at the end of 2025.

Like I said, this off-season could be a monster year. Or… everyone returns to where they currently are and its boring. Either way, expect things to start leaking out soon.

Images: @octopi.media