The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team confirmed their 2026 rider roster today. And expanded five-man lineup sees two riders in the 450 class with three others competing in the 250 category. Malcolm Stewart and RJ Hampshire are set to contest the full SuperMotocross schedule on the FC450 while Ryder Difrancesco, Casey Cochran, and Daxton Bennick take the reins in the regional 250SMX championships. All three 250 riders are set to wear One Industries gear and Gaerne boots with Stewart and Hampshire maintaining their individual gear deals. Nathan Ramsey and Sean Murphy continue their roles managing the team.
Stewart returns for his fifth-consecutive season with the team after a career-best 2025 saw him take his first-ever 450SX victory at his home round in Tampa, Florida.
“It’s really, really exciting to be back with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna for 2026,” Stewart said. “I feel like for myself, it’s been a career year, these guys are awesome to work with, and I’m just really glad that we came to a mutual agreement to renew the deal into the new year. I can’t wait to make more memories with this team down the road, so I’m already getting ready for A1 and hopefully for another strong year together.”
RJ Hampshire jumped to the 450 class for the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship and is set to race the full 450 schedule in 2026.
“I’m really excited to get this new season kicked off in my first year on the 450 full-time,” said Hampshire. “It will be my first time racing Supercross on the 450, so it’s a new chapter in my career, and kind of like another fresh start for me. I can’t wait to get into the stadiums and get ready to go racing here at A1!”
Ryder Difrancesco make the switch to Husqvarna after racing for the now-defunct GasGas team.
“I’m looking forward to the upcoming season with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna,” DiFrancesco said. “Especially based on the improvements that we made last year, just to apply what we learned for the season ahead. I’m excited to get back at the races, and even though it’s not a super-long off season, I’m always excited to move forward and keep making progress in my career.”
Casey Cochran also raced for the GasGas team but spent most of his amateur career, and his professional debut, on Husqvarna equipment. Unfortunately he was out for most of 2025 with injuries.
“Super-stoked to be back on Rockstar Energy Husqvarna for 2026,” Cochran said. “It’s great to be back with the team and with a lot of familiar faces, so I’m looking forward to the upcoming season. We’ve got a good amount of time to get ready before Supercross, and I’m excited to get some good laps under my belt. I’m ready to get it all underway.”
Daxton Bennick is a newcomer to the team for 2026 but raced for the KTM Orange Brigade during his time as an amateur before switching to Star Racing Yamaha.
“I really like the bike so far and I’m enjoying the new team – it’s all going really well,” Bennick explained. “I’m really happy with everything and I’m super-excited to learn as a team, keep improving together. We’re pumped up and ready to do this in 2026!”
“I’m feeling really confident about our lineup of riders for 2026,” said Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager. “With Malc and RJ on the FC 450 Factory Editions leading the group, I have high hopes for what they are capable of in that championship fight. Then you throw in the young 250 riders, who are full of potential for long, successful careers with the team, I couldn’t be more excited for 2026. Ryder, Casey, and Dax are more than capable of being consistent podium guys who can battle for race wins and ultimately end up being championship contenders. With all that being said, it will be a quick off-season and it is crucial that we hit our marks to be mentally, physically, and technically ready to make a big splash in 2026.”
