Big news out of the Husqvarna team today as the brand announced they will no longer field a professional motocross and supercross racing program in the United States after the conclusion of the 2026 season. The brand will transition away from an in-house factory racing team is set to “support independent teams and riders with factory level materials”. Husqvarna says they will continue to run an engine leasing program in North America which gives riders access to factory level engines and suspension components and allows the brand to remain active within SMX.
From the sounds of it, we could see a different team with Husqvarna support without being a full-fledged factory team – think something along the lines of a AEO KTM, BarX Yamaha, ClubMX, or even HEP Suzuki. This is a huge blow to the paddock as the team currently fields two 450 riders with Malcolm Stewart and RJ Hampshire along with three 250 riders in Ryder DiFrancesco, Daxton Bennick, and Casey Cochran.
The following is a press release from Husqvarna:
Husqvarna Mobility’s professional motocross and supercross racing program in the United States will enter a new phase at the conclusion of the 2026 SMX World Championship season. From 2027 onward, the brand will transition away from operating an in-house factory racing team and instead, support independent teams and riders with factory level materials and technical expertise for the SMX series. This evolution ensures the brand’s presence in racing at the highest level, while repositioning its focus on the brand’s heritage and wider riding community.
For 2027, Husqvarna Mobility will realign its direction in the North American market, aiming to further differentiate and broadly support Husqvarna’s place within the motorcycle industry – spanning its extensive Motocross, Enduro, Travel, Naked, Supermoto, and Electric model lineup. A legacy brand built upon performing at the highest levels of competition, Husqvarna’s loyal customer base and collective enthusiasts are passionate about riding – and racing – with a widespread involvement in motorcycling that often stretches across an assortment of disciplines, activities, and events.
Husqvarna Mobility’s influence extends far beyond stadium racing and the professional motocross scene. With the exceptional line-up of offroad competition motorcycles leading the way, the brand has forged a deep connection with riders and explorers alike. Backed by more than 120 years of innovation and a commitment to its pioneering spirit, Husqvarna continues to inspire riders to embrace every kind of journey, whether it’s racing, tackling rugged offroad trails, navigating daily commutes, or touring the open road in between.
As part of this transition point and strategic evolution, Husqvarna will develop an engine leasing program in North America within professional racing. Building on an existing structure, the program will make factory level engines and suspension components available for select teams and riders through a leasing model. The program allows the brand to remain active within SMX into the future, continuing to connect with the Husqvarna fanbase at the races and reinforcing the manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to motorsport. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is fully committed to competing at the pinnacle of sport through the remainder of 2026, including this weekend’s AMA Supercross Championship finals, followed by the entire Pro Motocross Championship and SMX post-season.
