Austin Forkner announced his retirement from professional racing today with the news taking immediate effect. The 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing rider did not line up for the RedBud National and says the decision comes from factors that include a lingering nerve issue in his left arm, the crash from Arlington in 2024 and the brain surgery that followed shortly after, and his growing family. You can see his full announcement in the self-published video below.
“I’ve made the difficult decision to retire from racing,” Forkner said. “I feel like the physical and mental toll this sport takes on you is a lot, and I just don’t have a lot left to give anymore. I planned on making it to the end of the year, but after my crash in Colorado, my mind is no longer in it, and I feel like finishing the year isn’t smart. My health and family are being put first now so although it’s a tough decision, it’s one I can be happy with. I’d like to thank the whole Triumph team for all the hard work over the past couple of years. It’s been fun, and we achieved some good results together. I’d also like to thank the fans who have stuck behind me through the years. I’m thankful for it all and for those I’ve met and connected with along the way. Thank you.”
Forkner’s Announcement
“It has been an extreme honour to work with Austin,” added Jeremy Coker the General Manager of Triumph Racing America. “I know that this can be an extremely difficult decision to make and I have the utmost respect for him. Austin has had a career to be very proud of as one of the most winningest 250 racers and he should hold his head high. I, and the entire 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing team wish Austin and his family the best in his next life adventures.”
“One of the most difficult decisions for any racer is knowing when the right time is to close off their career, and for Austin this has definitely not been an easy decision to come to these past few weeks,” said Ian Kimber, Head of Triumph’s Global Racing Programs. “We’ve seen how incredibly talented he is on a motorcycle and there is no doubt that he is still fast enough to be competitive; his recent results just don’t reflect how good he is. However, the latest injury has been the final bump in the road for Austin, and we know he’s been finding it tough to want to make another return from injury. It’s been completely Austin’s decision, and we have a huge amount of respect and support for him calling time on what has been an impressive career. We’ve seen his talent on the bike, but also his popularity with the fans, not least because of his mentality when it came to his return to racing after the brain surgery a few years ago. Austin, we’ve really enjoyed working with you and we wish you and your family the very best for the future – thank you.”
Forkner turned pro in 2016 after a standout amateur career with titles at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and really burst onto the scene by winning the Supermini class in the early days of the Monster Energy Cup. During his 250cc tenure, he captured 13 250SX divisional wins with the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki team which puts him in a four-way tie for third all time. Forkner’s 10-year career has been plagued with injuries, all while bouncing back with race-winning speed. He totaled 116 SMX League starts between 2016 and 2026 and ends this chapter with a final result at the Hangtown National where he finished 18-26 for 22nd overall.
