News became official this morning that former AMA Pro Motocross Champion Zach Osborne is making his return to professional racing as he joins the ranks for the final three rounds of the 2026 season. After nearly five years away from motocross racing, the 2020 outdoor champ, is fresh off a pair of titles at this year’s Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s (Open Pro Sport & 25+) and is set to line up at Unadilla, Budds Creek, and Ironman aboard the #168 Liqui Moly Beta Factory Racing RX 450F.
“I’m excited at the opportunity for a short return to pro motocross,” Osborne said. “A huge thanks to Tim and Carlen for the opportunity to race again at the top level on a factory bike. I have no expectations for results, but I want to go there and enjoy my time in that setting, learn more about our bike and what we can improve on, and be an ambassador for Liqui Moly Beta Factory Racing and all of our partners. It’s a unique opportunity with the team doing outdoors this year, and the timing just worked out! Let’s have some fun!”
“Zacho is Back! After a great week at Loretta Lynn’s, Zach was feeling comfortable and having fun,” said Race Team Director Carlen Gardner. “We are already loaded up, so let’s keep the ball rolling. There is no pressure, no points chase. Just simply the opportunity for a rider to go enjoy the weekend riding his dirt bike and hanging out with the pro motocross fans. Can’t wait to see how he stacks up on his RX 450F.”
Osborne’s career is highlighted by his 2020 AMA 450MX National Championship along with winning the 2017 AMA 250MX Championship and back-to-back 250SX East Championships in 2017 and 2018. The 2021 Thunder Valley National was the last AMA SX/MX race that Osborne competed in where he withdrew from the second moto due to a back injury. He did not return to the series that year and later announced his retirement from professional racing in November of 2021.
