Beta USA is expanding their presence into the 250 Supercross division and has signed Derek Kelley on a two-year deal as the first 250 class rider on the Liqui Moly Beta Race Team. The move marks a major step forward for Beta USA’s racing efforts and builds upon their current foundation in the 450 class. They’ll field a full factory effort in 2027 with Kelley riding the all-new Beta RX 250F.
“I am thrilled about the opportunity to join the Beta Racing Team for the coming years,” Kelley said. “The team has built an exceptional environment where everyone is fully committed. I am also excited to work on the development of the new bike and can’t wait to get started!”
“Expanding our program into the 250SX class is a massive milestone for Beta USA, and bringing Derek Kelley on board is the perfect fit to kick off this new chapter,” said Carlen Gardner, Race Team Manager. “Derek has repeatedly shown the grit, speed, and work ethic it takes to compete with the best in the sport. His experience racing at the highest level, paired with his technical feedback, will be vital as we develop and race the RX 250F in Supercross. We are excited to welcome Derek to the Liqui Moly Beta family and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
Hailing from Riverside, California, Kelley turned pro in 2019 and quickly built a reputation for being one of the hardest-working racers in the paddock. His indoor resume includes a career-best 6th-place finish at the Glendale 250SX West round, multiple top-10 main event finishes across both coasts, highlighted by top-eight rides in Anaheim, Salt Lake City, Cleveland, and Philadelphia, along with a 7th-place finish at the FIM World Supercross British GP. Known for his relentless grit, technical precision, and bike-development feedback, Kelley brings strong race-craft to Beta’s 250 program as the brand enters its inaugural season campaigning the all-new RX 250F in AMA Supercross.
Kelley’s addition to the team comes after the current signings of Benny Bloss and Shane McElrath who are set to pilot the Beta RX 450F for the next two seasons. Bloss signed with the team back in 2024 with McElrath being a newcomer starting this weekend at the opening round of the 2026 SMX Playoffs. We expect another rider to be signed for a 250SX position on the team.
