Casey Cochran joins Star Racing Yamaha for 2027.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing has added several new riders to its lineup for 2027, including Casey Cochran. After the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team shut down following the conclusion of the 2026 SMX season, Cochran was left searching for a new ride. Despite dealing with setbacks throughout the season, Cochran delivered some impressive results and showed plenty of speed. Now, he will have the opportunity to prove himself aboard a Yamaha with one of the most successful teams in the 250 class.
Cochran is considered one of the sport’s rising talents, having made his professional debut at the 2023 Budds Creek National. Before moving into the pro ranks, the Portsmouth, Virginia, native put together an impressive amateur career, collecting six Loretta Lynn’s AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships. He capped off his amateur success in 2023 by winning the 250SX Futures Championship and earning AMA Youth Rider of the Year honors. Injuries have limited his opportunities to reach his full potential over the past two seasons, but the 20-year-old has already demonstrated the speed needed to compete at the front of the field. Cochran now looks ahead to a fresh start with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing in 2027.
“I’m super stoked and grateful to be joining Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing for the 2027 SMX season,” Said Cochran. “This is an opportunity I’ve worked hard for, and I’m ready to make the most of it. I can’t wait to get to work with the team and see what we can accomplish together.”
TOWNLEY BROTHERS JOIN FOR 2027
After spending the past few years competing in Europe, the brothers are making the move to the United States for the 2027 season. Both will be lining up at some of the biggest amateur nationals across the country, where they will have the opportunity to compete against the top amateur talent in the U.S. and continue building their racing careers.
Levi Townley will be competing in the 250A and Open Pro Sport classes.
Levi Townley joins Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing for 2027 and will make his U.S. racing debut with the team. The son of former professional racer Ben Townley, Levi has already built an impressive résumé overseas, including the 2024 FIM 85cc Junior Motocross World Championship and four New Zealand motocross titles. He also finished second in the YZ125 class at the 2024 YZ BLU CRU SuperFinale at Matterley Basin in the U.K. Over the past two seasons, Townley has been racing in Europe, including time in the EMX125 Championship with the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team. Now, the 16-year-old New Zealand native will make the move to the 250 class, competing in 250A and Open Pro Sport at the amateur nationals, along with the SMX Next series aboard the YZ250F.
“I’m really excited. I can’t wait, really. It’s been a dream of mine since I was little to come to America and race, and obviously to do it with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing is super exciting,” said Levi. “It’s one of the best teams, if not the best team, right now in America. So it’s super exciting to be able to come over here and race on this team.”
Jagger Townley has made the move up from the 85cc class to the 125 B/C and Schoolboy 1.
Jaggar Townley also joins the team to make his debut in the U.S. The 14-year-old New Zealander had a strong showing during his two-year tenure in Europe. He finished third in the 2025 EMX85 Championship and, despite little seat time aboard the YZ125, earned a runner-up finish at the 2026 YZ BLU CRU SuperFinale in Ernée, France. Also a former New Zealand Junior Motocross Champion, the younger Townley brother looks to build on that success as he steps up to the 125cc category aboard the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing YZ125, racing the 125 B/C and Schoolboy 1 classes at the amateur nationals.
“I’m really excited to come over to the U.S. It’s a dream come true, and to ride for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing is a really awesome opportunity,” said Jagger. “We’ve had a couple of days already, and the bike’s amazing, and the team has been really supportive.”
