In the final race of his 250 career, Frenchman Tom Vialle capped things off on a high note at the Las Vegas SMX Final, claiming third overall in the 250SMX class – both on the night and in the standings. With a move to the 450 category – all but certain to be in MXGP with Honda HRC – now on the horizon, Check In with Vialle as the 24-year-old reflects on his journey with Red Bull KTM to date and begins to look ahead to 2026.

Image: Octopi Media.

Tom, this was your final 250 race. Were there any strong emotions tied to that tonight?

Of course. It was my last 250 race, so there was a lot going on in my head, but the track was really fast today. I had a tough start in the second moto, but I kept pushing to the end and I’m pretty happy to end up P3 in the championship – I couldn’t do a lot more today. I came into the last round a little far off in terms of the championship, so yeah, I’m pretty happy with the way I ended my 250 career. Now it’s time to move up to the 450 class.

Can you just take us through your night to get to this result in the end?

Yeah, actually, my start wasn’t that good in the second moto and my first two laps were pretty bad as well. I went off the track and I think three or four guys passed me – I was pretty far back. I managed to pass a couple of guys and then I was in fourth, but those guys were really far ahead and I had to chase a bit. Of course, Jo [Shimoda] and Haiden [Deegan] were messing with each other, so I was able to catch some time, but like I said, the track was really fast and it was tough to make up ground. Everyone was riding fast here, so the start was really important. Like I said earlier, I came in a little too far back in the championship to fight for the win tonight, so third in the championship – I think that’s the best I could do today.

Image: Octopi Media.

We can all speculate about 2026 and what that looks like for you, but looking back on your 250 career in America, just give me your thoughts on that as it comes to a close – and what you’d like to be remembered for in this class.

Yeah, it’s been insane. When I look back, I won four championships and everything has gone so fast. This has been my third season here in the U.S. and winning back-to-back Supercross titles has been a dream come true. That’s why I moved here – to race and hopefully one day win Supercross, so it’s been a dream come true and I’m really proud and happy about it. I’m really excited for the future and moving up to the 450 class. I’ve been in the 250 class for a long time – even back in Europe since 2019, my first pro season, so it’s been a while. I’m excited for the new challenge and I’m really looking forward to it.

You spoke about it in the press conference. Your 250 career – double world champion, two-time 250SX East champion – it’s been a really good run both in Europe and in America. How do you summarize it looking back?

When I look back, I’m pretty happy about it. Winning two titles in Europe, two world championships was already insane for me. It was a dream, and then coming here to the US was really my goal. That’s why I came here to race Supercross and it was a dream to win two back-to-back 250 titles. Supercross, it was amazing – and then end up with four championships. Came pretty close outdoors, finished second overall last year, second in SMX. So yeah, it’s been a good run in the 250 class. I won pretty much everywhere in Supercross and motocross, so it was good. Looking back, it was a great run.

Image: Octopi Media.

I always wonder this with you, because considering your MXGP experience in the world championship, considering your Supercross results here, what are your thoughts on SuperMotocross and does it work?

It is fun. It’s tough to race. I feel like everyone goes fast because the way the layout of the tracks are pretty fast and sometimes a little easy. Depends a little bit on the tracks, but I feel like it’s fun. I always enjoy it. The last three years I did, I had a lot of fun, so I think it’s great.

We know there’s been no announcements regarding your future, but is it locked in? Do you know what you’re doing, without saying what you’re doing?

Yeah, of course, I know everything is locked in and I’m really excited to move to the 450 class. It’s going to be a big challenge for me and I’m really excited and looking forward to the winter and next year – that will be nice, I have some change coming, moving up to the 450 class will be great.