Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Kawasaki has officially named Chase Sexton and Garrett Marchbanks in a new-look factory rider line-up entering the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship.

Sexton has long been linked to be joining Kawasaki, recently departing KTM following a two-year stint, and now seen onboard the KX450SR for the first time.

“Joining Monster Energy Kawasaki is an amazing opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to this new chapter in my career,” commented Sexton, the 2023 450SX and 2024 450MX champion.

“The team has already made me feel very supported with anything I need, and they’re here to give me all the tools I need to win. I believe this is the next step I need to compete for championships and I am motivated for the 2026 season.”

With multiple world champion Jorge Prado not continuing at Kawasaki as initially intended, the factory organization has drafted in 24-year-old Marchbanks to be teammates with Sexton. He finished third in the 250MX series this past-season.

“We have great confidence in our 2026 team roster and we are excited to see how Chase and Garrett perform aboard the KX450SR,” stated Dan Fahie, Kawasaki Racing senior manager. “Both Chase and Garrett are very dedicated and determined riders, making them a strong duo entering the 2026 SMX World Championship.”

In addition for 2026, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki will field returning riders Seth Hammaker, Levi Kitchen, Cameron McAdoo, and Drew Adams in the factory-backed four-rider 250 class team.