Image: Supplied.

A back injury sustained in the SMX playoffs will likely rule Julien Beaumer out of the 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Championship altogether, with Red Bull KTM instead expecting him to return for Pro Motocross next May.

The 19-year-old endured a frightening crash during the 250SMX qualifying session at zMAX Dragway, which resulted in immediate surgery on a fractured L3 vertebra.

After what had been a breakout year, Beaumer has been absent from competition since his season-ending incident, which will also effectively end his chances of challenging for a 250SX crown during the upcoming season.

“Julien is doing all that he can in his recovery,” explained Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team manager Ian Harrison. “So even though there is still a long way to go and we don’t expect him back until Pro Motocross, we know that he’ll be competitive once he’s in a position to do so, and we are supporting him every step of the way.”

Beaumer held the championship leader’s red plate throughout the opening stages of 250SX West this year, ultimately finishing second to title winner Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing). He claimed a first-career main event win in San Diego.