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Quad Lock Honda will continue with Christian Craig into the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship, the experienced former 250SX champion revealed after standing on the podium at the WSX Australian GP.

At 34 years old, Craig’s recent record in the 450 division has fallen short of what was a title-winning 250 career, affected by injury during stints at both Rockstar Energy Husqvarna and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing.

Despite contemplating whether it was time to retire, a lifeline then arrived from the Yarrive Konsky-operated Quad Lock Honda organization, with Craig effectively leading the World Supercross Championship (WSX) with two rounds remaining following the departure of red plate-holder Ken Roczen.

A resurgent Craig impressed in both Buenos Aires and Vancouver, before putting on a spectacular display on the Gold Coast last weekend – winning the final SX1 race on his way to second position on the overall podium. It’s an ideal stepping-stone into Monster Energy Supercross next year.

“I never told myself that I was done, but everything was going in a way where I should have just stopped,” Craig told MotoOnline. “It was like teams were giving up on me and I just didn’t feel wanted – and then I was like, ‘What should I do?’. Deep down, I’m like, ‘Why not give it a few more years?’

“And I can’t go out like [that] – I want to go out on my own terms, not just be forced to because I couldn’t get a ride or something. Luckily, Yarrive came along – he has actually been trying to sign me for a few years, but I’ve always just gone a different way. I should have looked at it a little harder over the last few years, but we are here now.”

Quad Lock Honda has also helped existing team riders Joey Savatgy and Shane McElrath rediscover success over the course of the past 12 months, which has extended beyond American competition into WSX and the AUSX championship in Australia.

If both Savatgy and McElrath do remain with Quad Lock Honda for 2026 alongside Craig, it would make for a three-rider 450SMX program, in addition to New Zealand signing Brodie Connolly in the 250 class.

“It’s been so much fun, and Yarrive cares so much about his riders,” he added. “He has a good thing going here, especially back in the States with the team. Me, Joey, and Shane, I think we’re all going to be teammates next year.

“I mean, I am, for sure – I don’t want to go anywhere, and I plan to be here for a long time. I love it and am having so much fun. I signed on [for SMX next year], so I am stoked to say that I’m staying, and I plan on staying for a long time.”