Image: Supplied.

Australian teenager Byron Dennis has withdrawn from the 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship, given the green light to depart the KTM Racing Team early after securing a full-time MX2 World Championship ride for 2027.

After already sitting out Townsville, the 19-year-old from Wagga Wagga will miss the entire AUSX season in order to begin preparations with his new European-based program.

Dennis had been expected to represent KTM Racing Team in the SX2 category this season, but will instead focus on integrating with his new team, testing and pre-season competition ahead of the opening round of the MX2 World Championship in February. He has been linked to the Van Venrooy KTM team for next year in a deal yet to be made official.

After finishing fourth in the Australian MX2 series with four podiums this year, his move follows an convincing international campaign towards the end of 2026, which saw Dennis join Cat Moto Bauerschmidt KTM for selected EMX250 rounds, claiming third overall in the Netherlands alongside fifth-place finishes in Sweden and Turkey.

Following that, he subsequently stepped up to the MX2 World Championship for the final two rounds in China and Australia as a wildcard with full KTM Racing Team support, widely impressing with seventh overall at both events aboard the KTM 250 SX-F.

“It’s a farewell to the KTM Racing Team, which all goes back to Queensland Moto Park – we finished the ProMX season off strong there, got on a plane and headed overseas to do some racing, and was fortunate to have the support from KTM Australia to do so,” Dennis explained.

“We put on a good performance over there, had some good starts and really solid speed, so that really sparked a lot of conversations in terms of what 2027 could look like. An opportunity has now arisen to go overseas full-time and race on a KTM supported by KTM Austria, so I am really looking forward to that and seeing what it brings.”

While his destination remains unconfirmed, the Dutch-based Van Venrooy KTM operation has emerged as a potential landing place for Dennis, who will remain within the KTM organisation as he transitions to full-time grand prix competition. KTM Group Australia motorsport manager Kyle Blunden welcomed Dennis’ progression to the world stage.

“While it’s farewell to Byron as part of KTM Racing Team Australia, it’s exciting to see him remain within the KTM family and continue pursuing his goals internationally,” Blunden commented. “The opportunity to begin preparations early for his first full MX2 World Championship campaign is an important step in that journey and one we are proud to support.”

KTM Racing Team will enter the AUSX season-opener at Auckland’s North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, October 31, with Luke Clout, Zac Watson and Dylan Walsh representing the Australian effort following Dennis’ early departure. It remains unclear if they will call in a replacement rider at late notice.