Image: Supplied.

An initial wave of riders has been named for the 2026 World Supercross Championship, led by returning Quad Lock Honda duo Joey Savatgy and Christian Craig after both finished on the SX1 podium last season.

The pair were in contention for last year’s premier class title before ultimately being denied by PMG Suzuki’s Jason Anderson at a dramatic season finale in South Africa. Savatgy finished P2 in the standings, as he did in the 2022 and 2023 championships.

Craig made his World Supercross debut with the Yarrive Konsky-led Quad Lock Honda program last season, scoring podium finishes at the Australian and Swedish GPs while contributing to the team’s championship victory.

Electric manufacturer Stark also debuted in WSX last year, with former series podium-finisher Vince Friese returning to the squad for 2025. He will again be joined by Jorge Zaragoza, who enters his second season with the Spanish-based outfit.

Finally, the all-new Brazilian team 595 Racing will field French journeyman Greg Aranda, who already competes with the program in Brazil. Aranda finished 13th in last year’s SX1 standings with Serge Guidetty’s GSM Yamaha team.

“This first step in building our 2026 rider line-up is a hugely exciting moment,” said Thomas Covington, director of racing at WSX. “The calibre of riders we’re confirming today is a testament to the strength of the championship and the ambition of the teams investing in it.

“Joey and Christian represent genuine championship contenders, Stark’s continued commitment to electric racing is something we are immensely proud to support, and welcoming 595 Racing with Greg Aranda adds another compelling storyline to what is shaping up to be our most competitive season yet.”

The 2026 season-opener is just over three months away, with Calgary’s McMahon Stadium to host round one on August 8, while the remaining rider announcements are expected over the coming months.