Image: Supplied.

Triumph Factory Racing has drafted in 250 team regular Austin Forkner to debut its TF 450-X in Monster Energy Supercross across at least the opening six rounds of season 2026 while Jordon Smith recovers from shoulder surgery.

In preparation for the upcoming season, 27-year-old Forkner spent several days on the 450 to gain experience ahead of a potential future move to the premier class.

The Missouri native immediately gelled with the larger-capacity machine and, together with the team, it was decided that he’ll race the opening rounds of 450SX. It is currently planned that Forkner will return to the TF 250-X and compete in the 250SX East division, coinciding with Smith’s return, but there is the possibility that he races on.

“I’m super excited for the opportunity to race in the 450SX division to start the 2026 season,” Forkner commented. “Whether it turns out to be a little bit of a warm-up going into 250SX East, or potentially a full season if we decide to go that way, I think it’s a great opportunity.

“I’m excited to see where I stack up in the 450 class and I’ve been putting plenty of time in on the bigger bike in recent weeks. It’s been good so far. I think my style fits a 450 pretty well, and I can’t wait to head to A1 for the first round of the series.”

Smith and Forkner’s entry into 450SX marks another new chapter for Triumph, in only the British manufacturer’s third year of off-road competition. Mikkel Haarup will also race the TF 450-X for Triumph Factory Racing in 2026, with the Dane contesting Pro Motocross in 450MX when it begins in May.

With Smith enjoying a strong first term with Triumph Factory Racing in 2025 – including Triumph’s first 250SX main event victory – the 30-year-old is excited to make the next step in his career with the team by entering the 450SX division upon return from injury. He is aiming to return in time for round seven of 450SX in Arlington, Texas.

“I’m really excited to be moving up to the 450 class and racing for the Triumph Factory Racing team next year,” explained Smith. “I feel like I’ve had my time in the 250 class, and I’ve had a lot of good results, and I think I can transfer that good riding in my move up to the 450.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team to help develop the bike, and put in some good rides. Unfortunately, the crash I had in practice in Vegas where I dislocated my shoulder resulted in the need to have surgery to repair my rotator cuff and labrum.

“We’ve been working on the rehab day in, day out and it’s going well, but the return to racing will not be until Arlington. Of course, for me it’s super disappointing not to be out there from the start of the season, especially as this is a momentous occasion for Triumph and the next chapter in my career, but I can’t wait to be back out there and on the TF 450-X.”

Jeremy Coker – General manager, Triumph Racing America, Jeremy Coker added: “It’s exciting for Triumph to be stepping into 450SX in 2026, and we’re especially pleased to be making our step into the category with Jordon and Austin on the TF 450-X.

“We still wanted to keep our 450 plans on track, and having seen Austin on the bike for some test days, I am beyond thrilled that he has grabbed the opportunity to race in the 450 class and will start the season in Anaheim. It’s a great opportunity for him and for us.

“We’ve been working really hard on the development of the factory bike, and while Austin hasn’t had much time to prepare on the bigger bike, we look forward to getting going in the new year, making steps week-by-week, and then having Jordon racing later in the season.”