Image: Foremost Media.

Newly-crowned Australian SX2 champion Ryder Kingsford has formally closed his chapter at Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha, all but certain to have signed with Honda Racing for 2026.

After finishing P2 outdoors, Kingsford clinched the AUSX 250 class title in Adelaide’s decider, but the 20-year-old has since confirmed that he has departed Yamaha following a career-long association together.

“As the ’26 race season approaches my time with Yamaha Motor Australia unfortunately comes to an end,” Kingsford posted on social media. “As I move on to my next chapter, I want to sincerely thank everyone involved for the support, hard work and great memories over the past eight years.

“It’s been a pleasure working with everyone involved and I’ve learnt so much over that period of time. From a young kid as a junior on the YJR development team then progressing into Monster Energy WBR Yamaha then Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha was something I couldn’t of ever thought would happen, but the support they gave me throughout all these years was incredible.

“To Scott Bishop, I want to thank you for always believing in me since day one and always going above and beyond for anything I ever needed. And to Mike Ward, Ben Dutton, you boys worked your asses off day in day out to give me the best possible machinery for me to go out and do my job and to be able to pay you boys back with the SX championship meant everything.

“So to everyone involved at Yamaha Australia, I thank you for everything you’ve done for myself and family over the past eight years, and I look forward to seeing you at the track very soon. More news to come shortly… Thank you.”

Kingsford’s younger brother Kayd Kingsford, 18, joined Honda Racing this year to go on and clinch the MX3 and SX3 titles, set to be joined by Ryder – who effectively replaces US-bound Brodie Connolly – in the factory-backed MX2/SX2 team for 2026. The move is yet to be made official by Honda Racing at this point.