Image: Foremost Media.

Quad Lock Honda team owner Yarrive Konsky has opened up on his negotiations to sign Chase Sexton for the 2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship, confirming that discussions are continuing to take place.

Just eight weeks out from Anaheim 1, the independent Honda team has become a central contender for Sexton’s signature, with Konsky directly questioned on the topic during today’s Boost Mobile AUSX Open press conference in Geelong.

“[It’s] definitely a conversation, but so are other teams, so it’s not speculation,” Konsky explained. “Chase is figuring out where he’ll race in the future. We’d love the opportunity to work with him – a rider of his caliber, over 100 podiums, 38-plus wins, two championships, two runner-ups, [and] a third place in the last five years.

“He’s one of the elite, so we’d love to have an opportunity to work with him, but he’s yet to announce his decision, and hopefully that comes soon. We’re all waiting in anticipation as to where he lands.”

While interest from both sides is evident, the financial commitment required to secure a rider of Sexton’s stature remains a significant hurdle, and Konsky is working alongside existing partners to cement his offer. Rumors coming out of the US this week suggest that a deal is already agreed upon, but it doesn’t appear any contract has formally been signed.

“It’s an expensive opportunity, so [it’s] something that we’re working towards, and we’re certainly talking to all of our partners,” he added. “I know Quad Lock would love the opportunity to work with him. Again, he’s one of the elites, so there’s a lot to go through to make a decision of that magnitude.”

Former 450SX and 450MX champion Sexton had also been heavily linked to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Pipes Motorsports Group (PMG) in recent weeks, along with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing as an outside possibility following his departure from Monster Energy Kawasaki.