We’re already three rounds into the 2026 Penrite ProMX Championship, with the series rapidly approaching its halfway point ahead of this Sunday’s visit to Toowoomba’s scenic Echo Valley circuit. Narratives are beginning to take shape across both the MX1 and MX2 categories, with Rated taking a closer look at some of the standout performers so far this season.

Image: Foremost Media.

Rider: Jed Beaton
Rating: A
Rundown: So far, it’s been all systems go for Monster Energy CDR Yamaha’s Jed Beaton, with the Victorian-based rider having won five of six premier class motos, as well as two of three overalls. He’s on a mission at the moment, determined to claim an MX1 title after it was ripped away from his clutches last year. He’s on track to do so, and a strong performance at Toowoomba’s mid-season round would only further solidify his position and add additional pressure to the rest of the field. Success at the first three rounds shows he’s comfortable aboard the all-new 2026 YZ450F platform across varying conditions, with an A rating reflective of his early form this year.

Rider: Kyle Webster
Rating: A-
Rundown: While Beaton has largely had the upper-hand, the fact that defending two-time ProMX MX1 champion Kyle Webster is only 12 points behind is a positive sign. He’s well within striking distance, maintaining the tow while the momentum currently favours the number 14. Motocross is ever the unpredictable sport, and just being there in the mix is a vital piece of the puzzle. He captured a strong opening moto win in Gillman as well as the overall, and although 12 points is manageable, he’ll want to start closing that advantage from Toowoomba onwards, because Beaton doesn’t appear ready to let off the gas any time soon. In what appears to be another showdown between the pairing – who also train together – Webster holds an A- rating after three rounds.

Image: Foremost Media.

Rider: Aaron Tanti
Rating: B+
Rundown: Monster Energy CDR Yamaha’s Aaron Tanti is making a full-time return to ProMX in 2026, which was supposed to happen last year, although a pre-season neck injury kept the 2022 MX1 champion out for the majority of the outdoor season. Given that, the fact that he is sitting in third-place behind Beaton and Webster is solid, while he is three points clear of Honda Racing’s Wilson Todd in fourth. It’s going to be a battle for the final place on the MX1 podium between Tanti, Todd, and Dean Ferris, with each rider interchanging third place overall across the opening three rounds. Add in new MotoCoach Elite Racing recruit Nathan Crawford, Todd Waters, and Zac Watson to that picture, and the MX1 depth beyond the two benchmarks is quite strong at this stage.

Rider: Alex Larwood
Rating: A
Rundown: We were left wondering who would take the reins in the MX2 division, now that we’re beyond the Wilson Todd and Brodie Connolly era in the class. That call has now been answered by Honda Racing’s Alex Larwood, who has emerged as Yarrive Konsky’s newest quarter-litre contender and has been the standout of the category. A convincing Wonthaggi 1-1 sweep, a dominant moto two rebound in Canberra after a bike drama in race one, and another double moto victory in Gillman have the South Australian 10-points clear of P2’s Byron Dennis. Can he maintain this exceptional form? We’ll see, but it’s undeniable that a lot of work went in over the off-season, with Larwood emerging from an on-the-day threat to a championship favourite.

Image: Foremost Media.

Rider: Byron Dennis
Rating: A-
Rundown: The same can be said for KTM Racing Team’s Byron Dennis, who has also been much-improved in 2026. He was the pole-setter in Canberra and has scored a podium finish at all three rounds, so as is the case with Webster in MX1, Dennis has kept MX2 leader Larwood firmly in his sights despite how good the number five has been. At just 19-years-old, Dennis is emerging as one of Australia’s bright young hopefuls and has converted speed into consistency across the first half of the championship. Does he make a push for the title, from Toowoomba’s mid-point onwards? It’ll be tough, given Larwood’s current form, but perhaps the New South Welshman equipped with his 250 SX-F has some more up his sleeve. Regardless, he’s deserving of an A- rating three rounds in.

Rider: Kayd Kingsford
Rating: A-
Rundown: And then there is the MX2 rookie, Kayd Kingsford. The Honda Racing pilot was sensational last year in MX3 and SX3, claiming both titles before stepping up to the professional ranks this season. Three rounds in, and we’ve kind of seen it all – race-winning speed, a couple of crashes, and a broken collarbone the week leading into Gillman, which was pain he unbelievably rode through in South Australia for a pivotal P6 overall. Despite the rollercoaster, he’s still in the thick of battle at just 19 points from Larwood, although Toowoomba will be telling as he’ll once again need to gear up while still in pain from the injury. The number 20 also left Canberra with the round win and the series leaders’ red plate, which creates many storylines just three rounds into the 2026 season. All told, it’s an A- for Kayd, and keep an eye on how both he and the team manage the situation in Queensland this weekend.