Image: Foremost Media.

Injuries sustained at Toowoomba’s fourth round of Penrite ProMX will spell the end of Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki recruit Dean Ferris’ 2026 season, confirming that he will miss the second half of the championship altogether.

Following further medical evaluation, the decision has been made to end the 35-year-old’s season prematurely, with the focus now turning to a full recovery after he incurred multiple vertebrae, rib, and sacrum fractures in a first-turn, multi-rider incident.

The setback comes after a promising start to the season for the four-time MX1 champion, who captured third overall at the Wonthaggi opener while also displaying front-running pace in both Canberra and Gillman.

“Firstly, I’m just thankful that I’m generally okay, because a spinal injury is always scary,” Ferris said. “But honestly, I’m really bummed for the team – so much effort has gone into this season, and everyone has been awesome.

“We got the bike so dialled in recent weeks, and I remember thinking on the sight lap, that my bike feels so good. All the people and products that support Empire, thank you so much for all the support provided for the team and myself this year.”

Ferris made a high-profile return to ProMX competition this year after sitting out the 2025 season, having last appeared in the series during a difficult title defence with Monster Energy CDR Yamaha in 2024, which also ended early due to injury.

It remains unclear whether he will continue with Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki beyond this season, having previously ‘retired’ – or at least taking time away – from the sport on three separate occasions before ultimately returning to racing each time.

Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki will continue its MX1 campaign with Brad West returning from corrective hand surgery for the second half of the series, while Ryan Alexanderson has been confirmed as Ferris’ replacement at Appin in an arrangement that could extend beyond a single round.