Image: Supplied.

Triumph Factory Racing will draft in Gage Linville for the remaining rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship, targeting a debut in 250SX East at St. Louis on April 4.

Linville, 23, is filling in for the injured Jalek Swoll onboard the TF 250-X, in an arrangement that is including of Supercross, Pro Motocross and the SMX post-season.

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to ride for Triumph Factory Racing,” Linville said. “It’s been a dream of mine to have this chance, and I couldn’t be more excited. I just want to say a huge thank you to everybody involved. The bike is unreal and I felt comfortable on it from the very first day.

“Everybody on the team is just top-notch and they’ve treated me amazingly since day one. It’s really exciting for me to be a part of such an incredible program. It’s time to get to work and hopefully be ready for St. Louis!”

Triumph Racing America general manager Jeremy Coker added: “I am beyond heartbroken for Austin Forkner and Jalek Swoll. Austin was just nearing his comeback and this has set him back again which is terrible for him. Jalek was just starting to find his stride and it’s such a shame to see this injury affect him again. This sport can be brutal and seeing them on the sidelines is never easy. We’re wishing them both a fast recovery.

“In the meantime, the racing goes on, and we’re excited to give Gage Linville a shot with a fill-in ride. It’s time to see what he can do on a factory team. Gage has always shown that he is an extremely hard worker and full of talent – he just hasn’t been given the right chances. I’m hoping we will be able to help him reach the level he is capable of.”

When Pro Motocross begins in May, Linville will be joined in 250MX by Austin Forkner, who is currently recovering from a broken bone in his hand.