Image: Foremost Media.

French specialist Cedric Soubeyras has emerged at Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki for the 2026 Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship, transferring from Honda Racing after finishing runner-up last season.

At 37, Soubeyras – who has been on board CRF machinery at home this year – will enter his second season of Australian competition after landing a late SX1 deal with the Victorian-based team.

“I felt really good in the championship last year, even though I was a newcomer and still learning the bike,” Soubeyras said. “I had a great time and, with this new opportunity, I’m really motivated. It’s going to give me an extra push during my
training throughout the week.

“I’ll only get on the Kawasaki a couple of days before the first race, but I already know how good this bike is, having raced it in 2024 and 2025. I’m really excited for this new challenge and can’t wait to see you all there!”

Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki team owner Tyson Cherry added: “We’re really excited to have Cedric joining us for AUSX. He brings a huge amount of Supercross experience and we know how competitive he can be in this environment.

“The 2026 championship is shaping up to be a big one and we’re looking forward to getting Cedric over here, getting to work and seeing what we can achieve together.”

Soubeyras will effectively fill the seat of Luke Clout at Empire on board the KX450, with Clout instead signing to lead KTM Racing Team in the Australian championship. Empire didn’t specify if Soubeyras would be doing the full AUSX series, largely referencing the Australian Supercross Championship – which doesn’t include Townsville – in its Friday evening announcement.

After fielding Brad West and Ryan Alexanderson – who raced in place of Dean Ferris after he went out with injury – through the outdoor season, it is unclear who else Empire will field in AUSX. Alexanderson has indicated that he will be back for supercross, while the team had also been linked to American Mitchell Oldenburg.