Image: Octopi Media.

Injuries to Benny Bloss and Mitchell Oldenburg across the opening rounds of Monster Energy Supercross 2026 have resulted in the Liqui Moly Beta Factory Racing team strategically withdrawing from 450SX, instead redirecting its focus on Pro Motocross.

Beta’s official effort had only been scheduled to contest select outdoor rounds, but has now committed to the entire 450MX championship, in addition to the SMX post-season.

“This is certainly not how we envisioned our 2026 Supercross season unfolding,” said Beta team director, Carlen Gardner. “Both Benny and Mitchell showed incredible pace during the off-season, and to have them both sidelined so early is heartbreaking for the riders and the crew.

“However, we are turning this setback into an opportunity. By committing to the full Pro Motocross season, we are giving our riders the time they need to get back to 100 percent and giving our fans the chance to see Beta compete at every outdoor national.”

Bloss broke his wrist on press day at Anaheim 1 in the opening laps, before Oldenburg fractured the radius and ulna bones in his left arm in qualifying at San Diego. Both riders have since undergone surgery, but Beta has elected to enter Pro Motocross with the pair rather than lining up with a fill-in rider.

Beta made its debut in 450MX with Bloss at Hangtown last year, in addition to contesting the Thunder Valley – marking a best result of 11th overall – and High Point rounds.