Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing has signed Casey Cochran for the 2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship, completing its six-rider line-up in the 250 division for the upcoming season.

Cochran, 20, has spent his three professional seasons within the KTM Group, making his full-time debut with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing in the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship before moving to Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing for 2025.

He returned to Husqvarna in 2026 following the closure of the GASGAS team, but with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna now also shut down, Cochran has secured a new home with Star Racing for 2027.

“I’m super stoked and grateful to be joining Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing for the 2027 SMX season,” said Cochran. “This is an opportunity I’ve worked hard for, and I’m ready to make the most of it. I can’t wait to get to work with the team and see what we can accomplish together.”

Jensen Hendler, Star Racing 250 team manager, added: “We are very excited to have Casey join us. He has impressed me for years, and I am looking forward to seeing what he can do on our team. With our program, Casey’s talent and his strong work ethic, I feel we have a winning combination.”

Originally from Virginia, Cochran has endured a challenging start to his career despite demonstrating front-running speed, highlighted by a podium finish at the 2024 Spring Creek National. Injuries have hampered his progress, limiting him to just four Supercross starts.

Cochran joins Cole Davies, Kayden Minear, Caden Dudney, Landen Gordon and Pierce Brown on Star Racing’s 250 roster for 2027. The team has also announced an updated amateur lineup featuring high-profile brothers Levi and Jaggar Townley, alongside Easton Graves, who will join Carson Wood.

The Townley brothers, sons of 2007 250SX East champion Ben Townley, make their long-awaited move to the US following a successful amateur stint in Europe, highlighted by Levi’s 2024 FIM 85cc Junior Motocross World Championship victory in the Netherlands.