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High-profile Belgian twins Lucas and Sacha Coenen will make the move to the Monster Energy SMX World Championship in 2027, officially confirming their transfer to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the United States.

Renewed multi-year contracts for the 19-year-old Coenen brothers will see both switch from the MXGP paddock to America full-time, with Lucas going directly into the 450 category and Sacha remaining on board 250 machinery.

The brothers made their full-time world championship debut in 2023, quickly establishing themselves as MX2 class front-runners. Lucas finished sixth overall – claiming a single grand prix victory – while Sacha was ranked 15th in his rookie season.

After improving to P2 in 2024, Lucas then stepped up to the premier class in 2025 with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, immediately making an impact as he battled Romain Febvre (Kawasaki Racing Team) throughout the season for another runner-up result.

Lucas currently sits fourth in the MXGP standings after holding the red plate during the opening stages of the season, however, injury sustained in Great Britain derailed his title challenge and has forced him to miss recent races.

Two Pro Motocross Championship cameo appearances in 2026 saw Lucas Coenen deliver a 2-2 scorecard for second overall at Thunder Valley, before qualifying fastest in 450MX at Southwick by more than a second, further highlighting his potential in the American series.

“I’m pumped to be able to confirm that we’ll be in the US next year,” commented Lucas. “When we went to Thunder Valley, it was amazing, and we’ve also been bringing the results for the team in GPs until some bad luck with the hip problem.

“2027 will be a big change for the family, but it’s a dream to make this move. Thanks to everyone at Red Bull KTM for making this next chapter possible.”

While currently in contention for the MX2 title in 2026, Sacha also lined up for Thunder Valley and Southwick, earning a convincing 250MX moto two victory in Colorado before claiming a perfect 1-1 scorecard in Massachusetts. He broke his collarbone in a late second moto incident at Southwick, yet remounted to win the race.

“Super-excited,” said Sacha. “We still have big goals for the rest of MX2 this year, but to have this deal confirmed means we can focus on the target and also get organized for 2027. There will be a lot to learn, but it’s what we want to do. It’s very cool to have this opportunity. I can’t wait already.”

Robert Jonas, KTM director of offroad racing, added: “We know this is an amazing chance for both Lucas and Sacha to achieve new goals in their young careers after reaching the top of their grand prix categories in the world championship.

“It’s one of Red Bull KTM’s strengths that we can coordinate and provide these opportunities in different series for talented winners like the Coenens. We’ve believed in their potential for quite some time. There is still some grand prix wins to attempt before the start of a new adventure for all of us.”

Lucas will move directly to the premier 450 ranks for next year’s Monster Energy Supercross, Pro Motocross, and SMX post-season, while Sacha will contest 250SX – the division yet to be determined – alongside the 250 class in Pro Motocross and the SMX playoffs.