Image: Octopi Media.

A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) will force Chase Sexton to undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the 2026 season, including Pro Motocross and the wider Monster Energy SMX World Championship.

Sexton was injured during press day at Thunder Valley one week ago, with Monster Energy Kawasaki announcing yesterday that he’s also out for High Point.

This afternoon, the former 450SX (2023) and 450MX (2024) champion confirmed the extent of his knee injury and has now been ruled out for the rest of the year – the first of a three-year contract with Monster Energy Kawasaki. With speculation continuing to mount, it is unclear if he will finish out the final two years of his commitment.

“2026 racing season has unfortunately come to an end,” Sexton announced on social media. “Got the news last night that I have a torn ACL from my crash last week that will need surgery.

“After all the struggles of this year, this one felt like I got punched straight in the stomach. I’m not going to lie, it hurts me to even type this out. With that being said, I’m going to take this an opportunity to do things I normally don’t get to do this summer and enjoy it with my friends and family.

“As far as racing goes I’m also looking forward to this comeback story and this one is going to be personal. For me as a rider I have a lot left to prove and I’m going to take full advantage of it – ’27 will be fun. For now, I’m going to enjoy life and maybe see y’all at some races in the future as a fan. Thank you.”

After finishing sixth in the Monster Energy Supercross Championship with two victories to his credit onboard the factory KX450 – Anaheim 2 and Salt Lake City – Sexton finished P6 at Fox Raceway and seventh overall at Hangtown to open the outdoor series.