Entering 2026, it felt like another new chapter for Chase Sexton at Monster Energy Kawasaki, one that signalled the potential for a reinvigorated version of the former 450SX and 450MX champion. Things haven’t gone at all to plan three months into a three-year commitment, leaving the question – can this pairing eventually succeed?

It’s no secret that things unravelled between Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Sexton late last year, escalating through his Pro Motocross title defense and into the SMX World Championship post-season. That relationship deteriorated quickly, which in the end was on a timeline similar to Jorge Prado and Kawasaki.

What followed was a trade of sorts, with Sexton surfacing aboard a KX450SR on the beaches of Hawaii, appearing refreshed after what had been a mentally-challenging summer. At the time, uncertainty surrounding his situation with KTM had become a central talking point within the sport, as had the shocking Kawasaki/Prado split.

Sexton’s transfer to Kawasaki then felt like a make-or-break of sorts – one final opportunity to either validate his motorcycle-related struggles of the past while now being equipped with a factory KX450SR, or otherwise it would confirm that the same issues would persist. So far, it’s unfortunately been the latter.

Image: Octopi Media.

We’ve seen an assortment of bike setting directions emerge during Sexton’s initial period at Monster Energy Kawasaki, including a Pro Circuit overhaul leading into San Diego, before he seemingly met in the middle somewhere, before a practice crash prior to Daytona kept him sidelined for the following three rounds.

There’s also been a lack of his trademark explosive speed on display compared to previous years, with the 26-year-old having found the podium just twice in nine appearances – inclusive of victory at Anaheim 2. In qualifying, where he traditionally excels over a single-lap flyer, he has only proven fastest at A1 and A2.

Chase’s familiar unforced errors have also been apparent in 2026 again, which most recently was what appeared to be a total mental lapse on where he was situated mid-rhythm in St. Louis, resulting in a visibly frustrating DNF. That’s not good for a rider with proven capabilities and the expectation to be up there, fighting for the title among the very elite of 450SX.

Saturday night was another moment in the catalogue of Sexton mishaps, with the Illinois native expressing that the incident was his own fault, but he is luckily okay to race-on: “Decent day going in STL until the main. Apologies to all the Midwest fans that showed up for that performance. I made a dumb error on my part, and just wasn’t riding good in general.

Image: Octopi Media.

“I knocked the wind out of myself and had to roll around for a few laps. By that point I was going to be in the way of the leaders and decided I had to call it early. But I’m good to go otherwise. It’s been a tough go at it this year but I’m going to keep giving it my all!”

Even though KTM wore a lot of criticism last year, it was Sexton who hit the gate in Detroit, threw away a sure win at the Arlington Triple Crown, and tossed his goggles at Fox Raceway – to name a few – all of which played a major role in how those championships ultimately played out. Still, it’s important to note that he did deliver the Austrian brand an outdoor crown in 2024.

So the reality is, this switch to Kawasaki is not the magical answer he was searching for, and it likely never was. It does buy a bit of time regarding a form of ‘getting the bike dialed’ narrative, but the fans – as well as myself – have kind of heard and seen enough over the course of his career now.

The question is, will he eventually succeed with Kawasaki? If it’s race wins or podiums, those boxes have already been ticked. But championships? That’s going to take a significant turnaround in the form of consistency, most likely to come through genuine comfort on the bike or the ability to ride through any perceived problems. And it will want to happen sooner, rather than later, even if they still have 2027 and 2028 on their contract following this maiden term.

Image: Octopi Media.

I say soon, because the competition is only going to get tougher, with 250 phenom Haiden Deegan stepping into the premier class come Pro Motocross and looking to pose a serious threat to the establishment from the outset in 450MX, as well as the ever-accountable Lawrence brothers still being relatively fresh. Plus, the old guard isn’t slowing down any time soon.

Turmoil following Sexton’s time at Honda and KTM wasn’t exactly a green flag, either. His camp has often leaned on blaming the machinery or those surrounding him, rather than reflecting on what Chase himself might be doing wrong – a pattern that doesn’t inspire confidence heading into any upcoming title push.

There are few – if any – riders who get the microscopic treatment that the number four continues to receive, with every move, crash, and bike adjustment just more ammunition for analysis. Time will tell if a new chapter can in fact be written at Monster Energy Kawasaki for Chase Sexton, and only championships will be the validation that he’s aiming to achieve.