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Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki has confirmed the signing of Nate Thrasher for the 2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship, with the multi-time 250SX winner joining Levi Kitchen, Seth Hammaker, Drew Adams, and Nick Romano on the team roster.

The 23-year-old joins the storied Mitch Payton-led organization after six seasons with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, where he made his full-time professional debut in 2021 and secured seven 250SX race victories.

Thrasher is yet to mount a sustained championship challenge, however, with fourth overall in the 2025 250SX East standings remaining his best finish to date. The Tennessee native is targeting a title breakthrough next year, alongside additional race wins.

“I’m super-excited to join Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki,” said Thrasher. “It’s been a lifelong dream to be on this team, and I can’t wait to start riding the KX250. I’ll be training in Florida with my teammates Levi and Nick.

“Mitch Payton and the whole team have been great and super welcoming – I look forward to getting the bike dialed in, and my goal is to win a championship. I want to keep stacking race wins – my goal would be to get to 10 race wins total within the year. I feel like this is my year, and I want to make it count.”

Team owner Mitch Payton added: “Going into 2027, we have a lot of momentum to build on with Levi coming off his SMX world championship and Seth continuing to show his championship capabilities. I believe this off-season will give each of our riders the time they need to recover, reset, and dial in their programs for the upcoming year.

“Drew and Nick continue to develop their speed and race craft, and both showed a lot of improvement throughout the year. We’re also looking forward to having Nate join the team. I believe he’s a great fit for our program and has the speed and experience to deliver strong results throughout the season.”