Image: Octopi Media.

A top-five finish at the opening SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoff in Charlotte on Saturday was a sign of progression for Austin Forkner in 250SMX, as the class veteran continues to find added comfort at Triumph Factory Racing.

Following a high-profile switch from the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team – with whom he spent nine seasons with – to Triumph’s TX 250-F in 2025, the multi-time 250SX race winner has since experienced an up-and-down season both indoors and out.

A P5 finish in the sole 250SMX race contested at zMAX Dragway signified a strong step in the right direction, as the 27-year-old continues to gel with his new equipment and surroundings.

“I felt good as soon as practice started, despite deep ruts that made some people hesitant,” commented Forkner. “I nailed the start in our only race – I started second – and then slowly dropped back to fifth. There was a lot of waiting around in the weather delay, but I’m happy to take fifth overall.

“The track was gnarly all day with how soft and rutted it was, but I felt pretty comfortable with it. They cancelled the second moto, which probably sucked for some guys, but I was fine with it considering my fifth in the first moto. Overall, it was a good and productive day.”

General manager of Triumph Racing America Jeremy Coker added: “Today was a big step in the right direction for Austin. Taking a good start and running up front on a very tough track was awesome for him – he is starting to show his true talent and I am excited to see what’s to come.”

With his fifth-place finish, Forkner sits sixth overall in the 250SMX standings as Playoff 2 takes place at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis this weekend, which is a hometown race of sorts for the rider originating from Missouri.