Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing has drafted in Landen Gordon ahead of Nashville, set to debut in place of Caden Dudney who will instead focus on his upcoming first full season of Pro Motocross.

The 19-year-old Gordon finished on the SMX Next podium in Anaheim, Houston and Daytona this season, but crashed out on the opening lap of Birmingham. It’s unclear how many 250SX East rounds he will enter.

“The team and I worked extremely hard together, and we’ve decided it’s time to rock and roll in the Music City,” Gordon said. “I’ve dreamt about this moment my whole life. I’m ready to have some fun and mix it up with the East coast boys!”

Star Racing 250 team general manager, Wil Hahn, added: “From the start, the plan for Caden was to go in open-minded and gain valuable experience for the ’27 Supercross season. Now that he’s done that, we’re shifting full focus to his rookie outdoor campaign.

“He showed so much promise last year, and it’s time to set the focus on that. In the meantime, we will move Landen up to give him some valuable Supercross experience starting this weekend in Nashville.”

Highly-rated teenager Dudney has been impressive in terms of speed since arriving in 250SX, but hasn’t managed to put a complete main event together – finishing with a best result of 11th at Daytona. He also achieved a high of P11 in 250MX late last season at Unadilla.

It’s unclear when the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team will give Australian Kayden Minear, 18, an opportunity to contest 250SX. He has three SMX Next victories to his credit, including Anaheim 2 this season.