Image: Supplied.

Triumph Factory Racing has confirmed that 450SX newcomer Austin Forkner will remain in the premier class of Monster Energy Supercross for the remainder of season 2026, continuing development of the TF 450-X alongside the returning Jordon Smith.

Forkner was initially expected to contest 250SX East alongside Jalek Swoll, before off-season shoulder surgery for Smith saw the experienced 27-year-old Forkner promoted to the 450 prior to Anaheim 1.

Uncertainty surrounded whether Forkner would return to the eastern division upon Smith’s return, with the Triumph team confirming ahead of Arlington that Forkner will remain in the 450SX class – at least for Supercross – once he is back from a hand injury sustained in Houston.

“Austin will stay [on the] 450 full-time,” team manager Steve Westfall announced on the weekend. “[Pro Motocross and SMX] is tentative currently, with his plan to start riding the week before Indianapolis. Currently, as we sit here today, he’ll [return] at Birmingham.”

Forker experienced a difficult start to his premier class career, recording P15 and P17 finishes across each of the Anaheim rounds, while crashes in both San Diego and Houston resulted in time on the sidelines.

For Smith and Swoll, Arlington marked a tough outing for the pair, with Swoll exiting the 250SX main event early following a crash in the whoops, while Smith was credited with 19th position in his 450SX debut after missing the opening six rounds.