2026 Silly Season

GrapeApe
Profile picture for user GrapeApe
Posts
8915
Joined
6/7/2010
Location
Mc Kinney, TX, USA
GrapeApe 5/7/2025 7:46am
5/7/2025 7:46am
Sandberm656 wrote:
Is there a different word you would like to use besides "benched"? Maybe you haven't seen the interview but Christian wants to race outdoors but Star...

Is there a different word you would like to use besides "benched"? Maybe you haven't seen the interview but Christian wants to race outdoors but Star is saying no. 

That's straight from Craigs mouth.

 

GrapeApe wrote:

What does his contract say? I thought he was SX only with Star.

Sandberm656 wrote:
Is it a reasonable assumption based off the press release Star put out last fall that he was signed to ride both sx and mx? Maybe...

Is it a reasonable assumption based off the press release Star put out last fall that he was signed to ride both sx and mx? Maybe not? 

"Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing is excited to announce that Christian Craig will return to the team for the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship season. The Californian put ink to paper for a two-year deal to race the YZ450F and help the team with the development of their 250 riders..."

https://racerxonline.com/2024/10/01/christian-craig-returns-to-star-yamaha-on-two-year-deal-as-racer-250-development-coach

You're right that sounds like a full "season". Not sure why I had it in my head he was SX only.

With his brother now at Triumph I guess there's nobody there to look out for him.

 

2
NicNak
Profile picture for user NicNak
Posts
1096
Joined
2/18/2019
Location
Palm Desert, CA, USA
NicNak 5/7/2025 8:33am
5/7/2025 8:33am Edited Date/Time 5/7/2025 8:33am

Alpinestars did not like haiden getting arrested then clowning around in jailsuit the following weekend. It's not their image. 

Decreased the value they are going to offer Haiden. Think haiden could be best suited away from alpinestars & be able to do more "jailsuit" style stuff. 

3
7
dog_lover_136 5/7/2025 8:45am
5/7/2025 8:45am
NicNak wrote:
Alpinestars did not like haiden getting arrested then clowning around in jailsuit the following weekend. It's not their image. Decreased the value they are going to offer...

Alpinestars did not like haiden getting arrested then clowning around in jailsuit the following weekend. It's not their image. 

Decreased the value they are going to offer Haiden. Think haiden could be best suited away from alpinestars & be able to do more "jailsuit" style stuff. 

How do you know they didn’t like it? Do you know one of the higher ups at AStars?

9
2
Rickyisms 5/7/2025 8:48am
5/7/2025 8:48am
GrapeApe wrote:
You're right that sounds like a full "season". Not sure why I had it in my head he was SX only.With his brother now at Triumph...

You're right that sounds like a full "season". Not sure why I had it in my head he was SX only.

With his brother now at Triumph I guess there's nobody there to look out for him.

 

I believe the SX only thing was thrown around by a few media outlets. I was certain he was only doing SX for Star as well. 

The Shop

See All »
-MAVERICK-
Profile picture for user -MAVERICK-
Posts
67061
Joined
3/26/2015
Location
Ontario, CA
-MAVERICK- 5/7/2025 9:07am
5/7/2025 9:07am Edited Date/Time 5/7/2025 9:25am
Johnny Ringo wrote:
PC is in Scott goggles as well. Honestly the last 450 guy that wasn’t head to toe might have been Chad in 2011 in Astars.I think Geico...

PC is in Scott goggles as well. 

Honestly the last 450 guy that wasn’t head to toe might have been Chad in 2011 in Astars.

I think Geico had a weird set up in 18 with shift gear but that was the only fox product and I think it was because Alias crapped out halfway through the year. Also 7 years ago lol

He might be one of the the few that didn't wear head to toe Fox apparel. 

I know when he wore Shift he had a mix of Astars boots and Fox boots depending on the year. 

When Shift went away he wore Fox gear, boots, and helmet, but Oakley and Scott goggles depending on which year it was. 

He did wear Fox goggles when he wore Shift, so it's a bit odd that he never raced a year branded in Fox from head to toe. 

Come to think of it, Dungey and James were Oakley guys. 

Anyway, it seems like the last few years most of their guys are head to toe Fox. Kenny, Craig, Gajser, Fernandez, Prado, Shimoda, de Wolf, etc.

Personally, I like the uniform look. It doesn't matter if it's Fox, Alpinestars, or Leatt.

7
motosaki
Profile picture for user motosaki
Posts
30
Joined
4/19/2010
Location
Tecate, CA, USA
motosaki 5/7/2025 9:27am
5/7/2025 9:27am
-MAVERICK- wrote:
He might be one of the the few that didn't wear head to toe Fox apparel. I know when he wore Shift he had a mix of...

He might be one of the the few that didn't wear head to toe Fox apparel. 

I know when he wore Shift he had a mix of Astars boots and Fox boots depending on the year. 

When Shift went away he wore Fox gear, boots, and helmet, but Oakley and Scott goggles depending on which year it was. 

He did wear Fox goggles when he wore Shift, so it's a bit odd that he never raced a year branded in Fox from head to toe. 

Come to think of it, Dungey and James were Oakley guys. 

Anyway, it seems like the last few years most of their guys are head to toe Fox. Kenny, Craig, Gajser, Fernandez, Prado, Shimoda, de Wolf, etc.

Personally, I like the uniform look. It doesn't matter if it's Fox, Alpinestars, or Leatt.

SCOTT

Jo Shimoda | AMA Supercross/Motocross | Honda.Racing

 

9
ohh_454
Profile picture for user ohh_454
Posts
3488
Joined
6/24/2023
Location
Nuevo, CA, USA
Fantasy
614th
ohh_454 5/7/2025 10:55am
5/7/2025 10:55am
-MAVERICK- wrote:
Fox athletes are head to toe. I can't remember anyone in the 250 or450 class being in Fox with different goggles or boots. The PC guys...

Fox athletes are head to toe. I can't remember anyone in the 250 or450 class being in Fox with different goggles or boots. The PC guys have Bell helmets, but they're owned by the same company that owns Fox. Shimoda is head to toe Fox. 

I'm sure they shopped around. 

ohh_454 wrote:
I figured it was head to toe, I was just asking cause I heard AStars did the signature helmet with him hoping to sign him in...

I figured it was head to toe, I was just asking cause I heard AStars did the signature helmet with him hoping to sign him in the future. The Hunta bros dont have a signature AStar helmet yet, and yes I know they’re both Red Bull athletes but AStar could still do a signature helmet for them. 

Johnny Ringo wrote:

I for one am glad to see fox stepping up. Kinda tired of Astars owning the top 7 dudes

Same. I was pumped to see JCoop in a new set up. His O’Neal and HJC set up looks nice. 

7
ohh_454
Profile picture for user ohh_454
Posts
3488
Joined
6/24/2023
Location
Nuevo, CA, USA
Fantasy
614th
ohh_454 5/7/2025 10:56am
5/7/2025 10:56am
-MAVERICK- wrote:
He might be one of the the few that didn't wear head to toe Fox apparel. I know when he wore Shift he had a mix of...

He might be one of the the few that didn't wear head to toe Fox apparel. 

I know when he wore Shift he had a mix of Astars boots and Fox boots depending on the year. 

When Shift went away he wore Fox gear, boots, and helmet, but Oakley and Scott goggles depending on which year it was. 

He did wear Fox goggles when he wore Shift, so it's a bit odd that he never raced a year branded in Fox from head to toe. 

Come to think of it, Dungey and James were Oakley guys. 

Anyway, it seems like the last few years most of their guys are head to toe Fox. Kenny, Craig, Gajser, Fernandez, Prado, Shimoda, de Wolf, etc.

Personally, I like the uniform look. It doesn't matter if it's Fox, Alpinestars, or Leatt.

motosaki wrote:
SCOTT 

SCOTT

Jo Shimoda | AMA Supercross/Motocross | Honda.Racing

 

I thought I read somewhere (maybe swapmoto) that Jo runs Scott’s because this fit his nose the best. Not joking either lol

3
Cayden Thompson 5/7/2025 11:07am
5/7/2025 11:07am
-MAVERICK- wrote:
He might be one of the the few that didn't wear head to toe Fox apparel. I know when he wore Shift he had a mix of...

He might be one of the the few that didn't wear head to toe Fox apparel. 

I know when he wore Shift he had a mix of Astars boots and Fox boots depending on the year. 

When Shift went away he wore Fox gear, boots, and helmet, but Oakley and Scott goggles depending on which year it was. 

He did wear Fox goggles when he wore Shift, so it's a bit odd that he never raced a year branded in Fox from head to toe. 

Come to think of it, Dungey and James were Oakley guys. 

Anyway, it seems like the last few years most of their guys are head to toe Fox. Kenny, Craig, Gajser, Fernandez, Prado, Shimoda, de Wolf, etc.

Personally, I like the uniform look. It doesn't matter if it's Fox, Alpinestars, or Leatt.

motosaki wrote:
SCOTT 

SCOTT

Jo Shimoda | AMA Supercross/Motocross | Honda.Racing

 

ohh_454 wrote:

I thought I read somewhere (maybe swapmoto) that Jo runs Scott’s because this fit his nose the best. Not joking either lol

I wouldn't be surprised. Asians have different noses, mostly not a prominent bridge. Some eyewear companies even make asian-fit only glasses.

I know my Filipina wife can't wear my sunglasses because they will slid right off her face lol. 

7
Herr Lich
Profile picture for user Herr Lich
Posts
2568
Joined
7/11/2023
Location
Sydney, NSW, AU
Herr Lich 5/7/2025 2:07pm
5/7/2025 2:07pm
NicNak wrote:
Alpinestars did not like haiden getting arrested then clowning around in jailsuit the following weekend. It's not their image. Decreased the value they are going to offer...

Alpinestars did not like haiden getting arrested then clowning around in jailsuit the following weekend. It's not their image. 

Decreased the value they are going to offer Haiden. Think haiden could be best suited away from alpinestars & be able to do more "jailsuit" style stuff. 

dog_lover_136 wrote:

How do you know they didn’t like it? Do you know one of the higher ups at AStars?

Time to get UpSkirt or one of the other industry 'insiders' on the job...

3
5
FastEddy
Profile picture for user FastEddy
Posts
14815
Joined
8/3/2008
Location
💀, FL, USA
FastEddy 5/7/2025 2:15pm
5/7/2025 2:15pm
NicNak wrote:
Alpinestars did not like haiden getting arrested then clowning around in jailsuit the following weekend. It's not their image. Decreased the value they are going to offer...

Alpinestars did not like haiden getting arrested then clowning around in jailsuit the following weekend. It's not their image. 

Decreased the value they are going to offer Haiden. Think haiden could be best suited away from alpinestars & be able to do more "jailsuit" style stuff. 

dog_lover_136 wrote:

How do you know they didn’t like it? Do you know one of the higher ups at AStars?

Herr Lich wrote:

Time to get UpSkirt or one of the other industry 'insiders' on the job...

Gabe Mazzarolo would be the guy to ask.

Logan114
Profile picture for user Logan114
Posts
52
Joined
6/4/2021
Location
Vista, CA, USA
Logan114 5/7/2025 4:07pm
5/7/2025 4:07pm
-MAVERICK- wrote:

Star moving Deegan's 250 under the 450 tent, and he'll be in Fox gear. 

Where did you hear this?

aeffertz
Profile picture for user aeffertz
Posts
12661
Joined
7/16/2015
Location
La Crosse, WI, USA
aeffertz 5/8/2025 12:45pm
5/8/2025 12:45pm

Zach O to PC Kawasaki as test rider?

3
1
ohh_454
Profile picture for user ohh_454
Posts
3488
Joined
6/24/2023
Location
Nuevo, CA, USA
Fantasy
614th
ohh_454 5/8/2025 12:55pm
5/8/2025 12:55pm
aeffertz wrote:

Zach O to PC Kawasaki as test rider?

His guy Hot Sauce did go over to Triumph. 

3
Old School Fool 5/9/2025 9:55am
5/9/2025 9:55am

                           My Two cents worth :

                                    Shimoda : Kawasaki 450

                                     JA21 : Triumph

                                      ET3 : Ducati  /. SX only

                                       Sexton :  Stays KTM

1
12
Cayden Thompson 5/9/2025 12:01pm
5/9/2025 12:01pm Edited Date/Time 5/9/2025 12:34pm
Old School Fool wrote:
                           My Two cents worth :                 ...

                           My Two cents worth :

                                    Shimoda : Kawasaki 450

                                     JA21 : Triumph

                                      ET3 : Ducati  /. SX only

                                       Sexton :  Stays KTM

They are probably all wrong 😂

Edit: this has got to be the silliest silly season I've ever seen.

8
Johnny Ringo
Profile picture for user Johnny Ringo
Posts
8219
Joined
1/11/2016
Location
Tombstone, AZ, USA
Johnny Ringo 5/9/2025 2:54pm
5/9/2025 2:54pm
Johnny Ringo wrote:
PC is in Scott goggles as well. Honestly the last 450 guy that wasn’t head to toe might have been Chad in 2011 in Astars.I think Geico...

PC is in Scott goggles as well. 

Honestly the last 450 guy that wasn’t head to toe might have been Chad in 2011 in Astars.

I think Geico had a weird set up in 18 with shift gear but that was the only fox product and I think it was because Alias crapped out halfway through the year. Also 7 years ago lol

-MAVERICK- wrote:
He might be one of the the few that didn't wear head to toe Fox apparel. I know when he wore Shift he had a mix of...

He might be one of the the few that didn't wear head to toe Fox apparel. 

I know when he wore Shift he had a mix of Astars boots and Fox boots depending on the year. 

When Shift went away he wore Fox gear, boots, and helmet, but Oakley and Scott goggles depending on which year it was. 

He did wear Fox goggles when he wore Shift, so it's a bit odd that he never raced a year branded in Fox from head to toe. 

Come to think of it, Dungey and James were Oakley guys. 

Anyway, it seems like the last few years most of their guys are head to toe Fox. Kenny, Craig, Gajser, Fernandez, Prado, Shimoda, de Wolf, etc.

Personally, I like the uniform look. It doesn't matter if it's Fox, Alpinestars, or Leatt.

Hey Mav I just realized that Kay and Liam in MXGP are in Bell helmets also, and Liam is in Oakleys. Wonder if Fox Europe is different

Pit Row

See All »
LP31
Profile picture for user LP31
Posts
371
Joined
1/10/2024
Location
Noosa, QLD, AU
LP31 5/9/2025 11:19pm
5/9/2025 11:19pm

Think it will play out like this

Tomac KTM

Sexton Kawi

Barcia Ducati

Mookie Triumph

JA21 HEP

Jo Husky 250

HRC 250??

 

1
1
Langhammx 5/9/2025 11:28pm
5/9/2025 11:28pm
Logan114 wrote:

Where did you hear this?

It’s been out for a couple days. 
Rumor is a $10M / 10-year deal 

3
Cayden Thompson 5/9/2025 11:31pm
5/9/2025 11:31pm
Logan114 wrote:

Where did you hear this?

Langhammx wrote:

It’s been out for a couple days. 
Rumor is a $10M / 10-year deal 

No way bro

2
TAUTOG
Profile picture for user TAUTOG
Posts
1694
Joined
1/27/2023
Location
Mohrsville, PA, USA
TAUTOG 5/10/2025 6:18am
5/10/2025 6:18am

Where does Kenny go if not Suzuki? He seems like he's not ready to retire yet.

2
Jdog2221
Profile picture for user Jdog2221
Posts
533
Joined
12/27/2021
Location
Burgettstown, PA, USA
Jdog2221 5/10/2025 6:20am
5/10/2025 6:20am
TAUTOG wrote:

Where does Kenny go if not Suzuki? He seems like he's not ready to retire yet.

Suzuki

4
1
brocster
Profile picture for user brocster
Posts
4588
Joined
6/9/2009
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
brocster 5/10/2025 6:47am
5/10/2025 6:47am
LP31 wrote:

Think it will play out like this

Tomac KTM

Sexton Kawi

Barcia Ducati

Mookie Triumph

JA21 HEP

Jo Husky 250

HRC 250??

 

Few posts earlier Michael said Mookie wasn’t switching teams

Think the Triumph 450 a spot is still a mystery at this point.  

Not a huge fan of it but Tomac on KTM with a team like his dad, Roger and Ian working with him would be for the lack of. Better term “legendary”. 

1
davistld01
Profile picture for user davistld01
Posts
9303
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Springfield, MO, USA
davistld01 5/10/2025 7:21am
5/10/2025 7:21am Edited Date/Time 5/10/2025 7:22am
brocster wrote:
Few posts earlier Michael said Mookie wasn’t switching teamsThink the Triumph 450 a spot is still a mystery at this point.  Not a huge fan of...

Few posts earlier Michael said Mookie wasn’t switching teams

Think the Triumph 450 a spot is still a mystery at this point.  

Not a huge fan of it but Tomac on KTM with a team like his dad, Roger and Ian working with him would be for the lack of. Better term “legendary”. 

Yeah, I'd tend to agree. I really hadn't ever considered the Tomac/KTM hookup, but now it sounds like KTM is seriously gunning for Eli as a quick replacement if Sexton actually jumps ship. Proven bike, "championship wise" team, and a great support circle around him...plus maybe that 2-year deal h's been looking for too...sounds like a winner to me. 

For the record though...I think Star Yamaha seriously screwed the pooch for not making financial concessions for Tomac to return. They might regret it.

8
aeffertz
Profile picture for user aeffertz
Posts
12661
Joined
7/16/2015
Location
La Crosse, WI, USA
aeffertz 5/10/2025 7:29am
5/10/2025 7:29am
brocster wrote:
Few posts earlier Michael said Mookie wasn’t switching teamsThink the Triumph 450 a spot is still a mystery at this point.  Not a huge fan of...

Few posts earlier Michael said Mookie wasn’t switching teams

Think the Triumph 450 a spot is still a mystery at this point.  

Not a huge fan of it but Tomac on KTM with a team like his dad, Roger and Ian working with him would be for the lack of. Better term “legendary”. 

I believe what he was saying is that the Stewart announcement coming in a couple weeks has nothing to do with where he lands in 2026. They never really announce team switches while they’re still on their current team. 

5
Cayden Thompson 5/10/2025 7:36am
5/10/2025 7:36am
brocster wrote:
Few posts earlier Michael said Mookie wasn’t switching teamsThink the Triumph 450 a spot is still a mystery at this point.  Not a huge fan of...

Few posts earlier Michael said Mookie wasn’t switching teams

Think the Triumph 450 a spot is still a mystery at this point.  

Not a huge fan of it but Tomac on KTM with a team like his dad, Roger and Ian working with him would be for the lack of. Better term “legendary”. 

davistld01 wrote:
Yeah, I'd tend to agree. I really hadn't ever considered the Tomac/KTM hookup, but now it sounds like KTM is seriously gunning for Eli as a...

Yeah, I'd tend to agree. I really hadn't ever considered the Tomac/KTM hookup, but now it sounds like KTM is seriously gunning for Eli as a quick replacement if Sexton actually jumps ship. Proven bike, "championship wise" team, and a great support circle around him...plus maybe that 2-year deal h's been looking for too...sounds like a winner to me. 

For the record though...I think Star Yamaha seriously screwed the pooch for not making financial concessions for Tomac to return. They might regret it.

Star sees Eli as a guy on his way out. 

1

Post a reply to: 2026 Silly Season