2026 Silly Season

9/12/2025 1:26pm

It seems there won't be any Factory Beta team in USA for 2026...

If true that sucks for Benny and Oldenburg. 

mattyhamz2 wrote:
From what I understood, they were never the "factory" team, it was more of an effort put together by Gardner and supported by Beta. Or something...

From what I understood, they were never the "factory" team, it was more of an effort put together by Gardner and supported by Beta. Or something along those lines. 

They call themselves the factory beta team. I’ve heard they aren’t full factory like the other oems. He was referring to the team Benny and Oldenburg are on. 

9/12/2025 2:16pm
The KX450 has 12 US championships to its name. I believe that is the most of any of the other models (I think KTM/Husky are at...

The KX450 has 12 US championships to its name. I believe that is the most of any of the other models (I think KTM/Husky are at 11?)

So maybe Kawi is doing fine setting the bike up and running a factory racing effort.

The KX450 hasn't won a US Championship in the last 5 years.

Call me when they go 20 years without one like Honda

What’s your number? I’ll pre warn you I like to FaceTime nood
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LocalDrunk
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9/12/2025 4:24pm
mattyhamz2 wrote:
From what I understood, they were never the "factory" team, it was more of an effort put together by Gardner and supported by Beta. Or something...

From what I understood, they were never the "factory" team, it was more of an effort put together by Gardner and supported by Beta. Or something along those lines. 

What makes them non factory?

9/12/2025 4:53pm
mattyhamz2 wrote:
From what I understood, they were never the "factory" team, it was more of an effort put together by Gardner and supported by Beta. Or something...

From what I understood, they were never the "factory" team, it was more of an effort put together by Gardner and supported by Beta. Or something along those lines. 

LocalDrunk wrote:

What makes them non factory?

Probably by not being in an house factory operation. 

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The Shop

uncledaddy69
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9/12/2025 4:53pm

What are the rumors with Minear? He was talking with KTM, but haven’t heard anything for a while. 

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9/12/2025 5:02pm
ML512 wrote:

Spreading false rumors? Bloss and Oldenburg both signed extensions for 2026, the team is continuing, I just double checked with the owner.

Source MotoVerte.com

Do better ML says your wrong then your the problem.

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LocalDrunk
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9/12/2025 6:15pm
Rickyisms wrote:

Probably by not being in an house factory operation. 

Don’t the operate out of beta headquarters in North America though? 

truck
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9/12/2025 6:25pm
Rickyisms wrote:

Probably by not being in an house factory operation. 

LocalDrunk wrote:

Don’t the operate out of beta headquarters in North America though? 

Steve, is that you? 

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9/12/2025 9:55pm

What are the rumors with Minear? He was talking with KTM, but haven’t heard anything for a while. 

Star better re sign him in my opinion...he smoked everyone at Hangtown futures and today in St. Louis...

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9/13/2025 2:55am

Do better ML says your wrong then your the problem.

What a fine analysis... I'm speechless.

 

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DonM
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9/13/2025 10:06am
ML512 wrote:

Spreading false rumors? Bloss and Oldenburg both signed extensions for 2026, the team is continuing, I just double checked with the owner.

Source MotoVerte.com

Do better ML says your wrong then your the problem.

It's "you're".....Moran 

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cappelmans
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9/13/2025 10:38am

Barcia to ducati is just perfect. Looking forward to that

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aeffertz
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9/13/2025 4:36pm

Anyone heard any rumblings on what the big, mainstream brand that is coming on to sponsor SMX next year? 

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9/13/2025 8:44pm
aeffertz wrote:

Anyone heard any rumblings on what the big, mainstream brand that is coming on to sponsor SMX next year? 

The one thats the title sponsor of sx maybe?

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ohh_454
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9/13/2025 10:10pm
aeffertz wrote:

Anyone heard any rumblings on what the big, mainstream brand that is coming on to sponsor SMX next year? 

OnlyFans is what I’m hearing….

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Money
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9/14/2025 2:46pm

So where is minear going or is he staying at star? Would be a shame if they hire Gordon bc hes wils boy vs keeping a kid thats won them races 

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ohh_454
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9/14/2025 3:21pm
Money wrote:
So where is minear going or is he staying at star? Would be a shame if they hire Gordon bc hes wils boy vs keeping a...

So where is minear going or is he staying at star? Would be a shame if they hire Gordon bc hes wils boy vs keeping a kid thats won them races 

Someone get in Mitch’s ear. If Kawi says no, just personally sponsor him and figure it out later lol

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9/14/2025 5:21pm
cappelmans wrote:

Barcia to ducati is just perfect. Looking forward to that

Barcia and the Desmo valve train will be a marriage made in heaven...

 

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Money
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9/14/2025 8:55pm
cappelmans wrote:

Barcia to ducati is just perfect. Looking forward to that

Swarty89 wrote:

Barcia and the Desmo valve train will be a marriage made in heaven...

 

Barcia has ran through n talked smack on every bike n team he has ride. This will be no different. 

Who are the new rumored riders to take Prado spot?

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burn1986
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9/15/2025 5:57am
Money wrote:
Barcia has ran through n talked smack on every bike n team he has ride. This will be no different. Who are the new rumored riders to...

Barcia has ran through n talked smack on every bike n team he has ride. This will be no different. 

Who are the new rumored riders to take Prado spot?

It’d be cool if Kawi could pick up Hampshire or Shimoda. Of course they’re in contracts. Kawi doesn’t have any real riders atm. Marchbanks, Hammaker, Kitchen are all mediocre. 

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davistld01
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9/15/2025 7:49am
burn1986 wrote:
It’d be cool if Kawi could pick up Hampshire or Shimoda. Of course they’re in contracts. Kawi doesn’t have any real riders atm. Marchbanks, Hammaker, Kitchen...

It’d be cool if Kawi could pick up Hampshire or Shimoda. Of course they’re in contracts. Kawi doesn’t have any real riders atm. Marchbanks, Hammaker, Kitchen are all mediocre. 

I've read more than one mention of a Kawasaki/Shimoda possibility. Then again, I've read about him staying put on Red. I think maybe a change of scenery might be the thing to bring out Jo's true potential. 

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mx317
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9/15/2025 7:56am
burn1986 wrote:
It’d be cool if Kawi could pick up Hampshire or Shimoda. Of course they’re in contracts. Kawi doesn’t have any real riders atm. Marchbanks, Hammaker, Kitchen...

It’d be cool if Kawi could pick up Hampshire or Shimoda. Of course they’re in contracts. Kawi doesn’t have any real riders atm. Marchbanks, Hammaker, Kitchen are all mediocre. 

davistld01 wrote:
I've read more than one mention of a Kawasaki/Shimoda possibility. Then again, I've read about him staying put on Red. I think maybe a change of...

I've read more than one mention of a Kawasaki/Shimoda possibility. Then again, I've read about him staying put on Red. I think maybe a change of scenery might be the thing to bring out Jo's true potential. 

I don't know because it seems like Honda has their stuff working well right now. Jo is doing better than ever and a change might hurt him more than help him. It's all speculation of course. 

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davistld01
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9/15/2025 8:04am
mx317 wrote:
I don't know because it seems like Honda has their stuff working well right now. Jo is doing better than ever and a change might hurt...

I don't know because it seems like Honda has their stuff working well right now. Jo is doing better than ever and a change might hurt him more than help him. It's all speculation of course. 

You definitely have a point, but with all the focus on the Lawrence boys...and with at least Jett guaranteed to be there another 5yrs. minimum, maybe Jo would see that unless he indeed wins the 250 title in 2026, his shot at a 450 ride might not happen with HRC. I think a Sexton/Shimoda 450 team-up at Kawasaki might give him what he has said he'd like to have, and be very effective for that team.

But, just speculating as well.

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uncledaddy69
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9/15/2025 8:21am
burn1986 wrote:
It’d be cool if Kawi could pick up Hampshire or Shimoda. Of course they’re in contracts. Kawi doesn’t have any real riders atm. Marchbanks, Hammaker, Kitchen...

It’d be cool if Kawi could pick up Hampshire or Shimoda. Of course they’re in contracts. Kawi doesn’t have any real riders atm. Marchbanks, Hammaker, Kitchen are all mediocre. 

davistld01 wrote:
I've read more than one mention of a Kawasaki/Shimoda possibility. Then again, I've read about him staying put on Red. I think maybe a change of...

I've read more than one mention of a Kawasaki/Shimoda possibility. Then again, I've read about him staying put on Red. I think maybe a change of scenery might be the thing to bring out Jo's true potential. 

100% not happening. 

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9/15/2025 8:33am
mx317 wrote:
I don't know because it seems like Honda has their stuff working well right now. Jo is doing better than ever and a change might hurt...

I don't know because it seems like Honda has their stuff working well right now. Jo is doing better than ever and a change might hurt him more than help him. It's all speculation of course. 

davistld01 wrote:
You definitely have a point, but with all the focus on the Lawrence boys...and with at least Jett guaranteed to be there another 5yrs. minimum, maybe...

You definitely have a point, but with all the focus on the Lawrence boys...and with at least Jett guaranteed to be there another 5yrs. minimum, maybe Jo would see that unless he indeed wins the 250 title in 2026, his shot at a 450 ride might not happen with HRC. I think a Sexton/Shimoda 450 team-up at Kawasaki might give him what he has said he'd like to have, and be very effective for that team.

But, just speculating as well.

Not sure if it's been spoken about but Honda would have a real powerhouse (as if they don't already) team if they could find the budget to run 3 450's with the current team + Jo. I feel like team dynamics would be very healthy for a long time in this case. If Jo claims a championship next year, it's hard to see Honda forking over what he'd be deserving whilst paying the Lawrences. 

9/15/2025 9:04am
davistld01 wrote:
You definitely have a point, but with all the focus on the Lawrence boys...and with at least Jett guaranteed to be there another 5yrs. minimum, maybe...

You definitely have a point, but with all the focus on the Lawrence boys...and with at least Jett guaranteed to be there another 5yrs. minimum, maybe Jo would see that unless he indeed wins the 250 title in 2026, his shot at a 450 ride might not happen with HRC. I think a Sexton/Shimoda 450 team-up at Kawasaki might give him what he has said he'd like to have, and be very effective for that team.

But, just speculating as well.

100% agree.

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davistld01
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9/15/2025 9:44am
burn1986 wrote:
It’d be cool if Kawi could pick up Hampshire or Shimoda. Of course they’re in contracts. Kawi doesn’t have any real riders atm. Marchbanks, Hammaker, Kitchen...

It’d be cool if Kawi could pick up Hampshire or Shimoda. Of course they’re in contracts. Kawi doesn’t have any real riders atm. Marchbanks, Hammaker, Kitchen are all mediocre. 

davistld01 wrote:
I've read more than one mention of a Kawasaki/Shimoda possibility. Then again, I've read about him staying put on Red. I think maybe a change of...

I've read more than one mention of a Kawasaki/Shimoda possibility. Then again, I've read about him staying put on Red. I think maybe a change of scenery might be the thing to bring out Jo's true potential. 

100% not happening. 

And...you know that, because?

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avidchimp
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9/15/2025 11:45am
davistld01 wrote:
I've read more than one mention of a Kawasaki/Shimoda possibility. Then again, I've read about him staying put on Red. I think maybe a change of...

I've read more than one mention of a Kawasaki/Shimoda possibility. Then again, I've read about him staying put on Red. I think maybe a change of scenery might be the thing to bring out Jo's true potential. 

100% not happening. 

davistld01 wrote:

And...you know that, because?

Some people around here actually know things, and he isn't wrong.

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1
9/15/2025 1:15pm
davistld01 wrote:
You definitely have a point, but with all the focus on the Lawrence boys...and with at least Jett guaranteed to be there another 5yrs. minimum, maybe...

You definitely have a point, but with all the focus on the Lawrence boys...and with at least Jett guaranteed to be there another 5yrs. minimum, maybe Jo would see that unless he indeed wins the 250 title in 2026, his shot at a 450 ride might not happen with HRC. I think a Sexton/Shimoda 450 team-up at Kawasaki might give him what he has said he'd like to have, and be very effective for that team.

But, just speculating as well.

100% agree.

I don't see Honda fielding 3 450s especially the $$$ they are paying out to the Aussie boys. Seems like Kawi 450 is Jo's best option. He's better than the rest of the 250 field and Kawi needs 2 solid 450 riders. 

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-MAVERICK-
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9/15/2025 1:17pm
davistld01 wrote:
You definitely have a point, but with all the focus on the Lawrence boys...and with at least Jett guaranteed to be there another 5yrs. minimum, maybe...

You definitely have a point, but with all the focus on the Lawrence boys...and with at least Jett guaranteed to be there another 5yrs. minimum, maybe Jo would see that unless he indeed wins the 250 title in 2026, his shot at a 450 ride might not happen with HRC. I think a Sexton/Shimoda 450 team-up at Kawasaki might give him what he has said he'd like to have, and be very effective for that team.

But, just speculating as well.

100% agree.

I don't see Honda fielding 3 450s especially the $$$ they are paying out to the Aussie boys. Seems like Kawi 450 is Jo's best option...

I don't see Honda fielding 3 450s especially the $$$ they are paying out to the Aussie boys. Seems like Kawi 450 is Jo's best option. He's better than the rest of the 250 field and Kawi needs 2 solid 450 riders. 

Lars already mentioned they could run three 450 bikes. 

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