Adding a proven champion to its premier class lineup, Beta USA has officially signed Shane McElrath to a two-year contract. McElrath brings an elite racing pedigree and extensive professional experience to the Liqui Moly Beta Race Team, where he is set to campaign the Factory Beta RX 450F in the highly competitive 450SX division.
Originally hailing from Canton, North Carolina, McElrath turned pro in 2013 and has steadily built one of the most respected resumes in the paddock. He is a two-time FIM World Supercross Champion, capturing the SX2 global titles in both 2022 and 2024. Domestically, McElrath is a proven threat, boasting numerous AMA Pro Motocross and Supercross race victories, alongside three championship runner-up finishes in the fiercely competitive AMA 250SX divisions (2015, 2017, and 2020). Known for his exceptional technical skills, relentless work ethic, and calculated approach under pressure, McElrath is primed to help elevate Beta's 450-class racing efforts over the next two seasons alongside teammate Benny Bloss. "I'm so excited to finally get to announce our partnership with Beta Factory Racing!" said McElrath. "They have given me a great opportunity, and I'm excited to work alongside such a longstanding brand for the next 2 years and beyond. We are both eager to perform well at the highest level, and we will stop at nothing less. Let's go racing!"
Carlen Gardner, Race Team Director, is equally optimistic about the impact the two-time World Supercross Champion will have on the ongoing development and success of the factory team.
"We are incredibly proud to welcome Shane to the Beta USA family," Gardner stated. "Shane brings a wealth of knowledge, a championship-winning mindset, and a level of professionalism that perfectly aligns with our vision for the Liqui Moly Beta Race Team. His extensive experience developing bikes and racing at the absolute highest level will be invaluable for our program. We know he has what it takes to ride up front, and we are ready to get to work and build on the foundation we've established."
McElrath is currently preparing for his debut with the team, which will be at the first round of the SMX Playoffs a few weeks from now in Columbus, OH. | 
Stoked for Shane! He deserves a good ride and Bloss has shown it's a capable platform. Could see some Beta holeshot's with McElrath twisting the throttle!
Shame not see him at Ironman. If Beta is there already for Benny then why not other than the general "need more prep".
Two time world champion, just like Tom Vialle
Sincere condolences, Shane.
😄
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They should pick up Sexton next.
Watch Shane top 5 that sucker at a mudder next season!!!
Lfggg Macklewrath!!!
Glad for Shane
So Oldenberg is out next year? Bloss has done much better outdoors so I would assume they keep Benny?
Barcia would sell more Beta's than McElrath. And get more top tens.
And his salary would be way higher
Pretty big move for both parties. Great to see Shane still thriving and getting a factory spot, and great to see Beta invest in more amazing talent
No reason to disparage his accomplishments.
only an ape would compare these two lol
Stoked for Shane and Beta ! Great addition to keep building on a solid team.
Huh? Who did I disparage?
Benny signed a 2 year extension. Oldenburg is going to ride for PHX Honda on a 250 next year.
I don't know who is more hard up, Beta or McElrath.
Pit Row
Is Shane racing WSX?
Weak. Triumph and Ducati blew past BETA in less than 1 year.
Is this year 4 or 5 of Beta? They’ve done absolutely fookin nootin!
Your reply sounds very uninformed and clueless, Beta operates on a fraction of those company’s budget and you expect them to be on par with them? Fact, Beta is doing a great job for the money their spending and you don’t pay much attention to the ins and outs of this sport
C'mon, guys. Censoring a posthumous tribute is not very classy.
😏
Aren’t they lining up on the same gate as the Ducati and Triumph ?
If they aren’t ready why line up for Pro Motocross? Sounds like coping excuses to me, they had a 2 year head start and nobody is buying a Beta with the current marketing and results. The riders are ghosts only shown on TV when getting lapped.
I stand firmly with my first sentence in my last post. 👋 bye
“You expect them to be on par?” while literally lining up on the same gate. Sure the first few years won’t be good, but this will be their 5th year.
No
Ducati has race winners and champions on their team, Triumph has race winners on their team.
Beta purposely started with guys that have a ceiling of top 10. Both because of cost and time to develop.
They are now taking a step up with Shane in a guy who can get a top 5 on the right day and consistently be in the top 10 in SX.
They also tried to get RJ. But clearly now they are going after former winners and champions.
Ummmmm, you are a very sad person in my book. why do you find it so easy to insult a company for trying to better themselves? They are not hard up as you seem to think. They are taking very conservative steps too build a long lasting and program. you can sit behind your little keyboard and insult them... or choose to support them while they are providing rides and jobs for real human beings to support their families. Shane is a very good person and has a lot of great input to make the future brighter for Beta. But I can tell you one thing mister Lost boy, people like you enjoy insulting people because it is easy to hide behind a screen name but are never willing to put your money on the line. so unless you have nothing positive to say........ then just please keep quiet. The sport needs them.
With several of the manufacturers (Yamaha and Kawi) going with a shorter style fender, I wonder if Beta will redesign theirs?
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