Official: Chase Sexton leaves Kawasaki, his future is uncertain

The Kawasaki works team in the US is going through a tough time. Hot on the heels of the saga surrounding Jorge Prado, who struggled with the green bike, Chase Sexton’s departure has hit the headlines. Sexton crashed out during the media day at Thunder Valley (Colorado), resulting in a cruciate ligament tear, and blamed the bike for it. The team publicly refuted this and, with a smug undertone, explained to Sexton how a clutch works. Whilst there is always hope after disputes of this kind that time heals all wounds, in the end the rift between the rider and the team proved irreparable. It was inevitable: Sexton is leaving the Kawasaki works team. For the team, it’s a case of déjà vu, as Jorge Prado also terminated his contract early a year ago.

Naturally, the farewell is accompanied by the usual pleasantries: “I just want to say thank you,” said the 27-year-old. “I am very grateful to everyone involved for their commitment and wish the team and all the staff all the best for the future.”

Sexton’s future also depends on Roczen’s decision

Sexton doesn’t have many options at the moment: the major factory teams are already set. Following Eli Tomac’s retirement, a place might become available there again, but with Jorge Prado and Lucas Coenen, the team is already complete, and his relationship with the team was also considered strained. Rumours are currently circulating that Lucas is set to switch back to the 250cc class, but KTM has already signed four riders for the 250cc class: Julien Beaumer, Sacha Coenen, Ryder DiFrancesco and Daxton Bennick. Added to these are Jorge Prado and Lucas Coenen. Honda’s line-up is set with the Lawrence brothers, whilst at Star Racing Yamaha, Haiden Deegan is the clear number one. The Husqvarna works team has been disbanded. HEP Suzuki has signed Justin Barcia. Whether Ken Roczen will continue in 2027 remains to be seen. But Sexton’s future could well depend on this. If Roczen hangs up his helmet, Sexton could take his place there. At Ducati, only RJ Hampshire has been confirmed so far. Otherwise, his only options would be satellite teams such as Quad Lock Honda or PRMX Yamaha, as the Chinese manufacturers ZXMoto, Kove and JHL have not yet launched their US operations.

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