Aaron Plessinger Out of SMX Playoffs: KTM Prioritizes Recovery Ahead of 2026 Season
*MURRIETA, Calif. — Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has announced that Aaron Plessinger will miss all three rounds of the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoffs, focusing on his health and recovery.
Plessinger’s season started strong with overall finishes of 4-2-3-4-7 in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. However, his performance declined as he missed critical points in three consecutive motos between the RedBud National and the Spring Creek National. In early August, KTM confirmed Plessinger would sit out the final four rounds of the Pro Motocross season due to ongoing health issues.
Despite being eligible for the playoffs as the eighth seed after finishing eighth in 450MX, Plessinger has decided to forgo the opportunity to compete this year. “What I’ve been dealing with is taking a little bit longer than expected to come back around,” he stated. “This is the best move for myself and my health heading into next season.”
While Plessinger will not compete, he plans to attend the SMX Playoff 1 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, to interact with fans and support his teammates — Chase Sexton, Tom Vialle, and Julien Beaumer — who will race.
“Recovery is the top priority,” KTM management noted. “Although he is on the mend, he is still not 100 percent just yet.”
Fans can expect Plessinger’s focus to shift towards preparing for the 2026 season as he continues his rehabilitation.*
