Kawasaki Releases Jorge Prado Ahead of 2026 SMX Season
In a significant development for the SuperMotocross World Championship, Kawasaki Motors Corp. has officially announced the early release of Jorge Prado from his rider contract, effective October 16, 2025. This decision marks the end of a challenging year for the team, as Prado sought to terminate his three-year agreement to rejoin Red Bull KTM.
Prado’s desire to exit the contract stemmed from performance issues during his time with Kawasaki, prompting discussions about a possible return to KTM. The announcement confirms that he is now free to pursue that opportunity.
In a statement, Kawasaki extended its best wishes to Prado in his future endeavors. “Monster Energy Kawasaki is hard at work in preparation for the 2026 SMX World Championship,” the press release noted, indicating a strong focus on upcoming season preparations.
The team is expected to announce its 450 Class and 250 Class lineups in early November, with speculation centering around the potential signing of Chase Sexton to fill one of the 450 slots. As for the second 450 seat, details remain uncertain.
As the motorsports community anticipates further roster changes, the countdown to the 2026 SMX season intensifies, with the Anaheim 1 Supercross event set for January 10, 2026, at Angel Stadium. Expect more updates as the “silly season” unfolds in the coming weeks, with key negotiations and announcements poised to shape the competitive landscape for the upcoming season.
