Kayden Minear Set for 250SX Pro Debut at Denver Supercross
Kayden Minear will make his highly anticipated U.S. pro 250SX debut at the Denver Supercross this Saturday, following a solid performance in the SMX Next series. Minear, who secured a victory during the Anaheim 2 SMX Next qualifying race earlier this year, has shown resilience through injuries that sidelined him for several rounds, including a fifth-place finish at Daytona and 19th at Birmingham. Despite an early crash in Philadelphia, he managed to regain ground, finishing seventh in the championship main event.
The 2026 season marks an impressive year for Yamaha Star Racing, with Minear becoming the ninth rider from the team to compete in the 250SX category. This cohort includes notable names such as Max Anstie and Haiden Deegan in the 250SX West and Pierce Brown and Nate Thrasher in the East. The depth of the Yamaha roster underscores the team’s competitive edge, featuring both 250SX and 450SX contenders, including Justin Cooper and Cooper Webb.
Minear, who earned a national number of #99 after showing promise with 23 points in two 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship starts, aims to capitalize on his SMX Next successes as he transitions to the elite ranks.
As of now, Carson Wood remains the sole amateur competitor for Yamaha, with plans to participate in upcoming SMX Next Scouting Moto Combine events in the summer, a situation that may evolve as the season progresses.
Yamaha Star Racing announced via Instagram, “After stacking wins in SMX Next, Kayden Minear is making his move. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rookie will line up for his Supercross pro debut in Denver, bringing proven speed from the development ranks straight to the main stage.”
This weekend’s race will be a critical step in Minear’s career as he seeks to establish himself among the top competitors in the 250SX series.
