Triumph Factory Racing is making its long-awaited debut in the 450 class of AMA Supercross, but not quite as planned. While Jordon Smith recovers from shoulder surgery, Austin Forkner will move up to the premier class aboard the TF 450-X for at least the first six rounds of the 2026 season, which kicks off January 10 at Anaheim 1.
It’s a massive step for the British manufacturer in only its third year of off-road competition, and an unexpected opportunity for Forkner to prove himself on the big bike.
SMITH SIDELINED UNTIL ARLINGTON
Jordon Smith had a solid first season with Triumph in 2025, including delivering the brand’s first-ever 250SX Main Event victory. The 30-year-old was set to make the natural progression to 450SX for 2026, but a crash at the final SuperMotocross round in Vegas changed those plans.
“Unfortunately, the crash I had in practice in Vegas where I dislocated my shoulder resulted in the need to have surgery to repair my rotator cuff and labrum,” Smith explained. “We’ve been working on the rehab day in, day out and it’s going well, but the return to racing will not be until Arlington.”
That’s round seven of the series, meaning Smith will miss the entire opening West Coast swing. It’s a frustrating setback for a rider who was ready to take the next step in his career.
“Of course, for me it’s super disappointing not to be out there from the start of the season, especially as this is a momentous occasion for Triumph and the next chapter in my career, but I can’t wait to be back out there and on the TF 450-X.”
FORKNER GETS THE CALL-UP
Rather than delay their 450 debut, Triumph looked within their own roster and found an eager replacement. Austin Forkner had been testing the TF 450-X in preparation for a potential future move to the premier class, and he immediately clicked with the bigger bike.
“I’m super excited for the opportunity to race in the 450SX division to start the 2026 season,” Forkner said. “Whether it turns out to be a little bit of a warm-up going into 250SX East, or potentially a full season if we decide to go that way, I think it’s a great opportunity. I’m excited to see where I stack up in the 450 class, and I’ve been putting plenty of time in on the bigger bike in recent weeks. It’s been good so far. I think my style fits a 450 pretty well, and I can’t wait to head to A1 for the first round of the series.”
The current plan is for Forkner to race the opening six rounds in the 450 class, then return to the TF 250-X for the 250SX East division when Smith returns at Arlington. Whether that plan sticks will depend on how Forkner performs on the big bike and what makes the most sense for both rider and team.
HAARUP AND SWOLL ROUND OUT THE LINEUP
Mikkel Haarup will also race the TF 450-X in 2026, but he’ll be focusing on the Pro Motocross championship that begins in May. The Danish rider finished sixth in the 250 class standings in 2025 despite missing two rounds, and he’ll use the outdoor season to continue developing the 450 machine before returning to MXGP in 2027.
Jalek Swoll completes the team’s lineup, returning from injury with renewed determination to succeed in the 250SX East division. Swoll showed impressive speed over the past two seasons on the TF 250-X, including securing Triumph’s first podium result in Pro Motocross, and he’s targeting a strong comeback when the East series begins at the end of February.
TRIUMPH’S 450 GAMBLE
Triumph Factory Racing’s entry into 450SX is a significant milestone for a manufacturer that’s only been in off-road competition for three years. While the circumstances aren’t ideal—losing their lead 450 rider before the season even starts—the team is making the best of the situation.
“It’s exciting for Triumph to be stepping into 450SX in 2026, and we’re especially pleased to be making our step into the category with Jordon and Austin on the TF 450-X,” said Jeremy Coker, General Manager of Triumph Racing America. “We still wanted to keep our 450 plans on track, and having seen Austin on the bike for some test days, I am beyond thrilled that he has grabbed the opportunity to race in the 450 class and will start the season in Anaheim.”
Ian Kimber, Head of Global Racing Programmes at Triumph Motorcycles, acknowledged the challenge ahead: “Austin’s comeback to racing has been a real journey, and this plan for him to race the 450 is purely focused on making progress week-by-week—we need to build to where the results start to come and we all have realistic expectations.”
Expectations are key here. This is Triumph’s first season racing a 450 in Supercross, and Forkner is making an unplanned jump to the premier class. The goal isn’t podiums out of the gate—it’s development, progress, and building momentum before Smith returns.
But if Forkner adapts quickly to the 450 and shows he belongs? Things could get interesting real fast.
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