Dirt Store Triumph Racing Announces 2026 Rider Line-Up with Expanded Off-Road Programme.
Dirt Store Triumph Racing has confirmed its rider roster for the 2026 season, announcing the return of British MX2 Champion Tommy Searle, Dylan Woodcock and rising talent Billy Askew, alongside new signings Ben Watson, Eddie Jay Wade, and Rich Ely. The strengthened line-up reflects Triumph’s continued commitment to off-road racing across motocross, Arenacross, and Enduro disciplines.
Following a landmark 2025 season in which Dirt Store Triumph Racing secured Triumph’s first national motocross title in its debut year, the team now enters 2026 with an expanded programme. The roster underscores Triumph’s ambition to compete at the highest levels of off-road racing while further developing the TF 250-X, TF 450-X, and TF 250-E platforms.
Leading the team’s expansion into MXGP, Ben Watson joins Dirt Store Triumph Racing aboard the Triumph TF 450-X. A former two-time Grand Prix winner with eight world-level podiums, Watson brings significant international experience and will contest European MXGP rounds while also targeting the MX1 British Championship.
Returning to defend his MX2 British Championship crown, Tommy Searle will continue his domestic campaign on the Triumph TF 250-X, following a dominant 2025 season with three wins and seven podiums. Alongside him, Billy Askew—one of the UK’s brightest young prospects—will compete in both the EMX250 Championship and the British series after a breakout year highlighted by his first professional victory and a European podium.
The team’s Arenacross effort is bolstered by Dylan Woodcock, who continues with Dirt Store Triumph Racing following his mid-season introduction in 2025. He will be joined by new signing Eddie Jay Wade, a former 85cc World Champion with extensive international experience, both competing on the Triumph TF 450-X.
Further strengthening its off-road presence, Dirt Store Triumph Racing welcomes Rich Ely to contest the British Enduro Championship aboard the Triumph TF 250-E. This marks an exciting new chapter in Triumph’s off-road journey, extending the brand’s competitive reach into Enduro.
Ben Watson, MXGP Rider, Dirt Store Triumph Racing
“I chose to join Dirt Store Triumph Racing, because I know that I’ll be in a competitive spot in MXGP. The priority is getting the results that I know I am capable of internationally, and this is a big step towards that. It’s impressive what Triumph has done in such a limited time, along with the package Dirt Store have put together. I’m excited to work with them.”
Jon Giffard, Team Manager, Dirt Store Triumph Racing:
“As we look ahead to the 2026 motocross season, the whole team is genuinely excited. We’re pleased to continue working with British MX2 champion Tommy Searle and Billy Askew, who will once again head up our campaign to retain the British Championship MX2 title. Billy will also take on the EMX250 class at the MXGP rounds, and we’re confident he’ll continue his strong development on the European stage.
We’re equally thrilled to welcome Ben Watson to the team. Having a rider of his calibre join the team is a major boost, and we look forward to seeing him compete on the Triumph TF 450-X in both the British MX1 Championship and European MXGP rounds.
Alongside our motocross campaign, Dylan Woodcock and Eddie Jay Wade will contest the British Arenacross Championship, while Rich Ely represents us in Enduro. This expansion reflects our ambition to fight for titles across multiple disciplines.
A huge thank-you goes to Triumph UK for their continued support, and to all of our sponsors for 2026. We are genuinely excited for the season ahead.”
Devron Boulton, General Manager UK&Ireland Triumph UK;
“2025 was a landmark year for Triumph in off-road competition, and Dirt Store Triumph Racing played a pivotal role in delivering our first national motocross title.
As we expand into MXGP, Arenacross, and Enduro for 2026, we are proud to support such a talented roster of riders who will showcase the performance of the TF 250-X, TF 450-X and TF 250-E on the biggest stages. This programme reflects Triumph’s long-term commitment to off-road racing, and we look forward to building on the momentum together.”
About Dirt Store Triumph Racing
Dirt Store Triumph Racing is Triumph Motorcycles’ official UK off-road racing team, competing across motocross, Arenacross, and Enduro disciplines. Following its debut season in 2025, the team secured Triumph’s first national motocross title and continues to showcase the performance and innovation of Triumph’s off-road platforms at the highest levels of competition.
