French rider Stephen Rubini is about to embark on one of the biggest challenges of his career as he prepares to line up for Supercross in the United States. A switch that came together late after signing with Gizmo Racing Yamaha – but one that opens the door to a dream he has carried since childhood.
Reflecting ahead of Anaheim 1 which will mark his 450SX debut, Rubini admitted just how surreal the moment feels:
“To be honest it is really hard to believe. I have been watching Supercross on TV my whole life and always dreamed to be there in person. A1 will be definitely a weird but an exciting feeling, being on the same track as all the top riders I look up to.”
His original plan for 2026 didn’t even involve racing Supercross as the plan initially was to race the AMA Pro Motocross series – but the opportunity came calling.
“During the planning for 2026, I was looking for a ride in the US, so I contacted a few teams to let them know I am available. I was not expecting to race Supercross at first as I have no experience. My goal was only to train in Supercross during the winter and then race the outdoors. Gizmo Racing Yamaha emailed me back with a proposition for the full 450cc program. It was pretty late, like mid-October, but I just couldn’t refuse so I jumped on it.”
Learning a brand-new discipline hasn’t been easy, especially at this point in his career.
“The SX prep really made me question myself. Learning Supercross at 26 years old, basically starting from zero, and being ten years behind schedule – I am definitely learning the hard way. There were lots of crashes at first but finally a week away from A1 I feel a lot more in control.”
For Rubini, 2026 won’t be about pressure – but about gaining experience in a very new discipline for him.
“I don’t have any expectations, it is going to be a learning process all year long, I don’t really know what to expect as far as tracks, pressure of being out there, and just racing Supercross, I am all new to this. It is scary in a way, but super exciting in another way.”
And he remains grateful to those helping him along the way:
“I want to thank the team for giving this chance, my family for the support, David Vuillemin for the help and training, and of course all the sponsors and fans that are being with me on this”.
With honesty, humility and determination, Rubini steps into the unknown – ready to learn, adapt and see where this new journey leads. Whatever the results, simply lining up inside the stadium lights marks a milestone moment in his career.
After the Supercross experience, the French talent who is reigning Brazilian champion will then tackle the AMA Pro Motocross series – conditions he’ll be a lot more used too.
