Kawasaki have not yet officially announced its split with Jorge Prado, but the green brand has confirmed that the Spanish rider will not take part in the SMX Championship rounds, which kick off this Saturday at the Zmax Dragway in Concord. No SuperMotocross, no Motocross of Nations – the logical next step seems to be an official announcement of the separation between both parties.
As a reminder, Jorge had signed a three-year deal plus a one-year option with Kawasaki at the end of the 2024 season, in which he claimed his second MXGP World Championship title. It now appears that he will need to free himself not only from his Kawasaki contract but also from his agreement with Monster Energy in order to join a factory team within the Austrian group.
Rumours are pointing toward Red Bull KTM, which has an open spot following the expected departure of Tom Vialle. If confirmed, Jorge could be lining up alongside Eli Tomac and Aaron Plessinger in 2026.
Monster Energy Kawasaki stated:
“After a first season of outdoor racing and a sixth-place finish in the overall standings, Jorge Prado and Kawasaki have mutually agreed that the Spanish rider will not participate in the upcoming SuperMotocross playoff rounds. Monster Energy Kawasaki will be present this weekend in Charlotte to support Kawasaki Team Green riders Enzo Temmerman and Vincent Wey as they compete in the SMX Next World All-Stars class in Charlotte and St. Louis.”
Jason Anderson and Jorge Prado will therefore be absent from the SMX Championship, leaving Monster Energy Kawasaki without a rider for the 2025 SMX rounds. Meanwhile, Aaron Plessinger has also withdrawn from these events, along with Benoit Paturel, Colt Nichols, and Christian Craig, who is switching teams. In total, six riders from the top 30 will sit out the series – an opportunity for those who will be called up to fill the gates.
