Following his frightening crash during press day at Thunder Valley, it has now been confirmed that Chase Sexton has sustained a much more serious injury than initially feared.
The American has revealed that he suffered a torn ACL in the incident and will require surgery, bringing a premature end to his 2026 season.
The injury means Sexton will miss the remainder of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, as well as the upcoming SMX races to end the season. It is another frustrating setback for the former champion, who had been hoping to mount a strong challenge during the outdoor season.
Sexton confirmed the news on social media, explaining that surgery is the next step in his recovery process as he begins focusing on returning to full fitness for 2027.
The injury also raises questions about his immediate future. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Sexton switch manufacturers for 2027, there is a possibility that we may have already seen his final appearance under the Kawasaki awning. If that proves to be the case, it would be an unfortunate way for his time with the manufacturer to come to an end.
For now, Sexton’s focus will be on a successful operation and rehabilitation programme, with the goal of returning to racing at full strength when the gates drop again in 2027.
Sexton confirmed the news via social media:
“2026 racing season has unfortunately come to an end. Got the news last night that’s I have a torn ACL from my crash last week that will need surgery.
After all the struggles of this year this one felt like I got punched straight in the stomach I’m not going to lie, it hurts me to even type this out. With that being said, I’m going to take this an opportunity to do things I normally don’t get to do this summer and enjoy it with my friends and family.
As far as racing goes I’m also looking forward to this comeback story and this one is going to be personal. For me as a rider I have a lot left to prove and I’m going to take full advantage of it. ‘27 will be fun.
For now I’m going to enjoy life and maybe see y’all at some races in the future as a fan. Thank you”.
