Danish rider Magnus Smith is set to take on a new challenge in 2026 after confirming that he will contest the AMA Pro Motocross Championship aboard a Yamaha 450cc machine as a privateer.
While fellow Dane Mikkel Haarup prepares for his rookie season in the premier class with Triumph, Smith is also making the move stateside that’ll see two Danes contest the 450cc AMA Pro Motocross series. Smith has spent years building experience in Europe through the EMX ranks and the MX2 World Championship. After ageing out of MX2 and not securing an MXGP World Championship ride for the 2026 season, the Dane made the decision to head to America and chase his dream of racing full-time in the United States.
The transition hasn’t been easy, especially following a femur injury last year, but Smith is determined to make the most of the opportunity and hopes strong performances outdoors can open doors for a Supercross ride in 2027.
“I’m hoping to contest the full outdoors season in America and do well enough to get on a team for Supercross in 2027. I’m currently racing as a privateer which is definitely not the easiest way, but I’m blessed that I’ve got the opportunity to race over here since it’s been a dream for ages. My time so far has been crazy, I’ve learned a lot of new people and improved my riding a lot, coming from my broken femur has been a hard one, but I never gave up”, Smith told GateDrop.com.
Smith believes the switch to the 450cc class suits his riding style much better compared to the smaller MX2 machinery and is eager to begin his AMA Pro Motocross journey at Pala.
“I feel like I’m better on a 450cc because I’m not a small guy, I am riding smooth and not that aggressive as you need to be on the 250cc. I’m excited for my new challenge/chapter to begin this weekend at Pala. I have some important people in my corner that helps me a lot with bikes etc”.
Having already settled into life in Southern California, Smith says he is enjoying both the lifestyle and riding conditions in America, although he is also considering a move to Florida in the future. Despite entering the series without much knowledge of his competition, the Dane is aiming high ahead of the opening round.
“I really like the tracks over here; I’m currently living in SoCal but thinking about moving to Florida. The culture and lifestyle suit me as well; I like it a lot. It’s an easy country to be in and everyone wants to help. My expectations are high for the AMA Pro Motocross series, but it’s hard to tell because I’m not familiar with the riders as I am back home. I guess we will see at the first round how everything turns out and we’ll go from there”.
Smith’s move adds another intriguing international storyline to the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, with the Danish rider hoping that a successful outdoor campaign can be the first step towards establishing himself full-time in the American paddock.
