One of the biggest questions of the 2027 Supercross offseason just became a reality.
Chase Sexton and Monster Energy Kawasaki have officially parted ways after just one season together, bringing an unexpected end to a partnership originally intended to extend through 2028.
Kawasaki confirmed the separation on Friday, October 23, 2026, announcing that both parties had mutually agreed to end their relationship effective immediately.
The announcement leaves the former AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross champion without a publicly confirmed team for the upcoming 2027 season.
And with the opening gate at Anaheim approaching, Sexton's next move has become one of the biggest unanswered questions in the 450SX class.
Kawasaki Officially Confirms Sexton's Departure
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. released a brief statement on October 23 confirming the immediate separation.
The company said the two parties had "mutually agreed to part ways" and acknowledged the two 450 Supercross victories Sexton delivered during his time aboard the factory Kawasaki.
Those victories came at Anaheim and Salt Lake City in 2026.
Kawasaki concluded its announcement by wishing Sexton success in the upcoming 2027 season.
Neither side provided a detailed explanation for ending the partnership.
The timing is significant. Sexton joined Monster Energy Kawasaki for 2026 under a reported three-year agreement, making his exit after a single season a major change to the team's long-term plans.
Two Supercross Wins, but a Challenging Season
Despite the early separation, Sexton's time with Kawasaki included moments that demonstrated his championship-winning potential.
The former 450SX champion entered 2026 as one of the sport's most accomplished competitors, having previously captured the 2023 AMA Supercross 450SX championship and the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross 450MX title.
His first victory aboard the factory Kawasaki came at Anaheim 2 on January 24, where he secured the 450SX Main Event win ahead of Hunter Lawrence and Eli Tomac.
He closed the Supercross season with another victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on May 9.
Those two wins demonstrated Sexton's ability to compete at the front of the field, although consistency proved more difficult throughout the championship.
He ultimately finished sixth in the 2026 450SX championship standings.
His outdoor season was then cut short after a crash during the Thunder Valley National weekend in June resulted in a torn ACL.
What began as a new chapter with Kawasaki ultimately ended much earlier than originally anticipated.
Where Will Chase Sexton Race in 2027?
That is now the biggest question surrounding the former champion.
With his Kawasaki departure officially confirmed, Sexton enters the 2027 rider market without a publicly announced destination.
Potential opportunities elsewhere in the 450 class will naturally generate discussion throughout the offseason, particularly as factory programs finalize their lineups for the coming championship.
However, rumors and speculation should not be confused with official team announcements.
As of October 24, no verified announcement has confirmed which motorcycle or team Chase Sexton will race for in the 2027 AMA Supercross championship.
Until that announcement arrives, any specific destination remains unconfirmed.
For now, the only certainty is that his time with Monster Energy Kawasaki has officially ended.
What Does This Mean for Monster Energy Kawasaki?
Sexton's departure also creates another important question for Kawasaki's 2027 factory 450 program.
The organization entered 2026 with Sexton as a major addition to its premier-class effort, and the partnership delivered two Supercross Main Event victories.
With that relationship now over, Kawasaki will need to clarify its plans for the upcoming championship.
The team has not included a replacement rider announcement in its October 23 separation statement.
Any previously reported or rumored 2027 Kawasaki rider combinations should therefore be treated separately from officially confirmed signings.
The departure follows another notable early separation from Kawasaki: Jorge Prado left the factory team after the 2025 season, also ending a multiyear agreement after one year.
While the situations should not be assumed to share the same underlying causes, the timing of both departures highlights how quickly the premier-class rider market can change.
A Major Development Before Anaheim 1
The 2027 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season is scheduled to begin January 9 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.
That leaves the remaining offseason for Sexton to finalize his next opportunity and for Kawasaki to establish its confirmed 450SX lineup.
Wherever Sexton lands, his championship experience and proven race-winning ability make his next move significant for the competitive landscape.
For now, two facts are clear.
Chase Sexton is officially leaving Monster Energy Kawasaki. His next team has not been announced.
Supercross.com will continue tracking official rider announcements as the 2027 season approaches.
Follow the latest developments on Chase Sexton's rider profile, visit our 2027 Supercross Team Lineups hub, and track confirmed 2027 rider moves.
You can also revisit Sexton's 2026 victories in the Anaheim 2 results and Salt Lake City results.
Photo: Monster Energy — Chase Sexton (4) aboard the Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450SR during the 2026 AMA Supercross season.
