Motocross Riders Will Miss 2026 SMX World Championship

Multiple professional riders remain sidelined due to injuries ahead of the September 2026 championship final.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Motorsports

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a motocross rider in motion, captured mid-jump on a dirt track under stadium lights.
Professional motocross riders Chase Sexton, Dean Wilson, and Michael Mosiman have withdrawn from the 2026 SMX World Championship due to injuries. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The 2026 SMX World Championship final this September faces a depleted field as several professional riders are sidelined by recent injuries. Medical assessments have forced numerous athletes to withdraw from the final competition.

Why it matters

The high frequency of physical trauma sustained during the season significantly impacts the roster for the championship finale. These medical withdrawals leave the field altered just days before the event.

Cole Davies currently holds 2nd place in the standings for the 250SMX racing class. The field of competitors has been thinned by 10 specific injuries across multiple racing venues this year.

The players

Jorge Prado

He is a professional motocross rider who is expected to compete in the SMX World Championship final.

Cole Davies

He is a 250SMX competitor currently holding 2nd place and is expected to race in the championship final this weekend.

The details

Athletes including Chase Sexton, Dean Wilson, and Michael Mosiman are among those unable to participate due to a range of injuries from torn ligaments and broken bones to concussions. While many riders are out, Jorge Prado and Cole Davies are both cleared to compete in the final this weekend.

Timeline

  1. The SMX World Championship final is scheduled for September 2026.

Season Trajectory

The mass withdrawal of top riders significantly reshapes the competitive balance for the 2026 SMX World Championship final. This sudden reduction in the talent pool shifts the playoff picture and creates an unpredictable outcome for the final standing.

The absence of multiple riders directly impacts the starting gate and shifts the performance expectations for those remaining in the field. Fantasy participants and bettors must adjust their analysis to account for the thinning 250SMX lineup.

The takeaway

The high attrition rate underscores the physical demands placed on athletes during the grueling championship series. Staying informed on injury reports is essential for understanding how the leaderboard may shift during the final race.

Further reading

For more on the current state of the series, visit the Motorsports section.

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Do you think athletes should compete in professional championships while nursing injuries?