Monster Energy Kawasaki Signs Stewart and Marchbanks for 2027
The factory team finalizes its 2027 450-class rider lineup following a series of offseason roster changes.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Motorsports
Live Poll
Do you trust that professional sports teams consistently honor their contract commitments to athletes?
Monster Energy Kawasaki has signed Malcolm Stewart and Garrett Marchbanks to lead its factory 450 roster for the 2027 season. The announcement comes after Rockstar Energy Husqvarna shuttered its racing operations, effectively ending Stewart's contract early.
Why it matters
The signing fills the vacancy left by the departure of Chase Sexton, who will not return to the team in 2027. Monster Energy Kawasaki aims to maintain front-running competitiveness by pairing a veteran race winner with an ascending rookie standout.
In the 2026 SMX season, Garrett Marchbanks finished 6th in the overall World Championship standings. His teammate, Malcolm Stewart, logged 14 top-10 finishes throughout the campaign.
The players
Malcolm Stewart
A professional motocross racer who secured his first 450SX victory and the King of Paris title in 2025.
Garrett Marchbanks
The 2026 450SX Rookie of the Year who earned a contract extension following his debut campaign.
Monster Energy Kawasaki
A factory racing team based in Foothill Ranch, California, that competes in premier motocross and supercross events.
Chase Sexton
A professional racer who competed for the Monster Energy Kawasaki team before his scheduled departure in 2027.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna
A racing organization that recently terminated its operations prior to the final year of its contract with Malcolm Stewart.
The details
The team will campaign the new 2027 KX450F-SR motorcycle as they look to build on the success of their new riders. Marchbanks secured an extension based on his performance as the 2026 450SX Rookie of the Year, while Stewart joins the squad after a career-defining 2025 where he secured his first 450SX win and the King of Paris title.
Timeline
Stewart earned his first career 450SX win and the King of Paris crown in 2025.
Marchbanks received the 450SX Rookie of the Year award in 2026.
The team announced Chase Sexton would not return on October 21, 2026.
Monster Energy Kawasaki confirmed the new rider lineup on October 28, 2026.
Stewart and Marchbanks will debut for the team in 2027.
Season Trajectory
This roster shift significantly alters the competitive landscape of the 450 class by realigning established talent after the dissolution of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna. The move positions Kawasaki to challenge for podiums immediately, impacting the overall balance of the 2027 season standings.
Fans tracking the upcoming season should note that the addition of Stewart and Marchbanks cements the squad's rotation for the full 2027 calendar. These signings shift the pre-season championship odds by securing two riders who both achieved top-tier statistical finishes in 2026.
The takeaway
The sudden availability of veteran talent due to team closures has accelerated the 2027 roster construction process. Teams are increasingly prioritizing performance metrics like rookie-year finishes to determine their long-term factory support strategies.
Further reading
For more updates on professional racing moves, visit our Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Racer X Online.
Live Poll
Do you trust that professional sports teams consistently honor their contract commitments to athletes?
