RThe ed Bull KTM Factory Racing Team held its annual media day for the American press today. During this highly anticipated event, the 2026 riders were presented. Among them were Jorge Prado and Eli Tomac!
The returning Aaron Plessinger and Julien Beaumer were overshadowed by Jorge Prado and Eli Tomac in California. Prado had left KTM after last season, leaving MXGP behind to try his luck in AMA Supercross and Motocross with Kawasaki. Both campaigns were disastrous for the four-time world champion.
Top team with Tomac, Prado, Plessinger and Beaumer
Plessinger (#7), Tomac (#3) and Prado (#26) will each compete in the 450 class on the latest generation KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition, which was also presented to the press. Julien Beaumer (#13) defends the colors of KTM in the 250 class with the brand new KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition.
The popular Aaron Plessinger (29) will remain with Red Bull KTM until the end of 2026, entering his fifth consecutive season with the team. The Ohio rider is looking forward to building on a strong year, which saw him five podium places achieved in the 450SX, including a second career victory in Foxborough“The Cowboy” remains a fixture at the highest SMX level.
Eli Tomac: Legend joins KTM
Reinforced for 2026 Eli Tomac (32) the team. The American is one of the biggest names in motorsport, with four AMA Pro Motocross titles (450MX) en two AMA Supercross Championships (450SX) on his record. From his home base in Cortez, Colorado, says Tomac second on the all-time Supercross rankings (53 wins) and fourth in the outdoor rankings (32 victories).
In 2025 Tomac won the 450SX in San Diego, before injuries ended his season prematurely. He came back strongly and finished as third in both 450MX and 450SMX.Noteworthy detail: Tomac took his first steps at KTM Junior Supercross in Phoenix.
Jorge Prado returns to KTM
Another important addition is Jorge Prado, the four-time motocross world champion. The Spanish star has already won world titles with KTM in both MX2 (2018–2019) as MXGP (2023–2024) and will return to the Austrian brand in 2026. After making his Supercross debut in 2024 – with four 450SX starts and a best result of P7 – the 24-year-old Prado is looking to further develop his career in the US with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.
Julien Beaumer leads KTM in the 250 class
In the 250 category represents Julien “JuJu” Beaumer (19) as the only rider Red Bull KTM. The American from Arizona is preparing for his third season with the team. Beaumer was named the 2024 AMA 250SX Rookie of the Year and obtained his first in 2025 Supercross victory in San Diego, with which he finished second in the 250SX West Championship.
After an injury during the SMX post-match races, he is now fully focused on his recovery and a strong comeback in 2026. When Beaumer will be ready to compete again remains to be seen at the moment.
Photos: Simon Cudby
