The hills of Murrieta, California, served as the backdrop for a historic shift in the motocross landscape this week. As the morning mist cleared at RD Field—the private testing sanctuary of KTM North America—the roar of the 2026 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION signaled more than just a new season. It marked the official dawn of a “super-team” era for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, as they gathered for their annual preseason media production.
While team photoshoots are often routine, the 2026 iteration felt like a seismic event. For the first time, industry titan Eli Tomac and Spanish sensation Jorge Prado donned the iconic navy and orange gear, joining the charismatic Aaron Plessinger to form perhaps the most decorated 450cc lineup in the manufacturer’s history.
The Arrival of ET3: A New Chapter for Tomac
The focal point of the day was undoubtedly Eli Tomac. After more than a decade of dominance aboard Japanese machinery, the 32-year-old’s transition to the Austrian “Ready to Race” philosophy has been the primary talking point of the offseason. Seeing the #3 plate affixed to a steel-framed KTM was a surreal moment for many in attendance.
Tomac, a two-time Supercross champion and four-time Pro Motocross titleholder, spent the shoot getting acclimated to the ergonomics of the 2026 Factory Edition. Interestingly, technical observers noted that Tomac has opted for a cable clutch conversion on his machine, a personal preference that deviates from the standard hydraulic system, highlighting the lengths KTM is going to ensure the legend feels at home.
Prado’s Homecoming and the “Cowboy” Factor
While Tomac is a newcomer to the brand, Jorge Prado’s arrival is a homecoming. The four-time FIM Motocross World Champion won his titles on Austrian equipment in Europe and has now returned to the fold after a brief stint elsewhere. Prado appeared revitalized during the shoot, citing the superior “base” of the new KTM 450 as a major factor in his confidence heading into the 31-race SuperMotocross (SMX) World Championship.
Anchoring the team’s spirit is Aaron Plessinger. Now in his fifth year with the squad, “The Cowboy” has stepped into a leadership role. In a lighthearted moment that captured the team’s strong chemistry, Plessinger was seen gifting his signature cowboy hats to his new teammates, bridging the gap between Tomac’s veteran intensity and Prado’s European flair.
Engineering the Edge: The 2026 Factory Edition
The bikes themselves were just as much the stars of the show as the riders. The 2026 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION features significant upgrades designed to reclaim the top step of the podium. Most notable is the inclusion of WP XACT PRO 7548 cone valve forks and the WP XACT PRO 8950 shock as standard equipment—technology previously reserved exclusively for factory race teams.
The updated chassis, featuring a high-gloss orange frame and specialized engine mounts, has been tuned for specific flex characteristics to aid in the tight, technical rhythm sections of Supercross. With the added Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO), the riders were seen reviewing data on tablets between photo sets, fine-tuning engine maps in real-time.
Looking Toward Anaheim 1
As the sun set on the production, the message from Team Manager Ian Harrison was clear: the goal is nothing less than the 2026 crown. With 250-class standout Julien Beaumer also in the mix for the later stages of the year, the “Orange Brigade” is entering the 2026 season with unparalleled depth.
The gates will officially drop at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on January 10, 2026. If the cohesion and speed displayed during this behind-the-scenes look are any indication, the rest of the paddock has every reason to be concerned.