In a thrilling announcement that is set to electrify motorsport fans everywhere, Honda HRC Progressive has confirmed its powerhouse lineup for the highly anticipated 2026 race season. With an impressive tally of 16 AMA championships over the past seven years, the team is ready to take the racing world by storm once more. The action kicks off on January 10 in Anaheim, California, as the 17-round AMA Supercross series launches, followed closely by the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross series and the three-round SuperMotocross Playoffs.
Leading the charge is none other than the sensational Jett Lawrence. At just 22 years old, this Australian prodigy has already secured 10 professional AMA titles, including the coveted 2025 AMA Pro Motocross and SuperMotocross championships. After an injury sidelined him from defending his 2024 AMA Supercross crown, Jett is poised to reclaim his throne in what many consider the pinnacle of dirt bike racing.
Racing alongside Jett is his equally talented brother, Hunter Lawrence, who has been making significant strides in the premier class. With four second-place finishes in the 450 class since his debut in 2024, Hunter is not just a sibling in the shadow of Jett; he is a formidable contender in his own right. Together, the Lawrence brothers have spearheaded Team Australia to victory at the Motocross of Nations for the past two years, and they are both seen as strong candidates for the AMA titles in 2026.
The Honda HRC Progressive 250 program remains unchanged, featuring the dynamic duo of Chance Hymas and Jo Shimoda, both set to pilot the factory CRF250RWE. Hymas, who has showcased remarkable speed when healthy, is ready to charge into the AMA Supercross 250 West Region following his recovery from ACL surgery last summer. Shimoda, fresh off what can only be described as the best season of his career with wins across all three AMA series and a SuperMotocross 250 championship, is now faced with an uncertain return date due to a back injury sustained in the offseason.
In maintaining momentum, Honda HRC Progressive emphasizes consistency not only in its rider lineup but also in its key staff. Brandon Wilson continues to lead the Racing Department, while Lars Lindstrom enters his fifth year as Team Manager. The skilled crew chiefs, Grant Hutcheson and Shane Drew, will oversee the 450 and 250 teams, respectively, ensuring that the riders have the best mechanical support possible. The dedicated mechanics, Christien Ducharme and Cameron Camera for the 450 class, and Thomas Harris and Ben Griffith for the 250 class, round out a robust support system designed for success.
Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing & Advertising at American Honda, expressed a fierce determination as they prepare for the upcoming season. “It might sound crazy for me to say after winning three championships last season, but we feel like we’re out for redemption in 2026. The 2025 season saw us lose the premier-class AMA Supercross crown after winning it in 2023 and ’24, so we’re hungry for indoor success. We have a great team and an incredibly talented rider lineup, as well as race bikes that have proven to be extremely competitive. With all that and the support of our sponsors, we feel confident that we can achieve success all year long.”
Echoing this sentiment, Team Manager Lars Lindstrom shared his optimism, stating, “We’re always optimistic heading into new race seasons, but this time I feel like we have even more reason than usual to be confident. We’re one of the only teams with a proven platform coming into the season, and the same lineup of riders, who are even more comfortable than last year. I honestly can’t wait to get started.”
As anticipation builds for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on Honda HRC Progressive as they aim to dominate the tracks once again. The stage is set, the riders are ready, and the quest for glory has begun.
