He entered as a temporary fill-in rider with no guarantees, dominated the SMX Next World All-Stars postseason, and brought home the #1 plate—only to walk away without a contract. This is the raw reality of high-stakes American SuperMotocross.
LOS ANGELES, CA
In motorsport, victory usually buys you longevity. Winning a world championship is supposed to guarantee your future, land your name on contract extensions, and cement your place under the factory awnings.
For 18-year-old Kade Johnson (#177), the reward for standing on top of the world was something entirely different: a handshake, a heartfelt thank you, and a exit door.
Fresh off clinching the 2026 SMX Next World All-Stars Championship aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green KX250 at Dignity Health Sports Park, Johnson publicly confirmed what many in the paddock quietly feared—his time with the green program has officially come to an end.
Despite entering the postseason wearing the red plate, qualifying fastest, going 1-2 in the playoff finals, and holding the world title trophy, there is simply no seat left for him under the Kawasaki canopy for the upcoming season.
It is a bittersweet story of modern racing—where talent meets raw determination, but corporate roster slots remain strictly finite.
THE FILL-IN RIDER WHO CONQUERED THE WORLD
Johnson’s stint in Kawasaki green wasn't part of a multi-year master plan. He was brought on as a temporary fill-in rider—a substitute called up to perform under immense pressure.
What followed was one of the most efficient, dominant runs in recent SMX history. Johnson immediately went to work:
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Mini O's Supercross: Earned two Supercross Championship titles and claimed the prestigious Dunlop Silver Tire Award.
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SMX Next Regular Season: Strung together six consecutive podium finishes, establishing himself as the premier talent in the development class.
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Postseason World Finals: Qualified P1, held the red plate through maximum-pressure motos, and went 1-2 in Carson to claim the 2026 SMX Next World All-Stars Championship.
IN HIS OWN WORDS: KADE JOHNSON ON LEAVING AT THE TOP
Taking to social media to share his final statement, Johnson reflected on the whirlwind journey with profound gratitude:
"Sometimes a chapter can be shorter than you hoped and still change your life. When Kawasaki Team Green gave me an opportunity as a fill-in rider, I don’t think any of us knew exactly where it would lead. I just knew someone had opened a door for me, and I wanted to do everything I could to make them proud they did. And what a ride it has been."
"And somehow, the final chapter in green ended better than I ever could have written it: 2026 SMX NEXT WORLD ALL-STARS CHAMPION. I came into the final round wearing the red plate, qualified fastest, and finished the playoffs 1-2 to bring home a championship."
"My time as a fill-in rider has come to an end, and unfortunately there isn’t a place for me to continue with the program right now. Of course I wish there were. When people take a chance on you and you experience this much success together, walking away is never easy. But more than anything, I am grateful."
"I don’t know exactly what color comes next or where this journey takes me from here, but I know I’m leaving this chapter a better, stronger and more confident racer than I was when I entered it. Thank you, Kawasaki. For the opportunity. For the memories. For believing in me."
THE NOMAD DIRT CULTURE TAKE
At Nomad Dirt Culture, this is precisely why we cover the sport without filters. High-level racing isn't always fair, and trophies don't always protect you from budget cuts or pre-signed contracts.
Kade Johnson entered a program on a temporary pass, out-worked the entire field, carried the pressure of the red plate, and handed Kawasaki a World Championship. While he leaves without a green bike for 2027, he leaves with something far more valuable: proof that when given equal equipment, he is a world-class winner.
Whatever team, colour or brand signs Kade Johnson next isn't just acquiring a fast rider, they are inheriting a proven World Champion who knows how to deliver when everything is on the line.
Credits
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Primary Visual: Kade Johnson (#177) atop the 2026 SMX Next World All-Stars podium holding the #1 trophy alongside Kawasaki mechanics.
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Bike Focus: The Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green KX250 sporting red plates and P1 qualifying decals.
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Celebration: Post-race champagne celebration and close-up portrait in full team gear.
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