One of American motocross and supercross’ most talented and resilient riders has called time on his professional career, with Austin Forkner announcing his retirement from AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross competition.
The decision brings an end to a decade-long professional career that delivered race wins, podiums, championship battles and some of the most inspiring comeback stories in recent memory. While Forkner’s speed on the bike was never in question, it was often his determination to overcome adversity that defined his journey through the sport.
Forkner revealed that the physical and mental demands of racing, combined with a recent crash during the 2026 Pro Motocross season, ultimately led him to step away from competition earlier than planned.
“I’ve made the difficult decision to retire from racing,” Forkner said.
“I feel like the physical and mental toll this sport takes on you is a lot, and I just don’t have a lot left to give anymore. I planned on making it to the end of the year, but after my crash in Colorado, my mind is no longer in it, and I feel like finishing the year isn’t smart.”
The 27-year-old said the decision allows him to focus on what matters most moving forward.
“My health and family are being put first now, so although it’s a tough decision, it’s one I can be happy with.”
Known to fans as “Farm Boy” thanks to his upbringing in rural Missouri, Forkner arrived in the professional ranks carrying enormous expectations. Before turning professional, he enjoyed a standout amateur career with Team Green Kawasaki, winning six AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships and earning the prestigious AMA Horizon Award.
When he joined the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki team in 2016, few doubted he would become a star, and he quickly lived up to that billing by earning Rookie of the Year honours in his debut season.
Forkner spent the next nine years with Mitch Payton’s legendary Pro Circuit organisation, becoming one of the most successful riders in the history of the 250SX class. During that period, he amassed 13 AMA Supercross 250SX Main Event victories and seven additional podium finishes, with all of those wins coming aboard Kawasaki machinery.
Outdoors, he added a Pro Motocross overall victory at Ironman Raceway along with six further overall podium results.
Despite never securing the elusive championship many believed his talent deserved, Forkner remained one of the benchmark riders of the class for much of his career.
Unfortunately, his racing story was also marked by a succession of major injuries, many of which came at the cruellest possible moments while he was in championship contention.
A ruptured spleen in 2020, a ruptured pancreas, multiple concussions and several collarbone fractures were among the setbacks that repeatedly interrupted his progress. Yet each time, Forkner found a way back to the starting gate.
Perhaps the greatest challenge came in 2024 following a violent crash at Arlington, Texas, that resulted in a spinal injury. During subsequent medical examinations, doctors discovered an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a potentially life-threatening abnormal tangle of blood vessels in his brain.
The discovery led to complex brain surgery and forced him to miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
For many riders, such a diagnosis could have signalled the end of a career. Instead, Forkner once again fought his way back to professional racing, further strengthening the admiration he had earned throughout the paddock.
His comeback coincided with a major career change when he joined the newly formed 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing team for the 2025 season, ending a nine-year association with Pro Circuit Kawasaki.
Racing the TF 250-X, Forkner recorded a pair of seventh-place finishes in AMA Supercross and later secured fifth overall at the Washougal National, his best Pro Motocross result of the season.
In 2026 he added another chapter to his resume by becoming the first rider to race Triumph’s TF 450-X in the premier 450SX division, helping introduce the British manufacturer’s new machine to the sport’s highest level.
While injuries and physical limitations continued to present challenges throughout the opening stages of the current Pro Motocross season, Forkner remained committed to the effort before ultimately deciding the time was right to step away.
Reflecting on his career, Forkner thanked both Triumph and the fans who supported him through the highs and lows.
“I’d like to thank the whole Triumph team for all the hard work over the past couple of years. It’s been fun, and we achieved some good results together. I’d also like to thank the fans who have stuck behind me through the years. I’m thankful for it all and for those I’ve met and connected with along the way. Thank you.”
Triumph Racing America General Manager Jeremy Coker said it had been a privilege to work alongside Forkner and praised the achievements he leaves behind.
“It has been an extreme honour to work with Austin,” Coker said.
“I know that this can be an extremely difficult decision to make, and I have the utmost respect for him. Austin has had a career to be very proud of as one of the most winningest 250 racers, and he should hold his head high. I, and the entire 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing team wish Austin and his family the best in his next life adventures.”
Triumph Motorcycles Head of Global Racing Programmes Ian Kimber said Forkner’s speed remained unquestioned despite the challenges of recent seasons.
“One of the most difficult decisions for any racer is knowing when the right time is to close off their career, and for Austin this has definitely not been an easy decision to come to these past few weeks,” Kimber said.
“We’ve seen how incredibly talented he is on a motorcycle, and there is no doubt that he is still fast enough to be competitive; his recent results just don’t reflect how good he is.”
Kimber also acknowledged the significance of the latest injury and the courage required to make such a difficult decision.
“However, the latest injury has been the final bump in the road for Austin, and we know he’s been finding it tough to want to make another return from injury. It’s been completely Austin’s decision, and we have a huge amount of respect and support for him calling time on what has been an impressive career.”
He added that Forkner’s legacy extends well beyond his race results.
“We’ve seen his talent on the bike, but also his popularity with the fans, not least because of his mentality when it came to his return to racing after the brain surgery a few years ago.”
“Austin, we’ve really enjoyed working with you and we wish you and your family the very best for the future – thank you.”
While championships may have ultimately eluded him, Forkner leaves the sport as one of the most naturally gifted riders of his era.
