Australian teenager Jake Cannon closed out his 2026 EMX250 European Motocross Championship campaign in style at Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, securing second overall for the weekend and locking in third place in the final championship standings.
The Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki rider entered the final round with the championship podium already within reach and confirmed the bronze medal with a strong opening moto on Saturday before backing it up with another impressive ride in Sunday’s second race.
Cannon finished second to teammate and newly crowned EMX250 Champion Francisco Garcia in both motos as the Bud Racing Kawasaki pair dominated the final round, delivering a perfect 1-2 result in each race. Their performances also helped Kawasaki secure the 2026 EMX250 Manufacturers’ title, with the brand claiming nine victories from the 12-round series.
In the second moto, Garcia moved to the front at turn two, while Cannon quickly worked his way into second place through the opening laps. The Kawasaki duo established an early advantage over the chasing pack and controlled the race to the finish, with Cannon securing another runner-up result to cap off a season that included two overall victories and five podium finishes.
Reflecting on his campaign, Cannon was pleased with the progress he made during his second season in the highly competitive European championship.
“This was my second year in the class and I can be happy with my progress,” Cannon said. “I was really strong during the first half of the season before my sand skills let me down a little but I came back strongly this weekend.
“My start wasn’t quite so good today but I rode some really good first few corners on the first lap. I would have liked to end the season with a moto win but it was so difficult to make the difference to get onto Francisco’s rear wheel.
“I’m happy with my efforts all year; I gave it my all and can now look forward to going for the title next year.”
Garcia, who wrapped up the EMX250 title at the previous round and will move into the MX2 World Championship with Kawasaki Racing Team in 2027, finished the season with seven overall victories. Cannon’s consistency throughout the year saw him secure third in the championship and establish himself as one of the leading contenders heading into next season.
