Australian teenager Jake Cannon will continue his European motocross journey with Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki after signing a new agreement that will keep him with the French squad through the 2027 season.
Currently sitting second in the EMX250 Championship standings, Cannon has become one of the leading contenders in the highly competitive European category after making significant strides since arriving in Europe at the beginning of 2025.
Moving from Australia to Europe as a teenager is never an easy transition, with new tracks, cultures, languages and lifestyles all part of the challenge. Bud Racing has a long history of providing opportunities to talented international riders, and team boss Stephane Dasse brought Cannon into the team at the end of 2024, following a pathway previously taken by riders such as Darian Sanayei, Benjamin Garib and Lorenzo Locurcio.
Based near the team’s headquarters in Hossegor, France, Cannon has steadily developed since making the move overseas. After finishing eighth in the 2025 EMX250 Championship standings and claiming a podium result in the United Kingdom, the 17-year-old has emerged as a genuine title contender this season. He has already won two rounds of the championship in 2026 and currently sits as the main challenger to teammate Francisco Garcia in the title race.
His progress has extended beyond the European Championship, with Cannon also improving significantly in the French Elite Motocross Championship, where he has climbed from fifth in the standings last season to second this year.
While his focus remains on Europe, Cannon is currently in the United States preparing to contest the next round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Southwick next weekend. He is also set to race the 2026 World Supercross Championship as he continues to evaluate future career opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.
Despite those opportunities, Cannon’s primary focus in 2027 will remain the EMX250 Championship, where he will once again represent the Bud Racing Kawasaki colours as he prepares for the next stage of his career.
Reflecting on the extension, Cannon said the support of the team had played a major role in his development since arriving in Europe.
“I’m very happy to continue for one more season with Bud and Kawasaki, who gave me the chance to race in Europe two years ago,” Cannon said. “It’s never easy to adapt to new tracks, new people, different food and so on, but I must say that the team has always been behind me. A lot of progression has been made from last year, but excited for more; I have more experience and for sure working in the same environment will allow me to get the best results.”
Bud Racing team owner Stephane Dasse believes another season in EMX250 will provide the ideal platform for Cannon’s long-term development before stepping up to the next level.
“We are very happy to continue with Jake for the 2027 season so he can have another year fighting for the win,” Dasse said. “He’s getting ever more used to racing in Europe, and I think it’s the right time for him to do one last season in EMX250 to be fully prepared for the next stage of his career.
“Jake will also be competing in the WSX World Supercross Championship in the 250 class with us as his future career could take him to either Europe or the United States. Jake is a great guy, a hard worker, and we really enjoy having him on our team.”
Kawasaki Europe Race Planning Manager Steve Guttridge also praised Cannon’s commitment and determination since relocating from Australia.
“Jake’s confirmation to continue with Kawasaki inside the EMX250 category with Bud Racing is great news!” Guttridge said. “When a kid moves thousands of miles away from home and shows the commitment that Jake does to keep progressing against the toughest competition and in the hardest Motocross environment in the World – then you know he is ready and capable of achieving all he’s ever dreamed of.”
