Red Bull KTM Factory Racing stars Lucas Coenen and Sacha Coenen are set to sample the American motocross scene in 2026, with the Belgian twins planning a trio of appearances in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship as part of the SuperMotocross (SMX) World Championship.
The move will see two of the MXGP paddock’s brightest young talents cross the Atlantic for selected rounds while still maintaining their focus on their respective 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship campaigns.
Currently leading the MXGP World Championship Lucas Coenen has already claimed two overall victories from the opening five rounds of the 2026 season and enters the mid-point of the championship as the rider to beat in the premier class.
Meanwhile, twin brother Sacha Coenen sits second in the MX2 standings and has been one of the category’s standout performers. The young Belgian has led the most laps this season, claimed one overall victory and three podium finishes, while also maintaining a perfect record in Saturday qualifying races.
The Coenen brothers have long held ambitions of racing in the United States and, thanks to the close working relationship between Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s European and American programs, a provisional plan has now been mapped out.
Working alongside the European-based Red Bull KTM Factory Racing squad led by Davide De Carli and the American SMX team headed by Ian Harrison in California, the brothers have identified three potential AMA appearances that fit around their MXGP commitments.
The first outing is earmarked for the Thunder Valley National at Lakewood, Colorado, on June 13, which falls between the Latvian and Italian Grands Prix. A second opportunity has been planned for the Southwick National in Massachusetts on July 11, positioned between the South African and British rounds of the MXGP calendar. The final potential appearance would come at the Ironman National finale on August 29, splitting the Dutch and Turkish Grands Prix.
The proposed schedule would see the twins contest rounds three, five and eleven of the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross season, although participation will remain dependent on how their respective world championship campaigns unfold.
Lucas is expected to line up in the 450MX category, while Sacha will contest the 250MX division, with their first wildcard appearance potentially coming next month at Thunder Valley, a venue well known to motocross fans as a former host of the Motocross of Nations.
For Lucas, the opportunity is one he has dreamed about while balancing the demands of a world title campaign. The MXGP championship leader said he was excited to finally experience racing in America while continuing to focus on his Grand Prix season.
“It’s official: we’re aiming for three rounds of the AMA outdoor series,” Lucas Coenen said. “It’s a dream to be able to do this while still focusing on our season. Really looking forward to it, will try to enjoy it as much as possible and it’ll be a crazy experience. I’m also looking forward to meeting a lot of fans. Super-pumped.”
Sacha echoed his brother’s enthusiasm, revealing that racing in the U.S. has been an ambition since childhood after growing up watching the championship from Europe.
“I’m really excited to do some races in the U.S. this year,” Sacha Coenen said. “Since we were kids we were watching the races there so it will be awesome to go over and try the tracks. I’m really thankful to KTM and all the people that made it happen. See you there.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Ian Harrison said the American squad was looking forward to welcoming the pair and believes the transition will be an exciting opportunity for everyone involved.
“The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team will be a little bigger this year at Thunder Valley, with Sacha and Lucas Coenen joining us for this event,” Harrison said. “With a short break in the MXGP calendar, they’re excited for the opportunity to race at altitude and in the USA.”
Having already seen the twins compete on the international stage, Harrison believes both riders have the tools to make an immediate impact in AMA competition.
“I had the chance to watch both of them compete at the Motocross of Nations last year, where they showed exceptional skill and speed,” he added. “We’re looking forward to welcoming them and seeing them compete in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.”
