In a statement released on September 22, 2026, Dylan Ferrandis confirmed that the upcoming Monster Energy SuperMotocross World Championship finale in Ridgeland, Missouri will be his final appearance as a professional rider. The 32-year-old Frenchman, who has competed at the highest levels of both Supercross and Motocross since moving to the United States in 2017, said the decision stems from a desire to step away while still healthy and satisfied with his achievements.
The announcement arrives at the close of a landmark year for the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing team. 2026 marked Ducati’s inaugural full-season effort in the American premier class, and Ferrandis played a central role in translating the Italian marque’s European pedigree to the demanding U.S. circuits. His departure therefore carries weight for both the rider and the fledgling factory program.
Career milestones that defined a champion
Ferrandis entered the AMA scene after a successful stint in the FIM Motocross World Championship, quickly making his mark by capturing the 2019 250SX West Division title from rival Adam Cianciarulo. He repeated the feat in 2020, adding the 250 Class AMA Pro Motocross Championship to his résumé the same year. The following season saw him graduate to the 450 class, where he secured a rookie championship in the 2021 AMA Pro Motocross series, highlighted by a podium at the pandemic-affected NRG Stadium round.
Injury setbacks in 2022 curtailed a promising title defense, but Ferrandis rebounded with strong showings for Phoenix Racing Honda in 2024 and 2025. Over his career he amassed 18 podiums in the 250SX class (including six victories), two podiums in the 450SX class, and 15 These numbers cement his reputation as one of the sport’s most consistent performers.
2026: Building Ducati’s American debut
When Ferrari-Ducati partnered with Troy Lee Designs and Red Bull for the 2026 season, Ferrandis became the de-facto face of the project. Early in the year, teammate Justin Barcia suffered a prolonged injury, leaving Ferrandis as the sole U.S. rider for the majority of the Supercross calendar. He logged countless test laps, fine-tuned suspension settings, and relayed critical feedback that accelerated the motorcycle’s development for the unique rhythm of American tracks.
The results reflected his effort. Ferrandis recorded the team’s first top-10 finish in Anaheim, followed by a historic top-five at the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Rancho Cordova—Ducati’s best He capped the Supercross campaign with a fourth-place Over the year he logged 20 top-10
Retirement, reflections, and what lies ahead
Speaking to the media, Ferrandis summed up his journey: “I have been riding dirt bikes since I was three years old all around the world and this life has been exactly what I wanted. It’s been a great year with the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team and we will try to finish the season on a high note and enjoy these last moments of racing together.” His words underscore a career that has been both globe-spanning and deeply rooted in the American motocross community.
Team manager Josh Wisenor praised Ferrandis’ work ethic, noting that the rider’s “intuition on the motorcycle” and relentless pursuit of improvement set a standard for future Ducati competitors. While the team will miss his on-track presence, the foundation he helped lay promises to benefit the program long after his final gate drop. Rumors of a possible 2027 return were reportedly set aside as Ferrandis evaluated the “risk/reward” of continuing, ultimately choosing health and happiness over further competition.
As the season draws to a close, fans will watch Ferrandis aim for a strong finish at the Ridgeland SMX finale, hoping he can add one more memorable result to a résumé that already includes two AMA titles, six Supercross victories, and a pivotal role in establishing Ducati as a competitive force in U.S. motorsports. Whatever the outcome, his legacy as a speed-driven, technically precise, and hardworking champion is already secured.
