Monster Energy Kawasaki has confirmed the signing of Malcolm Stewart on a two-year deal covering the full SMX World Championship calendar. The American joins the team following Chase Sexton’s departure and will line up alongside Garrett Marchbanks, who has also renewed his contract with the squad.
Following the termination of Chase Sexton’s contract, Monster Energy Kawasaki has now finalized its rider lineup for the 2027 season. Stewart will join the team on a two-year deal, while Marchbanks will return for his second season aboard the KX450SR.
For Stewart, 34, Kawasaki will become the fifth manufacturer he has represented as a professional in the premier class, following previous stints with Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, and most recently Husqvarna. However, his move to Kawasaki carries special significance, as he returns to the brand he started his amateur career with and the same manufacturer where his brother, James Stewart, achieved the majority of his career success.
“I’m super excited to join Monster Energy Kawasaki for 2027. I started my career on a Kawasaki as an amateur, so coming back to the brand feels like returning to my roots. It’s like a full-circle moment: I started my career with Kawasaki, and now I have the opportunity to return to where it all began. I’m really looking forward to working with the team, getting on the KX™450F-SR, and starting this new chapter.” — Malcolm Stewart
Stewart’s first appearance with Kawasaki could have come at the traditional Paris Supercross, scheduled for November 21–22. However, the manufacturer’s policy of not competing in events outside the United States will prevent him from taking part, meaning he will also be unable to defend the King of Paris title he claimed in 2025.
The same announcement confirmed Garrett Marchbanks’ contract extension, with the American set to enter his second season with Monster Energy Kawasaki. The team is banking on his continued development following the progress he showed during the second half of the 2026 season, aiming to build on that momentum next year.
Team representative Dan Fahie highlighted the importance of maintaining a two-rider lineup featuring both experience and front-running potential in the premier class.
“We have a strong lineup for 2027, with Garrett returning for his second year with the team and Malcolm joining the program. Garrett showed great progression on the KX™450SR last year, and we look forward to continuing to build on that foundation. Malcolm brings proven experience and a strong work ethic to the team, making him an excellent addition to the program. Both riders have the talent and ability to compete at the front of the 450 Class, and we’re excited to see what each of them can accomplish next year.”
