It’s a crazy year for free agency in the 450 class, but the news is a little milder in the 250 class for 2017. Many teams will return with similar lineups this year, but there are a few big moves, as well as some star graduates to the 450 class.
This is the latest. These team lists use the 2016 team and rider lineups, with the latest updates on each racer.
We can basically categorize each rider into one of three categories: signed, free agent, and riders that we’ve yet to hear any information on.
GEICO Honda
Jordon Smith
Free agent. Smith was expected to sign a contract extension with the team, but he and the squad have elected to part ways at the end of the season.
RJ Hampshire
Signed. Re-signed to contract extension, returning to team.
Christian Craig
Signed. Re-signed to contract extension, returning to team.
Malcolm Stewart
Free agent. Malcolm has pointed out of 250SX and needs a 450 deal for 2017.
Jimmy Decotis
Signed. Decotis will be SX-only in 2017 as of right now.
Chase Sexton
Signed. Sexton is moving up from amateur ranks. He will make his pro debut this weekend at Unadilla.
Tristan Charbonneau
Signed. The rookie will return to the team next season.
Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM
Jessy Nelson
Signed. Returning to team.
Shane McElrath
Signed. Returning to team.
Justin Hill
Free agent. Rumors are Hill may return to Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki next year. Stay tuned.
Mitchell Oldenburg
Unknown at this time.
Alex Frye
Unknown at this time.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Zach Osborne
Free agent. We wouldn’t be surprised if Zach returns to the team.
Martin Davalos
Free agent. We hear Martin will likely return to the team.
[Update: Both Davalos and Osborne will return to the team next season.]
Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha
Jeremy Martin
Moving to GEICO Honda.
Copper Webb
Moving up Team Yamaha 450 team.
Alex Martin
Free agent. Rumored to be moving to Troy Lee Designs KTM
Aaron Plessinger
Signed. Returning to team.
Mitchell Harrison
Signed. Returning to team.
Dylan Ferrandis
Signed. The French GP rider has signed with this team for 2017.
CycleTrader.com/Rock River Yamaha
Luke Renzland
Free agent. Renzland is not expected to return to the team.
Colt Nichols
Moving to Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha.
Bradley Taft
Signed. The amateur graduate is set with this team for 2017.
Lorenzo Locurcio
Signed. Locurcio will move from the amateur ranks to the team in 2017.
[Update: We've added Locurcio to the roster and changed Renzland's status from "Unknown" to "Free Agent"]
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki
Chris Alldredge
Unknown at this time.
Joey Savatgy
Signed. Returning to team. Signed one-year extension for 2017.
Adam Cianciarulo
Signed. Returning to team.
Tyler Bowers
Free agent.
Arnaud Tonus
Free agent.
Austin Forkner
Signed. Returning to team.
Motorcycle Superstore Suzuki
Kyle Cunningham
Unknown at this time.
Jimmy Albertson
Signed. Will return.
Josh Osby
Unknown at this time.
MAD Racing/Dirt Candy Suzuki
Luke Clout
Signed. The Australian signed a two-year deal with the team earlier this year.
