Breaking news early this morning, just two days ahead of the start of the three-round SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX): Joey Savatgy and Triumph Racing have ended their partnership. Savatgy, who pointed out of the 250SX Class of Monster Energy AMA Supercross following the 2018 season, was only going to be able to race the all-new Triumph TF 250-X in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, and the expectations were high for the #17 to be a championship threat (himself included). However, it was a tough return to the 250cc Class for Savatgy, as he struggled with starts and had several bike issues, which is to be expected as the bike is racing competitively for the first time in the series. As Jalek Swoll said after his third overall at the Unadilla National in the team's first U.S. podium, the toughest thing is the team has no data on racing their bike at any of the Pro Motocross tracks to refer back to.
The Triumph Racing team came in with a three-rider roster for the 2024 full SMX season—Evan Ferry and Jalek Swoll set to race both supercross and Pro Motocross while Savatgy would only be eligible to race in the 250cc Class of Pro Motocross—they are down to just Swoll. Ferry split from the team in April and then joined the Wildcat Racing team in early May. Savatgy finished 12th in the 250 Class Pro Motocross championship, with a best moto finish of fifth (three times) and he qualified 17th for the SMX Playoffs, which guaranteed him a spot in the motos. Swoll ran into problems of his own on the new bike but finished seventh in Pro Motocross.
He had a two-year deal with Triumph Racing and we believe the initial goal was to race the 250 Class of Pro Motocross this year then jump onto the Triumph TF 450-X for both supercross and motocross in 2025, but the team now says the 450F bike would not be ready for its supercross debut until 2026. At this time, we are not sure what is next for Savatgy.
![Joey Savatgy]()
Joey Savatgy Align Media ![Savatgy's Triumph TF 250-X at the Washougal National.]()
Savatgy's Triumph TF 250-X at the Washougal National. Align Media
The full press release below is from Triumph Racing:
TRIUMPH RACING WISHES Joey Savatgy ALL THE BEST AS PARTNERSHIP CONCLUDES AHEAD OF SMX PLAYOFFS
A mutual decision between Triumph Racing and Joey Savatgy sees the American racer move on to new opportunities ahead of the upcoming SuperMotocross World Championship. Since Joey pointed-out of the 250SX class in 2018, he has been ineligible to race in the 250SX category, despite petitions for the AMA Supercross rules to match the Pro Motocross rules. As a result, it was agreed that the best option for Savatgy's career was for him to pursue other opportunities.
Following Triumph’s successful first season in the 250 classes in MXGP, AMA Supercross, and Pro Motocross, the decision was made to concentrate efforts in 2025 on expanding and improving the 250 programme, before moving into the premier classes in 2026. Since signing Joey on a two-year deal, Triumph has been campaigning with Feld and the AMA to have the Georgia native’s 250SX class eligibility restored. Despite the significant efforts made, it was recently confirmed that Savatgy would still not be able to line up in 250SX in 2025, as the current rules would remain unchanged.
To honour the initial contract made by Triumph Racing, Joey was offered the chance to compete in 250MX only for 2025; however, it was ultimately decided by both parties that the best resolution was for Savatgy to move on with his career at another team.
Competing in Pro Motocross throughout the summer of 2024, Joey enjoyed many highlights in the 250MX class, with his best overall finish of sixth coming at the Southwick National in June. Despite a heavy fall in moto one at the Red Bud National and missing both races one week later, Joey went on to finish the season 12th in the final standings.
Everyone at Triumph wishes Joey well for the future, and thanks him for his contributions to our 2024 race programme.
“Firstly, I would like to thank Triumph Racing for giving me the opportunity to race for the team this year. We were all hoping the AMA rule would be amended to allow me to race 250SX next year, but unfortunately, this didn’t happen. Triumph knows how hard it was for me to sit out half the season this year, and they were nice enough to give me the option to be released early in order for me to race a full season next year. Thanks again to the whole team and I wish them all the best for the future.”
Bobby Hewitt – Triumph Racing USA Team Principal:
“It’s been a real pleasure working with Joey, and it’s unfortunate that he won’t be competing in this year’s SMX Playoffs with Triumph Racing. While we’ve been waiting for the AMA and the Steering Committee to confirm their decision regarding Joey’s eligibility to compete in 250SX, we allowed him to actively seek other opportunities in the 450 class, just in case this wasn’t an option. In the end, it was decided that he could not return to 250SX. We were, however, more than happy to honour Joey’s two-year contract by having him race for us next summer in the 250 class of Pro Motocross, but ultimately, it was decided that the best resolution was for us to part ways. On behalf of Triumph Racing, I wish Joey all the best for 2025 and thank him for everything he’s done for the team since he joined us last winter.”
Ian Kimber – Head of Global Racing Programmes, Triumph Motorcycles:
“Joey’s tenure with Triumph has shown moments of great promise, and whilst we haven’t been able to fully capitalise on them, it is a shame to lose his experience from our team. However, with our decision to prioritise our 250 programme in 2025 and Joey’s ineligibility to ride 250SX due to the current rules, we have mutually agreed to let Joey out of his contract to ensure that his career isn’t detrimentally affected by only having him race 250MX again next year. I want to thank Joey for the hard work he has shown throughout the outdoor season this year and I wish him well for the future.”
