Suzuki released the following statement on Monday, confirming that Colt Nichols would be staying on with the brand for the 2026 SMX World Championship:
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC and Pipes Motorsports Group are pleased to announce that Colt Nichols will continue with the Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance aboard the RM-Z450 for the 2026 SuperMotocross season.
Following a solid debut year with the team, Nichols returns for his second season with renewed focus and a strong sense of familiarity with both the crew and the Suzuki RM-Z450 platform. His steady progression and consistency in 2025 were clear indicators of growing synergy within the program, earning multiple top-10 finishes despite battling through injury throughout the year.
Competing with a shoulder injury during Supercross and a torn UCL in his thumb through the Pro Motocross season, Nichols showed determination and grit while continuing to deliver results for Suzuki’s SuperMotocross efforts. With the benefit of an off-season to recover and regroup, Colt is looking forward to entering 2026 healthy and ready to capitalize on the foundation he’s built with the Twisted Tea Suzuki team.
“Super excited to re-sign with the PMG team for next season,” said Colt Nichols. “Was really happy to almost get a full season under my belt in ‘25 and I’m ready to elevate and improve for the ‘26 season. Love working with this team and being around the guys week in week out. I’m pumped for the future – let’s get to work!”
We’re excited to have Colt back for another year with the team. With a full season of experience and a healthy start, we expect to see him show his true potential. Colt has the speed and skill to be up front, and putting himself in good positions early in the races will allow him to achieve what we all know he’s capable of,” added Chris Wheeler Motorsports Manager at Suzuki Motor USA.
“Continuing on with Colt for another season has been in the team’s plans for some time so I’m glad to finally announce it,” said Dustin Pipes, Team Principal of Pipes Motorsports Group. “A former champion, Colt brings a level of professionalism to the team that makes him easy to work with. I look forward to seeing him progress and show his talent level on the racetrack in 2026.”
Nichols, the 2019 AMA 250SX East Region Supercross Champion, will line up alongside teammates Ken Roczen and Jason Anderson aboard Suzuki’s proven RM-Z450 platform. With a full year of experience under his belt, Nichols aims to carry forward the continuity and chemistry developed with his team, turning consistency into podium results and a strong start to the 2026 SuperMotocross campaign.