Ben Watson to Lead Triumph’s 450 Assault as Dirt Store Triumph Racing Go All-In for MXGP 2026
British star spearheads Triumph’s expanded MXGP and British MX1 campaign aboard the factory TF 450-X
Dirt Store Triumph Racing has confirmed a stacked rider line-up for 2026 but the headline news for is clear: Ben Watson is joining the squad to front Triumph’s 450 programme, taking the factory TF 450-X into both MXGP and the British MX1 Championship.
After a breakthrough debut season in 2025 where the team delivered Triumph’s first-ever national motocross title, Triumph now moves into full attack mode with an expanded MXGP, British, Arenacross and Enduro operation. The addition of Watson marks Triumph’s biggest step yet into premier-class racing.
Watson Takes the Helm of Triumph’s MXGP attack
A two-time MXGP moto winner with eight world podiums, Ben Watson arrives with serious pedigree and becomes the new figurehead of Triumph’s 450 effort. He’ll race the TF 450-X in selected European MXGP rounds while chasing MX1 glory on home soil.
Watson says the opportunity was impossible to ignore:
“I know I can be competitive in MXGP, and Triumph gives me the platform to do it. What they’ve achieved in such a short time is impressive — I’m excited to be part of it.”
For Triumph, this is a statement signing. For Watson, it’s a fresh factory start and a chance to prove his full potential on a brand-new machine.
British MX2 Champ Tommy Searle Returns
Reigning MX2 British Champion Tommy Searle stays with the team for a title defence aboard the TF 250-X, after a dominant 2025 campaign that saw him take three wins and seven podiums.
Alongside him, rising star Billy Askew will tackle both the British MX2 series and the EMX250 Championship — an increasingly important proving ground for future MXGP talent.
Arenacross & Enduro: Triumph Expands On All Fronts
Dirt Store Triumph Racing also strengthens its Arenacross squad with Dylan Woodcock returning and joined by former 85cc World Champ Eddie Jay Wade, both handling the TF 450-X indoors.
The team’s reach widens further into Enduro, with Rich Ely lining up for the British Enduro Championship aboard the electric TF 250-E—Triumph’s first steps into competitive off-road EV racing.
A Serious Statement of Intent
Team Manager Jon Giffard says Watson’s arrival signals a new era: “Having Ben lead our MXGP and MX1 campaign is huge. Combined with Tommy, Billy, Dylan, Eddie and Rich across multiple championships, 2026 is set to be our biggest and most competitive year yet.”
Triumph’s support remains unwavering, with the TF 250-X, TF 450-X and TF 250-E platforms forming the backbone of its long-term off-road strategy.
About Dirt Store Triumph Racing
Dirt Store Triumph Racing is Triumph’s official UK off-road team, competing across MXGP, British motocross, Arenacross, and Enduro. After delivering Triumph’s first national motocross title in its debut 2025 season, the team now pushes into full international contention with a strengthened multi-discipline programme.