Image: Supplied.

Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki has formally confirmed Queensland talent Brad West for 2026, returning home aboard the official team’s KX450 full-time next season following an extended stint in the US.

The 21-year-old completed four rounds of this year’s Monster Energy Supercross Championship in the 250SX West category – recording a season-best 14th at San Diego – before going on to start four Pro Motocross rounds in 450MX.

West then returned home for the Boost Mobile AUSX Supercross Championship, riding a privateer Kawasaki. His strongest results came in the form of ninth-place finishes at both Redcliffe 2 and the Adelaide Grand Final, ranked 12th in the final SX1 standings.

“I’ve been in the States since I was a junior – I believe it was 2019 – when I first went over,” West told MotoOnline. “This has been in the works for a while now, speaking with Tyson [Cherry] and even just coming home to race AUSX on the Kawasaki this year. I’m going to give it my all and see where we can be at the end of next year.”

With Empire Kawasaki focusing on the premier class next year, it’s unclear who West will be teamed with, as four-time national champion Dean Ferris has been heavily linked to the seat outdoors. The team has expressed interest in Luke Clout remaining on a supercross-only deal.