Ferris Returns With Kawasaki For 2026

Four-time ProMX Champion Dean Ferris will make his return to professional racing in 2026, as he has been announced to join the Penrite Racing Empire Kawasaki rider line-up as a part of the newly-appointed MX1-only Empire Kawasaki program. Ferris will partner with teammate Brad West, as the team looks to claim their first professional championship.

Ferris is one of the most accomplished riders in ProMX history, with 69 moto wins, 32 overall victories, and four premier class MX1 championships to his name. His return to racing, following an extended break after injury in the 2024 season, marks a new chapter in his storied career.

Dean Ferris:
“I’m beyond thankful to be signing with Empire Kawasaki for the 2026 season. Everyone is aware of the phases I’ve had in my career and although I stepped away from racing in the middle of 2024 following my small injury and team split, I never officially retired and remained open to returning to racing on the right program for me. It has been a very organic process where I began to see what was available for 2026 and Empire Kawasaki were forthcoming with the intention to go after a ProMX Championship with me in 2026. To be able to reunite with Brad McAlpine, who was my crew chief for three of my MX1 Championships and is now the Empire Kawasaki Team Manager, is an amazing opportunity and I am already loving being on the KX450 and working with the team. I am aware of the current level in MX1 and under no illusions that I have a lot of work ahead of me, but with that being said, the feeling I have on the bike already makes me feel confident I will be competitive and challenge at the front of the field.”

Empire Kawasaki Team Owner, Tyson Cherry: 
“We have made a big push for 2026 and progressed our relationship with Kawasaki Australia, moving into a new focus as an MX1-only program. For us to sign a rider of Dean’s caliber elevates our entire program and it was such a great fit with Brad McAlpine having a rich history working with Dean across many of his championship years. It’s early days but Dean looks great on the bike and we are excited to work over the off-season and come out swinging at Wonthaggi.”