Malcolm Stewart Loses 2026-27 Ride After Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Shutdown

Malcolm Stewart is out of a ride after Rockstar Energy Husqvarna closed up shop, and the 450SX rider said the deal he expected for 2026 and 2027 is gone. He said he had been with the group for five or six years and had no warning before the announcement.

"It was a two-year contract and it’s not there anymore," Stewart said, adding, "Now I’m just another guy on the list who has to try to find a home." The shutdown leaves him searching for a landing spot after a stretch in which he expected the next step of his career to already be lined up.

Salt Lake City Ends One Run

Stewart finished eighth in 450SX at Salt Lake City, a result that came after he said, "We didn’t have the best result tonight [eighth in 450SX], but sometimes that’s what racing is about." He added, "The track was tough and it was very hard to make up time."

His race started behind the front of the field, and he said, "I didn’t do myself any favors on the start and by the time I caught up to those guys the race was almost over." Stewart also said, "Obviously in the whoops I had an advantage, but I was losing time everywhere else."

Five Or Six Years Together

The team news hits harder because Stewart said he had been with the group for "five or six years" and had no idea the shutdown was coming. "Nothing," he said when asked whether he had any clue before the announcement. "At least not for me," he added, before saying, "I had no idea."

He also pointed back to an earlier career reset in 2016, when he won the 250SX East championship and did not get a ride in the 450 class. "Unfortunately I’ve been in this situation before," he said. "Back in 2016, it was a little bit different, but I won the championship [250SX East] and didn’t get a ride [in the 450 class]."

Finding A New Home

Stewart said the shutdown affects more than just his own situation. "It’s an unfortunate situation to see everybody go, but it’s business," he said. "That decision was made at a higher level, I have no control over it."

For now, he is back where he said he has been before: looking for an opening. "I feel like I’m a better person now, and the way my career is, I feel like I bring a lot more to the table," he said, after also noting, "As a racer all I can do is just go out there and do the best I can."