Image: Foremost Media.

Each of the factory-backed teams have all but confirmed their rider line-ups for the 250SX West series beginning this weekend at Anaheim 1, naturally setting the tone for who will also be on the eastern region in a month’s time.

Current western regional number one RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) is officially heading east after spending considerable time recovering from ongoing wrist complications and an additional hand injury during the off-season.

Red Bull KTM will field Julien Beaumer this weekend since Tom Vialle will defend his 250SX East crown beginning with Tampa at the beginning of February. Rockstar Energy GasGas will enter Ryder DiFrancesco at A1, placing newcomer Casey Cochran – also on the mend from a training injury – on the east.

The Triumph Racing Factory Team has announced that Jordon Smith and Stilez Robertson will be on the west, leaving Austin Forkner and Jalek Swoll – recently sidelined with an achilles injury – back east, plus Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki will field Levi Kitchen and Garrett Marchbanks on the west coast. That means Cameron McAdoo, Seth Hammaker and Ty Masterpool will debut at round five.

Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha will headline with two-time 250SMX champion and reigning 250MX champion Haiden Deegan in 250SX West, to be joined by Michael Mosiman and rookie Cole Davies at Angel Stadium on Saturday night, as Pierce Brown, Max Anstie, Nate Thrasher and Daxton Bennick will be on the eastern region.

Meanwhile, Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda is ready to start racing now through January, while Chance Hymas is preparing to return from a knee injury for 250SX East.