Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki mainstay Austin Forkner has officially announced his exit from the team for 2025, bidding farewell and opening the door for an anticipated, yet to be confirmed transfer to Triumph next season.

Forkner was part of Team Green’s amateur program prior to turning professional with Mitch Payton’s Pro Circuit organization in the summer of 2016, where he finished fourth in 250MX.

Since then, Forkner has continued to show up as one of the most competitive riders in the field despite ongoing injury and health battles that have largely affected his progression in recent seasons. His career-best title results came with third in 250SX East and 250SX West, consecutively from 2019-2020.

“14 years with Kawasaki, Fox Racing and about half of that with Pro Circuit,” Forkner said. “From Ryan Holliday and Team Green to Tod and Aaron at Fox who signed me originally, then to Mitch and the whole PC team and Kenny at Fox now, as well as everyone else who’s been apart of my program I want to say thank you.

“Everything comes to an end eventually, but I appreciate the effort from everyone over the years and I’ll cherish the good times and memories with each and every one of these guys. Thank you for believing in me, sticking by me, and being more than just a team. I’ve made some lifelong relationships and I am forever grateful. Thank you.”

Forkner is expected to be a marquee signing at Triumph Racing for 2025 and likely beyond, joining the returning Jalek Swoll, in addition to fellow new recruits Jordon Smith and Stilez Robertson.