Austin Forkner

Thirteen wins. A 31% indoor win rate. For context: that win rate places Austin Forkner among the most efficient racers in 250SX history. He has been faster than almost everyone in his class, more often than almost everyone in his class, for almost a decade of professional racing. The only thing missing from his resume is the championship — and that fact drives him every single day.

From Richards, Missouri — population under 500, surrounded by farmland — Forkner developed his racing in the amateur ranks before turning professional in 2017. His 2019 championship run was cut short by an injury at Daytona. In the years that followed, injuries continued to interrupt what should have been a dominant championship run. The talent was never in question. The health was the variable.

The Triumph 250 Program

In 2026, Forkner's role on the Triumph Factory Racing team is unique: he opened the season in the 450SX class covering for Jordon Smith's shoulder surgery recovery, then transitioned to the 250SX East division when Smith returned. That flexibility speaks to his professionalism and his trust in the Triumph program. He's been able to race both classes, developing the TF 450-X for the future while maintaining his championship fight in the 250.

The Unfinished Business

Austin Forkner is 27 years old. He has thirteen wins and a 31% win rate. The championship is still out there. The Triumph program believes in him — they gave him the 450 when they needed someone, and they kept him in the 250 East for a legitimate title run. Richards, Missouri has produced one of the fastest racers in the history of the 250 class. The full story isn't written yet.