40 podiums, 28 race wins, 15 Grand Prix victories, and one MX2 World Championship – Kay de Wolf’s 250 career stamped authority throughout his campaigns. After falling just short of defending his title this season, de Wolf will now step up to the premier class for the 2026 season with the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team. De Wolf admitted that the decision came easily after an injury-filled season hindered his chances of defending the number one plate. The Dutchman capped off another impressive campaign by winning the MX2 class at the MXoN at Ironman, ending his 250 career with a victory.

“The decision to move up to the 450 was actually pretty easy” he told Cult Moto. “It’s a bike I really love, I have had so many great memories in the 250 class. It’s the right moment and time to move up to the 450, I have achieved the world title which was the biggest goal of course, to win the 250 title.”

“This year didn’t go as planned, but I gave everything and it’s all we had. I had some injuries, but we gave it our all. And then of course, Motocross of Nations was a big cherry on the cake, winning it back to back, went 1-1 again this year. Proved I am the fastest 250 rider in the world so I think it was the right time to move up and yeah, hopefully we can have a solid season next year in the 450 class.”

Kay hasn’t wasted any time, he’s got straight to work on the 450. “I have been testing a few days with the team, we are doing pretty well – I have enjoyed the power a lot, I have been playing a lot with the bike and I will get real comfortable with the bike soon. I can ride the bike way more natural compared to the 250 so I am really excited to go racing. I am actually racing this weekend on the 450 against Jeffrey and Liam so that will be cool, it’s only going to be 20-minute moto’s so hopefully my starts are dialled.”

“Two more days of testing before I go on holiday, I am really looking forward to that and more bike time. We got some fun things planned with the 450 this winter, and I am really looking forward to it!”

How do you think Kay will do on the 450? It’s going to be cool to see another world class rider mix it up in the premier class next season!