For 2026, KTM will build 150 units of the limited edition KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA dirt bike. KTM will also produce five ultra-exclusive units of the KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA SANDERS EDITION. From Malle Moto privateers to Rally2 and RallyGP riders, the KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA has proven itself. KTM developed this bike using insights from Dakar champions like Marc Coma, Matthias Walkner, Toby Price, Kevin Benavides and Daniel Sanders. The result is a machine that represents the peak of Rally Raid engineering and competition.

KTM completely overhauled the model ahead of the latest Dakar Rally, which Sanders won in dominant fashion. Edgar Canet added an impressive Rally2 class victory for KTM at the same event. Emanuel Gyenes also secured victory in the “unsupported” Original by Motul class riding a KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA. He completed an all-KTM class podium that reinforced the bike’s competitive edge.

Built to Conquer Any Terrain

KTM powered the bike with a proven 450 cc SOHC fuel-injected engine and six-speed gearbox. The premium KTM hydraulic clutch enhances durability and control under tough conditions. Dual radiators provide consistent cooling in extreme environments and long-distance rally stages. KTM’s Motorsports facility hand-welded the laser-cut, hydro-formed frame sections for strength and feedback. The frame ensures energy absorption and straight-line stability for rally racers. A die-cast aluminum swingarm adds balance, stiffness and resilience over rugged terrain.

KTM designed three tanks — two front and one rear — with a combined 34.5-liter fuel capacity. This setup prepares riders for demanding rally stages without frequent refueling stops. The 2026 model includes WP PRO COMPONENTS suspension for maximum comfort and race-ready adjustability. KTM mounted the 48-millimeter WP XACT PRO 7548 fork using CNC-machined 23-millimeter offset triple clamps. The upper clamp integrates KTM’s PHDS system and a SCOTTS steering damper for steering control. At the rear, the WP XACT PRO 7750 fully adjustable shock adds stability and rider confidence.

KTM spent more than a decade refining the cockpit to maximize rider comfort and endurance. A specially designed fairing reduces wind turbulence and rider fatigue during long rally stages. A carbon fiber navigation tower integrates perfectly with KTM’s rally dashboard. The dashboard includes built-in warning lights and mounting points for a digital roadbook system.

KTM fitted a powerful LED headlight package for early starts and late-night rides to the bivouac. The bike includes essential safety tools built directly into the chassis. KTM engineered the bike for high output, low weight and nimble handling in varied terrain. Riders can confidently tackle everything from rocky ravines to open desert dunes.

2026 KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA – Highlights

• Limited edition READY TO RACE model with only 150 units available
• Unrivaled 450 cc SOHC fuel-injected engine
• Race-spec chassis developed through competition
• WP XACT PRO 48-millimeter closed cartridge forks (cone valve)
• WP XACT PRO fully adjustable shock
• Premium-quality Akrapovič titanium exhaust system
• Purposely designed for multi-stage cross-country competition

2026 KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA SANDERS EDITION – Highlights

• Ultra-exclusive model — only five (5) units produced and available
• Full factory Red Bull livery
• Daniel Sanders sticker kit, including signed front start numberplate sticker
• Limited edition emblem on the frame, individually numbered 001-005
• Factory special Selle Dalla Valle seat
• Full factory rim set with Michelin race tires
• Additional rim set with homologated street tires
• Factory brake discs
• Factory Daniel Sanders fuel caps with engraved name
• Factory Hinson clutch cover
• Factory-painted handguards
• Two height options of factory tank pads
• Carbon chain sliders
• Factory titanium footpegs
• Laser-engraved Akrapovič titanium exhaust system
• Daniel Sanders–signed race jersey
• Extra windshield with custom name and start number of the future owner
• VIP Package including exclusive participation at the 2025 KTM EUROPE ADVENTURE RALLY 
• Opportunity to ride alongside Daniel Sanders at the 2025 KTM EUROPE ADVENTURE RALLY  

VIP Experience for Sanders Edition Buyers

KTM includes a VIP Package featuring access to the 2025 KTM EUROPE ADVENTURE RALLY. Buyers get the chance to ride alongside Daniel Sanders at the Romania-based rally. The rally will take place from August 25–29, 2025. KTM’s Factory Team will attend with its truck and dedicated support mechanic. Each of the five Sanders Edition bikes will be handed over personally by Daniel Sanders.

KTM developed, built and assembled both models at its official motorsports facility in Austria. KTM created these purpose-built machines specifically for elite rally racers around the world. Visit your local authorized KTM dealer to reserve yours before they sell out.

MEXICO CITY — Denny Hamlin will not race at the inaugural Cup Series event this weekend in Mexico City after the birth of his son Wednesday.

Joe Gibbs Racing reserve driver Ryan Truex will drive the No. 11 Cup car at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Denny Hamlin’s family has expanded following the birth of his son this week.

The son was the third child for Hamlin and fiancée Jordan Fish.

“We are happy to announce the birth of our son,” Hamlin said in a statement. “Everyone is doing well. My main priority is to be here at home for Jordan and our family over the next few days when she is able to go home and we transition to life as a family of five.

“I appreciate everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, our partners, and our fans for the support over the last few weeks and I look forward to being back at the track next weekend in Pocono.”

JGR will have to ask for a waiver from NASCAR for Hamlin to remain playoff eligible despite missing a race. NASCAR implemented a policy earlier this year that only a waiver granted for medical reasons would allow a driver to retain all playoff points earned during the regular season. The birth of a child is expected to be included in that.

“JGR supports Hamlin in his decision,” the team said in its news release announcing Truex would race the car.

Truex, the younger brother of former JGR driver Martin Truex Jr., spends several hours each week in a racing simulator to help JGR with its baseline setups and has been on standby the last couple of weeks as Fish’s due date was last week.

Hamlin won last Sunday at Michigan, his third win of the year.

“If [the birth] causes me to miss a race, it’s one of 701 races that I missed and it’s just not that big of a deal,” Hamlin said at the time.

Hamlin has made 406 consecutive starts, having last missed a race in 2014 when he missed the race at California Speedway because of an object in his eye. It will be Truex’s first Cup start since 2014, when he competed in 23 races for BK Racing. 

Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and IndyCar for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.

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Round 16 of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season takes the top level of the sport to a place where they’ve never been before — Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. It will also be the first points-paying Cup race outside of the United States since 1958.

William Byron leads the regular season standings, 41 points clear of Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson. Denny Hamlin is the most recent winner, claiming victory at Michigan. The Xfinity Series raced in Mexico City for a few yers between 2005 and 2008 and Hamlin is just one of three active Cup drivers who took part in at least one of those events.

News of the week

This week, Ram confirmed its highly anticipated return to the NASCAR Truck Series. NASCAR officials also indicated that they are “very close” to securing a fifth manufacturer, but discussions are ongoing.

It was also revealed that the Xfinity race in Mexico City will feature three Mexican-born drivers. Along with Daniel Suarez, 2024 ARCA champion Andres Perez De Lara and 2020 NASCAR Mexico Series champion Ruben Rovelo will be making their debut.

What is the NASCAR at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez her schedule?

(Schedule is tentative and subject to change)

Friday, June 13th

1:05pm EST — NASCAR Cup practice #1 — PRIME VIDEO

2:05pm EST — NASCAR Xfinity practice #1 — THE CW APP

3:00pm EST — NASCAR Cup practice #2 — PRIME VIDEO

3:3Opm EST – NASCAR Xfinity practice #2 — THE CW APP

4:30pm EST – NASCAR Mexico Series race #1 (50 laps) — YOUTUBE

Saturday, June 14th

10:30am EST — NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying — THE CW APP

12pm EST — NASCAR Cup Series qualifying — PRIME VIDEO

1:45pm EST – NASCAR Mexico Series race #2 (50 laps) — YOUTUBE

4:30pm EST – NASCAR Xfinity Series race (65 laps) — THE CW

Sunday, June 15th

3pm EST — NASCAR Cup Series race (100 laps) — PRIME VIDEO

Daniel Suarez fans with Mexican flag

Photo by: Chris Williams Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

How can I watch the NASCAR Cup Series in Mexico?

• Date: Sunday, June 15th
• TV start time: 3:00 p.m. ET
• Laps/Miles: 100 laps / 241 miles
• Green flag: 3:23pm EST 
• TV channel: PRIME VIDEO | TSN (Canada) | Other international viewing options
• Live stream: In-car cameras on MAX
• Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Who is racing in Viva Mexico 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez?

There are 37 entries for the Cup race with one open entry. That will be Katherine Legge, driving the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet. Legge will be making his second Cup start of the year, following her Cup Series debut at Phoenix. To learn more about the Cup field or see the 39 drivers competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, CLICK HERE.

NASCAR Cup Mexico City entry list

Anthony Alfredo will be on standby for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team in Mexico City following Alex Bowman’s heavy crash at Michigan International Speedway last weekend.

Bowman (main image) is still expected to take the start after being evaluated this week for back pain after the head-on impact. He walked away from the incident but told Prime Video “that hurt a lot,” and it was “probably top of the board” of hard hits he has taken. His car was shot to the outside wall in Turn 2 after being tagged by Cole Custer, who had been hit by Austin Cindric.

Alfredo will already be in Mexico City as he’s entered in the Saturday Xfinity Series race, where he competes for Young’s Motorsports. But Alfredo is also the primary simulator driver for Hendrick Motorsports and has prepared for this weekend’s road course event.

Bowman missed four races in 2023 due to a fractured vertebra from a sprint car crash.

“I’m really looking forward to racing in Mexico this weekend,” Bowman said in a pre-race release. “It’s always special to bring our sport to new places and feel the excitement from fans who don’t always get to see us race in person. Our No. 48 Ally Chevy team has had speed, but we haven’t had the results to show for it lately. We’re ready to turn our luck around and put together a strong race from start to finish.” 

Bowman has fallen from eighth to 13th in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings after three straight finishes of 29th or worse. His most recent victory came on the Chicago street course last season.

Following his vicious wreck into the outside wall at Michigan, Alex Bowman is cleared to race this weekend in the NASCAR race at Mexico City. The Hendrick Motorsports driver is set to race, but Anthony Alfredo is on standby if needed as a backup driver for Bowman.

Alex Bowman has been through a couple of injuries since the 2022 season. He suffered concussion symptoms that kept him out of a handful of races in 2022. Then, in 2023, he suffered a compression fracture in his back after a sprint car wreck that sidelined him for several weeks.

During the Cup Series race at Michigan, Bowman had what he described as one of, if not the hardest, hits he has taken. Those hits, at times, come with injury. Hendrick Motorsports confirmed that Bowman is ready to go for Mexico City. However, a backup driver is on hand in case of emergency.

Anthony Alfredo is the current simulator driver for Hendrick and is slated as the backup driver for Bowman in case he needs one. If all goes according to plan, Alfredo’s presence on Sunday will be just as a precaution. Hendrick confirmed the news to reporters at the track in Mexico City.

After a strong start to the season in the points, Alex Bowman has struggled. Three DNFs have led him to fall down to 13th in points. This No. 48 team expects to win at least one race this season. However, as the weeks go by and they continue to have problems instead of success on track, that reality becomes more uncertain.

Alex Bowman has fallen off in points, performance

In the first six races of 2025, Bowman was great. He had five top-10 finishes. He started on the pole at Homestead and finished P2. Since then, things have fallen apart. Bowman has suffered all three DNFs in the last nine races. During that time, he has only two top-10 finishes.

His average finish in the first six races, 9.5. Since then, in the last nine races, his average finish has fallen to 27.44, a sharp decline. Alex Bowman is considered the “fourth driver” at Hendrick Motorsports, and performances like he has had lately don’t help that reputation.

This weekend at Mexico City could be a good change of pace for Bowman. He won the Chicago Street Course a year ago. He has great performances on road courses in the Next Gen era. But the team has to put together a complete weekend.

Good news, Alex Bowman is going racing. Bad news, his skid could continue and force him out of playoff contention if it keeps up. Can Bowman get the sails turned the right way before the ship capsizes?

Following his vicious wreck into the outside wall at Michigan, Alex Bowman is cleared to race this weekend in the NASCAR race at Mexico City. The Hendrick Motorsports driver is set to race, but Anthony Alfredo is on standby if needed as a backup driver for Bowman.

Alex Bowman has been through a couple of injuries since the 2022 season. He suffered concussion symptoms that kept him out of a handful of races in 2022. Then, in 2023, he suffered a compression fracture in his back after a sprint car wreck that sidelined him for several weeks.

During the Cup Series race at Michigan, Bowman had what he described as one of, if not the hardest, hits he has taken. Those hits, at times, come with injury. Hendrick Motorsports confirmed that Bowman is ready to go for Mexico City. However, a backup driver is on hand in case of emergency.

Anthony Alfredo is the current simulator driver for Hendrick and is slated as the backup driver for Bowman in case he needs one. If all goes according to plan, Alfredo’s presence on Sunday will be just as a precaution. Hendrick confirmed the news to reporters at the track in Mexico City.

After a strong start to the season in the points, Alex Bowman has struggled. Three DNFs have led him to fall down to 13th in points. This No. 48 team expects to win at least one race this season. However, as the weeks go by and they continue to have problems instead of success on track, that reality becomes more uncertain.

Alex Bowman has fallen off in points, performance

In the first six races of 2025, Bowman was great. He had five top-10 finishes. He started on the pole at Homestead and finished P2. Since then, things have fallen apart. Bowman has suffered all three DNFs in the last nine races. During that time, he has only two top-10 finishes.

His average finish in the first six races, 9.5. Since then, in the last nine races, his average finish has fallen to 27.44, a sharp decline. Alex Bowman is considered the “fourth driver” at Hendrick Motorsports, and performances like he has had lately don’t help that reputation.

This weekend at Mexico City could be a good change of pace for Bowman. He won the Chicago Street Course a year ago. He has great performances on road courses in the Next Gen era. But the team has to put together a complete weekend.

Good news, Alex Bowman is going racing. Bad news, his skid could continue and force him out of playoff contention if it keeps up. Can Bowman get the sails turned the right way before the ship capsizes?