Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing recruit Kayden Minear made a statement in the SMX Next World All-Stars Championship, sealing victory on Friday before posting a measured P2 performance on Saturday, earning him the title. In Conversation, the 17-year-old reveals what it means to be champion, and what it has taken to accomplish.

Image: Octopi Media.

Kayden, what is one takeaway that you value from this experience, from the very beginning to all the way to right now? What is the biggest thing that you have learned from racing the SMX Next program?

I think for me it’s just been getting to experience these tracks, riding the same tracks as the professionals, getting to watch them, getting to learn new things each time you go out.

You just locked up the SMX Next World All-Stars Championship. What’s the most important thing that you can point to that was the biggest factor in helping get this championship? Or was it simply a collective effort?

I mean, I’ve been working really hard at the training track, putting in extra hours with Jeannie Carmichael, Swanny [Gareth Swanepoel], and Will [Hahn], as well as all the trainers. We’ve been putting in a lot of effort, and I’m glad it showed this weekend.

Congratulations on your first US Championship. It hasn’t been smooth sailing for you – there’s been some injury, and some time spent back here in Australia. Is this a breath of fresh air? Was there ever a time of panic?

Oh, definitely. There was definitely a time of panic when I was lying in a hospital bed multiple times this year. It’s been very up and down. I had a collarbone injury at the start of the year that got infected and put me out for the whole Supercross season. But I think Hangtown was definitely a breath of fresh air – that turned my whole year around, and we’ve been putting in a lot of effort. Supercross is fairly new to me, so to come out here and show what I was capable of was really good.

Image: Octopi Media.

When you consider your transition to America and obviously part of this SMX Next program, where do you see yourself come 2026, and how’s that shaping up for you? Because, as mentioned, the injuries do take their toll, but at the same time, every time you are on the track, the results are good.

Yeah, for next year, I wouldn’t actually have a clue yet. We’re still in discussions, but my goal is to be racing pro. I think that’s where I stack up in the field. And I mean, that’s what everybody trains for, is to be the best. And they are the best, so that’s where I want to be.

I just want to ask, do you have anything to say to the haters from Ironman when they said you look like you ate your dessert before your dinner?

Hey, I’m not mad about it…I was fat as hell at that race! But I like food, so I ain’t going to be angry about it – I’ll probably go get some ice cream after the race, so say what you want. I don’t really care.