The off-road racing world just got a fresh jolt with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team's announcement of its 2026 lineup. Leading the charge is new team manager Bobby Dawson, who's stepping up after years of hands-on experience in the trenches. The squad features a mix of proven winners and rising stars, including newcomer Mateo Oliveira alongside veterans Craig DeLong, Korie Steede, and Ryder LeBlond. This group is stacked with talent that's already tasted victory, and they're gearing up to tackle some of the toughest dirt tracks across the U.S. next season.
Image credit: Husqvarna
Starting with the fresh face, Mateo Oliveira is jumping into the team after a breakout year in 2025. At just 23, he's already locked down the AMA West Hare Scrambles Pro Class championship, nailing three wins along the way. Now, he'll be suiting up on a Husqvarna FE 450 to battle in the AMA National Grand Prix Championship Pro Class while defending his West Hare Scrambles title. Oliveira's path to this spot wasn't easy—he dealt with setbacks like a broken hand that sidelined him for a round—but he stayed consistent, hitting the podium almost every time out. “The year was solid!” recalled Oliveira. “I finally checked some boxes that I needed to check, led a lot of laps and stood on a lot of podiums. I think we were only off the podium twice, if you don’t count breaking my hand and missing a round, so it was kind of where I should have been the whole time. There are just a couple more things to do and we’re right there, so I feel like I belong at the front, and 2026 is going to be exciting. I’ve got a new bike and a new look head to toe, with a stronger mindset too. I was strong in 2025 and I know I’m going to be even stronger next year, so we’ll keep checking off those goals.” His confidence is the kind that comes from grinding through tough races, and it's clear he's ready to push harder than ever.
Image credit: Husqvarna
Then there's Craig DeLong, the 29-year-old from Pennsylvania who's no stranger to the top spots. As a former Grand National Cross Country Champion, DeLong is sticking with the team on his Husqvarna FX 350. He'll be hitting the GNCC Series and the American National Enduro Championship in the Pro1 Class, aiming to reclaim his spot at the front of the pack. Last year wasn't his best—he admits he got stuck battling from behind—but he's focused on turning that around. “I’m just looking forward to getting back up front and being in the battle again for 2026,” DeLong said. “This year, truthfully, I was off the back, and it’s not good when you’re there. The focus is on being up front, being in the fight, leading some laps, winning some races and putting myself in a good position again.” DeLong's experience in those grueling cross-country events, where endurance and strategy count as much as speed, makes him a key anchor for the team. He's the guy who knows what it takes to outlast the competition over long hauls.
Korie Steede is coming back stronger after a dream season that saw her dominate everywhere she raced. She defended her spot by winning the GNCC WXC Class title with six round victories, plus grabbing the AMA U.S. Sprint Enduro Championship in the Pro Women category. On top of that, she played a big role in Team USA's back-to-back win in the FIM 6DAYS Women’s World Trophy Team event. For 2026, Steede will be rocking the number-one plate on a Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition in the GNCC WXC, while also tackling the American National Enduro in the Pro Women division. Her 2025 run was the stuff of lifelong goals achieved, but she knows the pressure's on now. “Season 2025 was a year of all my dreams,” reflected Steede. “I’ve been dreaming of a year like this since I was probably six years old, so to win every championship that I lined up for was surreal, and it’s going to be hard to top, that’s for sure. This off-season, I’m going to have to work harder than ever because everyone’s going to come out swinging, and 2026 is going to be a good year.” Steede's story is all about persistence paying off, the kind of drive that resonates when you're pushing through your own challenges, whether on the track or in everyday life.
Image credit: Husqvarna
Rounding out the roster is Ryder LeBlond, the 24-year-old who's quickly making a name for himself in the extreme side of off-road racing. He wrapped up 2025 with a fourth-place overall in the U.S. Hard Enduro Championship on his Husqvarna TE 300, including two wins in the Pro Class. He also snagged third in the EX Pro Class of the AMA EnduroCross Championship, riding a Husqvarna FX 350 and landing on the podium twice overall. LeBlond's year had its ups and downs—a strong start in Hard Enduro, a mid-season slump, then a solid rebound in EnduroCross. He'll be back in both series next year, building on that momentum. “2025 was a pretty good year,” LeBlond commented. “I started the Hard Enduro series strongly, then hit a bit of a rough patch mid-season, but managed to turn things around in EnduroCross and put together my best season yet. We finished the year on a positive note, and now the focus is firmly on 2026.” LeBlond represents that next generation of riders who thrive in the chaos of hard enduro, where technical skills and mental toughness separate the contenders from the rest.
At the helm is Bobby Dawson, the new team manager who's excited to take on the role after five years as a mechanic. He's seen the ins and outs of off-road racing up close, from the varied demands of different series to the day-to-day grind at events. That background gives him a solid grasp on what it takes to keep things running smooth. “Being in this new position, I’m really excited. Over the past five years, working as a mechanic and seeing how things operate in offroad racing across different series and events has been invaluable. Each series is a different style of racing, so attending all of those races gave me a broad perspective on what the management role actually involves. We have a great group of riders and mechanics on the team – I can’t wait to see what we can do at the races in 2026.” Dawson's hands-on approach is set to bring a practical edge to the team's operations, focusing on the details that win races.
Image credit: Husqvarna
Wrapping it all up, Antti Kallonen, the Director of Offroad Racing, sees big things ahead. “With new energy in our management with Bobby Dawson and a clear vision for the future, this team is entering an exciting new chapter. The momentum is real, the motivation is high with our racers and personnel, and we’re confident in our path to continued success.” This lineup has all the pieces—youthful energy, seasoned know-how, and a shared hunger to dominate. As the 2026 season approaches, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing looks poised to leave their mark on the off-road scene, one grueling race at a time. For fans who live for the thrill of dirt flying and engines roaring, this team's story is one to watch unfold.
