Following the Moto 2 crash involving 450MX champion Chase Sexton at the Ironman National on **August 9, 2025**, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing issued a detailed explanation of the malfunction that ended his weekend
Team Manager **Ian Harrison** emphasized that neither rider nor mechanic error caused the crash. After reviewing electronic data and inspecting the bike, the team determined that **debris entered the rear brake system**, which **prevented activation of the rear brake**. As a result, Sexton had to decelerate using only the front brake. The data also showed that he launched off the jump at a **faster speed than on any previous lap**, contributing to the loss of control
Upon landing, the bike fell to the right side, causing **mud to pack into the front brake lever**, which then became stuck. That ultimately forced Sexton out of the race
Initially, the team had suspected a front brake failure immediately post-crash, but their later analysis confirmed that the **primary issue was contamination in the rear brake system**, not a component failure
Harrison acknowledged the intense wear in motocross environments and noted the team would actively seek ways to **prevent debris-induced brake problems** in future races ([Motocross Action Magazine][1], [NBC Sports][2]). Fortunately, Sexton walked away uninjured, though the incident marked a heartbreaking end to what had been a promising weekend after his Moto 1 victory
In summary: a freak occurrence involving debris in the rear brake system, compounded by landing dynamics, led to a shut front brake and Sexton’s crash—truly a case of mechanical misfortune rather than human error.
