The REAL Reason Chase Sexton Crashed at Ironman
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Ian Harrison has provided clarity on what really happened during Chase Sexton’s crash in Moto Two at the Ironman National.
“After inspecting the bike Saturday evening and analyzing the data, we now have a much clearer picture of what caused Chase’s crash. I want to make it very clear: this was not due to rider error or a mistake by the mechanic,” Harrison stated.
Initially, the team suspected a front brake malfunction. However, further inspection revealed that debris had entered the **rear brake system**, rendering it inoperative. This left Sexton with **only the front brake** to slow down—a major disadvantage on a high-speed motocross track.
According to the data, Sexton approached and launched off the jump on that lap at a **significantly higher speed** than any of his previous laps. Unable to properly scrub off speed using the rear brake, the bike landed hard on the **right side**. This impact packed the **front brake lever with mud**, causing it to **lock up**.
At that point, Sexton was unable to continue the race.
“This was an unfortunate situation for Chase, the team, and of course, the fans,” Harrison added. “Motocross is incredibly demanding on both rider and equipment. When you factor in the intensity at which these guys race, even small issues become big ones.”
The Red Bull KTM team is already working to prevent similar issues in the future, focusing on improved protection for the rear braking components. Still, as Harrison noted, **racing is unpredictable**, and sometimes, things happen that no one can fully anticipate.
The crash was a tough break in what had been a strong ride, but Sexton is expected to bounce back stronger than ever.
