The motocross paddock is no stranger to tales of perseverance, heartbreak, and resilience, but few are as candid as the one recently shared by British rider Chris Mills. After what began as a promising 2025 campaign, Mills has confirmed that he will not be lining up in 2026 at least not under his current circumstances. His decision follows a difficult season defined by injury struggles, the financial realities of running a privateer program, and the emotional weight of balancing ambition with sustainability.
A Strong Start Cut Short
Mills’ season started with immense promise. He described himself as being in the sharpest form of his career, both physically and mentally. Early results backed that up, as he began building solid momentum and showing glimpses of his full potential. Unfortunately, fate intervened just after the Blaxhall round when a practice crash in Wales left him with an injury to his throttle hand.
Initially, it seemed like a minor setback. X-rays revealed no fractures, and Mills expected to be back on the bike quickly. But as the weeks went on, the pain refused to subside. More troublingly, he discovered a weakness in his grip strength, making it difficult and dangerous to properly control the motorcycle.
“I kept riding just to stay in the championship and collect points,” Mills admitted, “but it became clear something wasn’t right.” Further investigation revealed the true culprit: nerve damage in his hand. With his ability to hold onto the bars compromised, Mills endured more crashes and mounting frustration. Eventually, he and his team had to make the tough call to sit out the remainder of the season.
The Harsh Reality of Privateer Racing
For Mills, the injury was only part of the challenge. Like many privateer riders, he has long shouldered the financial strain of racing at a professional level. Running his own program with the support of his family has demanded not just resources, but also an extraordinary level of dedication and sacrifice.
“As of now, I won’t be racing in 2026,” Mills revealed. “I don’t have a deal on the table, and I don’t want to keep spending my dad’s money to chase it. The old man is 63, and he’s already given so much. It’s time for him to wind things down, and doing it this way just isn’t sustainable anymore.”
Those words highlight a reality faced by many talented riders outside the factory-supported bubble. The grit and determination of family-run efforts often fuel careers, but at significant personal cost. Mills’ acknowledgment of that sacrifice underscores his gratitude, but also his recognition that it can’t continue indefinitely.
Gratitude and Uncertainty
Despite the disappointment, Mills made sure to express heartfelt thanks to those who have stood by him. He singled out his parents for their unwavering support, as well as individuals like Lee Webber, who provided him with a bike and helped behind the scenes, and Gary Beale, who contributed vital preparation work.
“To everyone who’s supported me, no matter how big or small, you’ve played a part, and it means a lot,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mills hasn’t completely ruled out a return. His hand has now healed, and while no immediate plans are in place, he left the door open to future opportunities. “Who knows what the future holds. Hopefully, I’ll see you all again soon,” he added, keeping alive the hope that his chapter in racing may not be fully closed.
The End of a Chapter, Not the Story
For now, Chris Mills’ focus will shift away from the relentless demands of racing at a professional level. His decision to step back highlights both the fragility of a rider’s career and the immense pressures that come with competing outside of the sport’s biggest teams.
Whether this is a pause or a permanent departure remains to be seen. What’s certain, however, is that Mills’ honesty, determination, and gratitude have left a mark on the motocross community. His journey reminds us that behind every rider is not only a story of results, but also a story of resilience, sacrifice, and love for the sport.