Skyler Howes and Monster Energy Honda HRC are parting ways after three seasons together in the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship and the Dakar Rally.

Monster Energy Honda HRC has confirmed that Howes will not continue in its RallyGP programme, bringing an end to the Utah rider’s three-year spell inside the Japanese factory squad.

In its statement, Honda highlighted Howes’ contribution both on and off the bike, as well as his determination, experience and team spirit in some of the toughest races on the World Rally-Raid Championship calendar.

The split appears to be on good terms. The team wished the American every success in the next chapter of his career, while Howes himself shared the announcement on social media with a message of thanks to HRC.

“Thank you HRC. I must share the unfortunate news that my time racing for the HRC rally team has come to an end. I have put my blood, sweat and tears into this team and will always look back, proud of the time that I spent here. 

"A huge thank you to everyone, the team managers, technicians, mechanics, and riders for their dedication and drive to push the limits and win in the most hostile conditions and gnarliest races on the planet. 

"It’s been an honor,” wrote Howes.

One of the highlights of his time with Honda came at the 2026 Dakar Rally, where he claimed his first stage victory with Monster Energy Honda HRC.

For now, the rider with Dakar’s most famous moustache has not announced what comes next. It remains unclear whether this marks a farewell to rally-raid, whether he will remain linked to Honda in some way —after showing his own builds based on the legendary Honda XR650— or whether he will continue racing with another team.

Howes joined Honda after finishing third at the 2023 Dakar Rally with Husqvarna, behind Kevin Benavides and Toby Price. With that result, he became the fifth North American rider to stand on the Dakar podium.

Before signing for the Japanese manufacturer, Howes had already made a name for himself as a privateer. In 2021, he finished fifth with the BAS Dakar Team as the leading non-factory rider. One year earlier, in 2020, he ended the rally ninth overall and won the Rally 2 category as the best amateur privateer.

Photo credit: Honda HRC + Skyler Howes