Updates on Mitchell Oldenburg and Austin Forkner [Oldenburg Injury Update]

Both Mitchell Oldenburg and Austin Forkner went down in the second qualifier here in San Diego, prompting red flags. We spoke with Liqui Moly Beta and Triumph Factory Racing afterward and learned Oldenburg was unconscious after his crash. Fortunately he didn’t sustain any spinal injuries, although the extent of any other injures isn’t known quite yet. He’s definitely out for tonight, leaving Liqui Moly Beta without any riders in San Diego after Benny Bloss broke his wrist last week.

Forkner took a trip to the hospital after his crash for evaluation, and everything came out fine. Forkner is now doing everything he can to get out of the hospital in time to get back to the stadium and race. It’s late in the day though, so he might not make it.

Forkner said the following in a Triumph post-race press release:

“I had some pain around my kidney area, so the medical crew wanted me to head to the hospital for checks. I went there and everything checked out okay – it all looked okay. I was just really stiff, but otherwise fine. I will have some work done this week and I should be fine for Anaheim 2!”

Forkner also posted an update on his Instagram story, which only stays public for 24 hours. He said he has no injuries and is expecting to race Anaheim 2 next weekend after doing some therapy and rehabilitation this week. 

Austin Forkner posted an update on Instagram.
He went to the hospital following a hard crash in second qualifying session yesterday.
He did not have any injuries but was banged up. Got out of the hospital and wanted to race the night show but instead played it safe. #Supercross pic.twitter.com/XqLIRTekv5

— Mitch Kendra (@mitch_kendra) January 18, 2026

Oldenburg provided an update on his Instagram page, saying he suffered a concussion and broken radius/ulna in his left arm. He had surgery and is recovering but there is no timeline on his return to racing.