The X-GRIP Racing Team closed the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship with two major results at Hixpania. Mitch Brightmore finished second overall in the World Championship, while younger brother Ashton Brightmore took second in the Junior World Championship, missing the title by just one point.
Both arrived in Spain with plenty still at stake, and the final round in Aguilar de Campoo delivered a tense three days of racing.
Strong Start at SuperEncierro
Mitch opened Friday by setting the fastest qualifying lap in the SuperEncierro, while Ashton qualified fifth. Both reached the final, where Ashton produced an excellent ride to finish second and collect important Junior Championship points, while Mitch crossed the line fourth.
That immediately increased the pressure in the Junior title fight, with Ashton continuing to close on James Moore.
Another Podium for Ashton
Saturday’s Campoo Xtreme again showed strong pace from both brothers. Mitch set the fastest qualifying lap and later fought at the front, but an unscheduled stop caused by incorrect information cost him time while he was leading, eventually leaving him fourth.
Ashton finished third and reduced his Junior Championship deficit to just one point before Sunday’s final race.
Junior Title Decided on the Final Day
The Lost Road became a direct championship fight between Ashton and James Moore. Ashton remained close throughout the race, but traffic on Lap 6 cost him momentum when he became stuck behind a slower rider and Moore found another line through.
Ashton continued pushing but eventually finished sixth, with Moore ahead of him. That was enough to decide the Junior World Championship by just one point, leaving Ashton as Vice-World Champion after a season-long battle.
Mitch Secures World Championship P2
Mitch also spent much of Sunday fighting near the podium positions. A late battle with Billy Bolt ended when loose ground pushed him outside the marked course, forcing him to return to the track and costing him a final chance to attack.
He finished fourth at Hixpania, but his work across the season had already secured second overall in the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. His campaign included consistent podium results and his first HEWC victory at Silver Kings.
Two Brothers, Two Silver Medals
For X-GRIP Racing Team, the season ends with two Vice-World Championship titles. Mitch confirmed his place among the fastest riders in the premier class, while Ashton fought for the Junior crown until the final race of the year.
One title was secured comfortably, the other missed by a single point — but both underline just how strong the Brightmore brothers were throughout 2026.
