Scott DH Factory Racing Signs Dakotah Norton, Jess Blewitt for 2026

The rumors are finally confirmed, and Scott DH Factory Racing is adding two new faces to its team, signing Dakotah Norton (USA) and Jess Blewitt (NZ) for the 2026 UCI Downhill World Cup season. The duo brings a wealth of experience, new talent, and podium hunger to the Factory DH team. Norton, with his iconic style and years of World Cup racing history, including two US national titles and five UCI Downhill World Cup podiums. Jess Blewitt shines as one of the sport’s brightest new talents, being a five-time New Zealand national champion and one of the first female athletes to compete in Red Bull Hardline.

On top of the signing of the newest members of the team, Scott DH Factory Racing has confirmed Ethan Craik's contract extension and added French standout Vicky Clavel. Craik is a key team member with top performances throughout 2025, and Clavel's rise includes World Cup results, a European bronze medal, and a top-10 finish at the 2025 World Champs. With a stacked roster and a new bike, the Scott Factory DH Team enters 2026 with some serious firepower.

With Jess Blewitt having just left Cube Factory Racing after two seasons, and Dak leaving Mondraker Factory Racing, we all knew it wouldn't be long before we saw these legends of the sport find a new banner to fly for 2026.

Although the 2025 season was a bizarre one for Norton, including an impressive recovery from a broken hip before his return to racing, and Blewitt struggled to find a UCI podium, the move to a new team means a new bike and a new mindset, a change both riders are happy about.

“More than anything, I'm excited for a fresh start. The team has been around for a long time and has had a lot of success with different faces. I'm excited for fresh perspectives, my own balance of expectations in a new environment, and a new challenge on the Scott Gambler,” said Dakotah Norton when asked about the change. “After spending all last off-season unable to walk, I have a lot to catch up on. It's been pretty wide open since I’ve been home, getting everything back up and running. With winter here, my focus is shifting to more time rehabbing my hip and getting my fitness and strength back.”

Norton has one of the most recognizable bike setups in the world cup with his high bars, and many attributed it to the low stack on his previous race bike, but it looks like the ape-hangers are coming with him to the new Scott Gambler. “I haven't been able to spend too much time on the bike yet, so I'm excited to get to know the platform,” Norton said about the move to a new bike. “Mostly, being back on a six-bar will be really exciting. I really love the testing process, so getting to know the bike will be awesome. The first impression was really impressive. I just really enjoy the process of working on the bike. It gives me a lot of confidence that I can do well based on the work done.”

Blewitt, on the other hand, has spent a bit more time on the new bike, stating: “Honestly, I’m so excited. There is so much potential in this bike, and I feel like we are only just getting started. I can’t wait to keep dialing it in and be fully ready when the season begins.” With a busy start to the year, and a packed off-season, Blewitt is looking forward to getting acquainted with the new Scott Gambler before the 2026 UCI DH World Cup season kicks off. 

“I will be splitting my off-season between France and New Zealand, attending team camps, enjoying some winter activities, and then heading back to New Zealand for National Champs,” said Blewitt when asked about her off-season plans and goals for 2026. “The main goal is to come into 2026 stronger and faster, and fully confident on the new bike.”

“With Jess Blewitt and Dakotah Norton on board, Scott DH Factory Racing is stronger than ever,” said Patrice Afflatet, Team Manager, Scott DH Factory Racing. “We enter the coming seasons full of ambition, confidence, and determination - ready to compete, ready to push limits, and ready to deliver exciting performances for our fans. We thank all our partners for their continued support and look forward to building success together.” 

As the new team advances into the 2026 season, Scott DH Factory Racing maintains its long-standing partnerships with Châtel, Michelin, Fox, Syncros, Shimano, and Motorex. The team is also excited to officially announce DT Swiss as a new official partner, supplying wheels that will stand up to the abuse dished out by the team throughout the season.

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