This Week in Powersports Racing – the week of January 11, 2026

This week in US Powersports racing.

The SMX League^TM Announces Multi-Year Partnership with 5.11®

The SMX League^TM announced today a multi-year partnership with 5.11®, the global leader in purpose-built apparel, footwear, and gear designed for those who demand more of themselves and Challenge Possible™. This collaboration will showcase 5.11’s innovative gear throughout the Monster Energy Supercross season and the Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final.

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, 5.11 designs and manufactures high-performance apparel, footwear, and gear engineered with innovation, functionality, and versatility in mind. Known for its durability, 5.11 products are trusted by professionals, and intentionally crafted for individuals who rely on performance and comfort in demanding environments. The brand earned its credibility in high-performance professional settings and continues to design for the toughest professionals in the harshest conditions. Each piece is built with purpose-driven features such as reinforced stitching, weather-resistant fabrics, and ergonomic designs—making them ideal for the grueling situations faced throughout the Supercross season.

As part of this partnership, the SMX Track Crew will put 5.11 gear to the ultimate test during the rigorous Supercross season. From early morning builds to constant track maintenance, the partnership highlights the work behind race day. Fans will also see 5.11 featured in the broadcast across NBC, Peacock, and the SMX Video Pass “Track Report” segment, highlighting the gear that supports the crew as they tackle changing environments week after week. Additionally, 5.11 will have a strong presence at FanFest, introducing new product items to fans each week.

“We’re proud to partner with 5.11 , a brand that delivers the durability and functionality our crew and fans rely on every day,” said Dave Muye, Vice President of Global Partnerships for the SMX League. “SMX is one of the most demanding environments in sports, and our team needs gear that can keep up. 5.11 provides that performance, making them an ideal choice for the series and our fans.”

“Supercross is one of the most honest tests of preparation there is. From training and travel to the work that happens long before the gate drops, nothing about it is easy,” said Troy Brown, CEO of 5.11. “We’re excited to partner with the SMX community because these are people who choose challenge every day, and that belief is at the heart of what we mean by Challenge Possible.”

To learn more about 5.11, its product offerings or its latest events and sweepstakes, visit Five-Eleven.com. Tickets are currently on sale for all 28 regular season races of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship. For more information on tickets and events visit supermotocross.com.

Bass Pro Shops partners with the SMX League^TM to bring Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final to Thunder Ridge

The SMX League^TM announced today that Thunder Ridge at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Mo., was selected to host the high-profile 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final on Saturday, Sept. 26. This comes as a part of a multi-year partnership agreement with Bass Pro Shops, launching at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross stadium season opener on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.

The Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final will feature elite racers from across the globe, including the U.S., United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Japan and Estonia.

“This partnership is a powerful fusion of two fandoms that live for adventure,” said Juliette Feld Grossman, CEO of Feld Motor Sports. “By bringing the SMX World Championship Final to Thunder Ridge, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind destination experience that blends world-class racing, nature, and hospitality.”

This partnership marks the company’s first foray into offroad motorcycle racing while also signaling their continued overall investment into motorsports, having roots in NASCAR dating back to 1998. Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, founded in 1972 by Johnny Morris, now becomes the official outdoor recreation retailer, with Big Cedar Lodge as the official wilderness resort for the SMX World Championship.

Partnership between SMX and Bass Pro Shops comes at a pivotal time, as the sport continues to grow in scale and fan engagement. The SMX World Championship features 17 Supercross races and 11 Pro Motocross races making up the 28-round regular season. The world’s most elite racers are then seeded into the postseason, which features two SMX Playoff rounds and a World Championship Final.

This groundbreaking collaboration brings the SMX series to its pinnacle at Thunder Ridge, one of the most picturesque and jaw-dropping venues in North America. Thunder Ridge is a one-of-a-kind immersive outdoor experience, making waves and creating unforgettable memories by combining the natural beauty of the Ozarks with the stunningly beautiful architecture that seamlessly integrates into the surrounding environment.

In just a couple of years since its opening, Thunder Ridge has quickly taken its place among the most impressive venues in all of North America, with a capacity of 20,000-plus and offering breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake and the infinite forested Boston Mountain vistas.

Set within a stunning natural amphitheater, the SMX Finals will deliver world-class racing alongside a premier stay at Big Cedar Lodge, the Official Accommodations partner, featuring championship-level golf, exceptional restaurants and immersive outdoor experiences across its iconic resort.

“We are excited to welcome the SMX World Championship to Thunder Ridge and to share this incredible sport with fans around the world,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops. “This event will showcase the natural beauty of the Ozarks while creating unforgettable experiences. We can’t wait!”

Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final go on pre-sale Tuesday, Jan. 27, with general tickets on-sale to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

SMX racer and notable fan favorite Malcolm Stewart, an avid outdoorsman and fisherman off the track, will also serve as an ambassador for the partnership during the 2026 season.

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING AND ELI TOMAC RACE TO ANAHEIM 1 SUPERCROSS VICTORY

Round 1 – AMA Supercross Championship

In his SMX World Championship debut with KTM, Tomac set the quickest time in Qualifying 1 and then was P2 on combined times onboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION within the famed Angel Stadium.

The decorated two-time 450SX Champion from Cortez, Colorado, managed a strong start in 450SX Heat 1, charging to second position and holding firm to secure a direct transfer into the Main Event.

Following an initial race restart, the 33-year-old Tomac moved to the front of the field on the opening lap of the Main Event and controlled the race from the head of the pack, eventually taking the checkered flag with a closing advantage of 1.470 seconds in clinching the season-opening win – marking the 54th of his career in the premier division.

Eli Tomac: “This one feels good! Leading from the get-go like that is tough, because you need to really maintain focus the whole time, but my motorcycle was the best it was all day in the Main Event after a slight adjustment from the Heat Race. We went in the right direction, and this is the perfect way to start a new season and with my new team in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. After a big off-season with both myself and the team testing and developing all over the place, it means a lot to achieve this early success together.”

Making his first appearance with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in Supercross, multi-time MXGP World Champion Prado qualified an impressive sixth while acclimatizing to the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in race conditions, before he powered to the holeshot in the first 450SX Heat Race of the year to hold off a fast-finishing Tomac for P1.

Upon launching to another impressive holeshot in the Main Event, the Spaniard rode a calculated race to earn a first-career Supercross podium finish, making for a significant Red Bull KTM Factory Racing double podium result.

Jorge Prado: “This is really ahead of my expectations – the goal for this weekend was to just get through each session and do the best that I can. I had a great preparation leading into this year, but I am still so new to Supercross. Getting the Heat Race win was awesome, but I am really happy with my Main Event and to be on the podium. I rode within my limits, and still don’t have a lot of words to describe my feelings right now, but all I can say is that hard work always pays off! It’s great to start the season this way, so now we’ll keep learning and look forward to a new opportunity next week.”

In a welcome return to competition, Aaron Plessinger was back in action at Anaheim 1 to open the 2026 season. ‘The Cowboy’ led his Heat Race early on, before contact with another rider ultimately sent him to the Last Chance Qualifier. After winning the LCQ, Plessinger raced his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION forward to 10th place in the Main Event, earning solid points at Round 1.

Aaron Plessinger: “Obviously, this wasn’t the Anaheim 1 that I wanted. It started well, but I hit the ground with Coop [Cooper Webb] in the Heat Race, which was unfortunate, but it happens. Good to get the Round 1 jitters out, and I had a few good starts today actually, which was nice. We have a good direction, my setup is in the ballpark, and I came from dead-last in the Main Event to 10th place, which I thought was a good way to rebound. It was a decent ending to a tough start, and now we’ll go back and do some homework for next weekend.”

Next Race: January 17 – San Diego, California

Results 450SX Class – Anaheim

Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
Ken Roczen (Suzuki)
Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
Justin Hill (KTM)
RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna)
Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna)

Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 1 of 17 rounds

Eli Tomac, 25 points
Ken Roczen, 22
Jorge Prado, 17
Aaron Plessinger, 12
Justin Hill, 8
RJ Hampshire, 4
Malcolm Stewart, 0

Podium for Ryder DiFrancesco and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing at A1

250SX West standout starts season 2026 with first-career podium in third position

Western division standout DiFrancesco started the day strongly inside Angel Stadium, qualifying fourth during the afternoon session and dialing in his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition to quickly find comfort in the technical, dry conditions.

Lining up for the second Heat Race of the event, the 20-year-old recovered from a difficult start to climb to fifth position, continuing his early-season form to head directly into the Main Event.

DiFrancesco was fast out of the gate in the Main Event, scoring an important holeshot and holding onto the lead through the opening stages of the race. In the end, the popular Californian would find himself on the 250SX podium for the first time in his young career with a well-earned third-place result.

“Today was good!”reflected DiFrancesco.“All day, I just wanted to be on the board in each practice, then the Heat Race was just okay. In the Main Event, we got the holeshot, and then I just tried not to look back from there – I wanted to lead as many laps as I could, and tonight was a big learning step. We’d like to lead more laps next weekend, continue to build, and try to land on the podium like this each weekend to give us a good shot at the title. This cements the work we’ve done in the off-season – I’m ready for more, now.”

In his first full Supercross season in the 450SX ranks, RJ Hampshire posted the 11th-fastest qualifying time in the afternoon at Anaheim 1, as he continues to build comfort and familiarity onboard the Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition in the tight confines of stadium competition.

Hampshire managed to finish in eighth position following his Heat Race, before a costly fall in the whoop section early in the Main Event impacted his final result on the night. The focus now shifts to next weekend in San Diego for the former 250SX West title winner.

“A1 was a challenge all day,” commented Hampshire.“I started out alright and was building throughout the day, but then in the Heat Race I unfortunately got tagged and went down. We aimed for an entry into the Main Event from there, which we were able to, and I was in a decent spot after the race restart once we got going in the Main. By the third or fourth lap in, I had a big one in the whoops, so that made for a tough night in the end. The main thing for Round 1 was building experience, getting some data for the bike to further develop a Supercross setting for me, and I think we’ll be much better from next weekend onwards.”

Following a solid off-season, that momentum continued for 450SX challenger Malcolm Stewart and his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition during the sold-out Anaheim 1 season-opener, where he powered to the fourth-fastest qualifying time leading into the night program.

The experienced fan favorite then recorded sixth position in his Heat Race and had his sights set on a strong Main Event, however, Stewart’s night would come to an abrupt end following a scary multi-rider incident on the opening lap. He sustained a left shoulder injury in the impact, with further updates on his status to be made once available.

Next Race: January 17 – San Diego, California

Results 450SX Class – Anaheim1. Eli Tomac (KTM)2. Ken Roczen (Suzuki)3. Jorge Prado (KTM)10. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)18. RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)22. Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)

Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 1 of 17 rounds1. Eli Tomac, 25 points2. Ken Roczen, 224. Jorge Prado, 1710. Aaron Plessinger, 1218. RJ Hampshire, 422. Malcolm Stewart, 0

Results 250SX Class – Anaheim1. Max Anstie (Yamaha)2. Chance Hymas (Honda)3. Ryder DiFrancesco (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)

Standings 250SX Class 2025 after 1 of 10 rounds1. Max Anstie, 25 points2. Chance Hymas, 223. Ryder DiFrancesco, 20

SUZUKI’S KEN ROCZEN CHARGES TO SECOND AT ANAHEIM SUPERCROSS OPENER

The opening round of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship delivered thrilling race action that matched the excitement leading into the season. The Anaheim 1 Supercross pays points toward both the 17-round Supercross season and the 31-round SMX World Championship. Clear skies but high winds challenged the riders and track crew; the dirt inside Angel Stadium was hard packed and slick for the 20-minute plus one lap 450SX Class Main Event.

Race Highlights:

Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki
- 450 Class
  - Ken Roczen charged past six riders in the opening laps to deliver a second-place result at the Anaheim 1 Supercross.
Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance
- 450 Class
  - Jason Anderson debuted his Twisted Tea Suzuki RM-Z450 with podium heat race and top-five main event results
  - Colt Nichols battled to earn twelfth-place points.

Ken Roczen (94) was on point throughout the day at the Anaheim 1 Supercross. In qualifying, Roczen garnered a top-three result in each session as well as in the overall qualifying standings. In his heat race, Roczen was part of a four-wide battle down the first rhythm lane. Roczen emerged from the second corner with the lead. After an opening-lap battle, Roczen pulled a gap on the field and took the win.

The main event was red flagged on the opening lap due to multi rider-crash. On the re-start, Roczen crossed the holeshot stripe in eighth place and immediately worked his way toward the front. Roczen moved his Suzuki into fourth place before the third corner and was into the top three within one lap. Roczen pushed into second place just one lap later, then set the fastest lap time of the race. Roczen kept the leader in his sights as he put down a blistering pace from that point until the checkered flag.

“Anaheim is done and dusted. We had a really good day the entire day in qualifying, the heat race, and the main,” said Roczen. “We got first in the heat race and then went to the main where we had a really good battle with [the race leader]. We pretty much kept the same gap for the entire race and [both of us] put a big gap on third. We just rode our own race. The track was really tricky, very slippery and it broke down, so it was very easy to make mistakes. I’m really happy to get away with a second place here; it’s a great start to the season and now the focus is on the next round.”

Jason Anderson (21) progressed through both qualifying sessions to post a top-five session 2 and overall qualifying result. In his heat race, Anderson bumped with another rider in the first turn; he recovered brilliantly from the mid-pack start and earned a top-five result. In the main, Anderson launched off to a fifth-place start. In the opening minutes of the race, Anderson sliced under another rider to take over fourth position; he defended the spot until the final laps and ultimately crossed the finish line in fifth place.

“We ended up fifth on the night. It was a pretty eventful night for everyone, and for me it was solid,” stated Anderson. “I’ve been a little bit under the weather but was able to manage the race with a decent start and ended up fifth. We’ll see if we can get better from there.”

After sliding out in the first turn of his heat race, Colt Nichols (45) cut through the pack but ran out of time before reaching a direct transfer position. Nichols rode a smart LCQ to earn a spot on the starting gate for the main. Nichols’ night ended like it began, with a charge through the pack after a tough start in the main. Nichols passed seven riders to move from nineteenth up to a strong twelfth-place result at the checkers.

“2026 A1 was better than 2025, so we will take it,” said Nichols. “In my heat race I had a crash off the start. My bike got a little tweaked up, but I came back to 12th. I had to go the LCQ, so I made it kind of hard on myself today. We started last in the main; we had to fight all the way up to a P-12. I’m happy. We’ve got a lot of room to improve so that’s the exciting thing. It was a good first race and I still feel like we’ve got a lot of room to go, so we’ll keep plugging away and try and get better every week.”

“It was a good night for the PMG Team Suzuki race team,” reported Larry Books, Team Manger of the Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance teams. “The first round is always extremely stressful. Ken Roczen, like he always does, pulled through with a podium and finished second. Jason Anderson, still getting used to the bike, finished fifth tonight. And Colt Nichols, after his crash in his heat race, came back and finished 12th in the main event. So, we had three Suzukis in the top 12. I’m pretty stoked. The night went good, I think all of our sponsors are pretty happy with us, and we’re just going to roll on into round two and keep this momentum going.”

The 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will next line the riders up inside Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California on January 17th. The Suzuki riders and team members are ready to continue the battle for the championship and start the 2026 season with more strong performances and results.

For the latest team updates, news, and race insights, visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Motocross or HEPMotorsports.com.

MONSTER ENERGY® KAWASAKI OPENS THE 2026 MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP AT ANGEL STADIUM

Monster Energy® Kawasaki kicked off their 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship efforts at the iconic Anaheim season opener. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Chase Sexton lined up behind the gate for his much-anticipated racing debut with the team. The No. 4 Kawasaki set the pace early in qualifying with the fastest time. After battling through adversity during the night show, he would come out of the night with a Top 10 finish in seventh place. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders Levi Kitchen and Cameron McAdoo showed a strong pace early through qualifying and the heat races. Kitchen would go on to add a Top 10 finish with a sixth-place result in the 250SX Main Event, and McAdoo salvaged 22nd place after an incident with another rider.

In 450SX Qualifying, Sexton commanded the track aboard his KX™450SR, earning fastest qualifier by over half a second over the competition. Garrett Marchbanks showed flashes of speed while he adjusted to the new track and the 450 Class, qualifying 17th heading into the night show.

Both Monster Energy Kawasaki riders lined up behind the gate for 450 Heat 2. Sexton rocketed off the start to grab the holeshot and quickly lead the field around the track. On Lap 2, Sexton suffered a setback as he went down on the face of the over-under tunnel. He rebounded just outside the Top 10 and put his head down to finish the race in fifth place. Marchbanks had a less-than-ideal start and got shuffled back near mid-pack. After experiencing some challenges throughout the race, the No. 36 finished just outside of a qualifying spot in 10th place, sending him to the Last Chance Qualifier.

In the 450SX LCQ, Marchbanks pulled a much stronger start, placing himself inside the Top 3. An incident in the whoops dropped him back to 15th, but he remounted and fought through the field to finish 10th, ending his chances of lining up for the main event.

In the 450SX Main Event, Sexton would be squeezed out on the start with his far inside gate pick. While moving through the field, a multi-rider incident caused a red flag that stopped the race on the opening lap. Sexton would go back to the gate, focused and prepared for a full restart. As the gate dropped, the No. 4 pulled a stronger start inside the Top 10. Sexton battled the tricky, deteriorating track to pass his competitors, only for mistakes to set him back again. Although he was the fastest rider in two sectors of the track, he was forced to settle for eighth place. Sexton leaves Round 1 with a strong foundation and valuable data to learn from as the season goes into Round 2 at San Diego.

In 250SX qualifying, Kitchen topped both sessions to take fastest qualifier, while his teammate McAdoo qualified just inside the Top 10 in 10th place.

In the 250 Heat 1, McAdoo got a strong jump off the gate and placed himself inside the Top 3. He battled the field and moved into second place to finish the race. In Heat 2, Kitchen rode a similar race, with a Top 3 start and second-place finish. The teammates’ strong heat race results set them up with ideal gate picks for the main event.

In the 250 Main Event, Kitchen and McAdoo pulled strong starts, running side by side into the first turn. Kitchen would get caught up in the chaos of the first turn and drop back to 22nd, while McAdoo shined at the front of the field in second place. Kitchen put on an impressive come-from-behind run, working his way up through the field, finishing just outside the Top 5 in sixth place. McAdoo flowed through the race up front until midway through, when another rider cross-jumped, causing him to go down. The No.142 pulled into the mechanics area for a brief moment before heading back out on the track. Unable to make up positions due to his time off the track, McAdoo would take 22nd on the night.

“The day started off well with earning fastest qualifier. I felt really comfortable on the track and felt like I had the speed to contend up front. Unfortunately, I had a couple of mistakes during the heat race and main event that forced me to work my way through the field. It’s only the first round, and we have a good base to build off. We’ve got some work to do, but I know we’re capable of improving and putting up better results next week.”

– Chase Sexton

“Today was a tough one for me and not how I expected or would have liked for it to go. I felt good during qualifying, and I had good speed throughout sections of the track. Poor starts and mistakes on my part led to me being out of the mix. I know what the team and I are capable of and we will show it next weekend. This will be a learning experience for me and we’ll move forward.”

– Garrett Marchbanks

“It felt good to start the season with the fastest qualifying time. The speed is there, and the bike felt great all day. The main event didn’t go how we wanted off the gate, but salvaging a sixth after being that far back is something to build on. It’s a long season, and this is just the beginning.”

– Levi Kitchen

“It felt great to be back behind the gate and racing again. The heat race and the start of the main showed what we’re capable of, and I felt comfortable up front. I had another rider cross jump me, which led me to crash, and I had to go into the mechanics area for a while. I went back out and salvaged as much of the race as I could, but tonight wasn’t our night. We’ll come back next week prepared and ready to fight.”

– Cameron McAdoo

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Makes Historic Supercross Debut with a Top Ten Result

The Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team made history this weekend as Ducati lined up for its first-ever Supercross season opener. The paddock reflected the significance of the moment, buzzing with energy as fans, partners, and supporters gathered around the Troy Lee Designs setup, including the rare presence of Chip Ganassi Racing’s IndyCar hospitality, a first for Supercross.

Dylan Ferrandis and Justin Barcia used the morning sessions to build confidence and delivered a competitive showing in the final races. Both Ducati riders lined up in the same heat race, with Barcia charging to third and Ferrandis following closely in fourth after a hard fought battle. The result underscored the performance and potential of the Ducati platform in its Supercross debut.

The main event delivered both promise and adversity. Ferrandis went down in the opening turn but quickly remounted, while Barcia ran inside the top six before a heavy crash in a rhythm section brought out a red flag. Despite the setback, Ferrandis rebounded on the restart to secure a top-10 finish, capping off a landmark night that included a heat race podium and Ducati’s first Supercross main event result.

“It was a good day overall. I feel comfortable and very confident with the bike and the team. We made a small change between practices, and it helped in the direction. I had a strong heat race and finish,” said Dylan Ferrandis. “The main issue was that I started before the red flag. It was unfortunate that my teammate crashed, triggering a red flag, so I had a second chance for a start. The second start was great, right around top 5 or 6, which was good for the first race on this bike. I was able to push and be fast, but I struggled a little bit in the second half of the moto and lost some position. We know what we need to improve, and I know what I need to improve on myself. I think for the first race, it’s not bad for this first manufacturer’s race.”

“To see both our riders and two Ducatis battling it out in the heat race was very exciting and a proud moment for the Ducati brand,” said Josh Wisenor, Team Manager. “Bam unfortunately got taggled up with Malcolm and had a big get off. Bam was conscious, coherent, answering questions, and talking to medical staff. He waved to the fans on their way out, so we’re taking the positives from that and will keep you posted as we learn more. After the restart, Dylan had a decent start. The first portion of the race featured strong lap times, and from laps 7 to 9, he was faster than everyone ahead of him. The positive is that the bike has the pace. We just need to figure out how to stretch that pace for the entire moto, so that’s what we’re going to work on this week.”

The Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team leaves the opening round encouraged, motivated, and firmly focused on building momentum as Ducati’s historic Supercross journey continues.

Eli Tomac Leads Every Lap at Anaheim 1 to Capture 54th Career Victory at Monster Energy Supercross Opener

The 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship got underway in front of a sold-out crowd inside Angel Stadium for the opening round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. It turned out to be a memorable night for the elder statesman of the sport as 33-year-old Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Eli Tomac captured the 54th win of his legendary career in his debut with the team following a dominant performance in which the Coloradoan led every lap.

Race Photos // 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship

450SMX Class Results – Anaheim 1

Western Divisional 250SMX Class Results – Anaheim 1

The 450SMX Class Main Event was forced to restart when a red flag brought the race to a halt on the opening lap after a multi-rider incident. When the gate dropped for the second time, Tomac positioned himself right behind his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Jorge Prado and seized control of the lead on the opening lap. Once out front, Tomac easily gapped the field while Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen made an impressive charge into contention after rounding the first turn deep in the top 10. The German veteran made multiple passes to slot himself just outside the top three and eventually worked his way around Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence for third before making the pass on Prado for second. Roczen closed to within a couple seconds of Tomac and kept him honest throughout the 20 Minute + 1 Lap race but never got close enough to mount a challenge.

Tomac took his second Anaheim 1 victory by a margin of 1.4 seconds over Roczen, while Prado leveraged the holeshot into the single-best-performance of the Spaniard’s U.S. racing career and his maiden Supercross podium in his seventh start. Following the race, Prado’s KTM failed the post-race sound inspection, which resulted in a penalty from the AMA of three championship points. Prado retained his third-place finish.

Lawrence earned his best Anaheim 1 result in fourth as he came out on top of a race-long battle with Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive rider Jason Anderson, who finished fifth. Defending 450SMX Class Champion Cooper Webb endured through an up and down Main Event to finish seventh, just ahead of last season’s championship runner-up Chase Sexton, who went down and went off track multiple times in his debut for Monster Energy Kawasaki.With the win, Tomac has established a three-point lead over Roczen in the 450SMX Class standings, with Prado in third, five points behind his teammate.

Eli Tomac – 1st Place – 450SMX Class“What a start for us. We got out of the gate well and then it was just on. I would say our motorcycle was the best when it mattered. My bike was so in tune, and I had a great flow around the track. We can still do it. We got A1. What a cool night.”

Ken Roczen – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class“We had an amazing race. Eli and I were just yo-yo-ing within one second. I would catch him a little bit then I’d make a little mistake, and he’d gain a little bit. It was just tough. It was a very tricky and very busy track that I expected to be softer than it was. You had to be really patient on the throttle. Overall, I’m very excited with this second place and I hope we have many more of those coming.”

Jorge Prado – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class“This is unreal. I can’t even think about standing on the podium right now. This shouldn’t be now, it should maybe be at the end of the year or maybe next year, not Round 1. Hard work always pays off and this offseason I’ve been putting in a lot of work. I always do, but with the right people we managed to get here with a good result. With just the little experience I have in Supercross this feels amazing.”

450SMX Class Point Standings

450SMX Class Highlights – Anaheim 1

The first race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class was historic as England’s Max Anstie became the oldest winner in the history of the smaller displacement at 32 years, 8 months, and 16 days of age. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider brought confidence into the Main Event after winning his Heat Race and took advantage of a start inside the top five to quickly move into the top three. Anstie continued to move forward and took his time to take second place from Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas before tracking down Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco for the race lead with a little more than seven minutes and one lap to go. Once out front, Anstie was able to sprint away from the field to capture his fourth career SMX victory by a margin of 7.5 seconds.

Hymas was able to make a late pass on DiFrancesco to earn a runner-up finish in his first start since suffering a torn ACL last June, while DiFrancesco parlayed the Main Event holeshot into the first podium result of his career in his 13th Supercross start.

After a dominant Heat Race performance, defending Western Divisional 250SMX Champion Haiden Deegan was never a factor in the Main Event. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider started outside the top 10 but made an impressive climb through the field to narrowly miss out on the podium in fourth.Anstie now holds a three-point lead over Hymas in the Western Divisional 250SMX Class, while DiFrancesco sits five points out of the lead and Deegan seven points behind his teammate.

Max Anstie – 1st Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class“I’m just blown away. I remember coming here when I was 7 years old watching Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart race around here. To actually win tonight, that’s something special. Anaheim has a place in my heart. I always dreamed of being here and now I’m here. I’m 32 years old and this is the best night of my career thus far. It’s only Round 1. I know I’ve still got nine more [races] to go, and I know after last year what can happen. I’ll refocus tomorrow and go back to work for this championship.”

Chance Hymas – 2nd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class“I’m kind of speechless. It’s been a long road just to get back to this. I haven’t raced since High Point [during the Pro Motocross Championship]. I honestly thought my career was over. I dug deep and I’ve got some really good people in my corner. The pieces are coming together and I’m figuring it out. It’s the first round and we came away with a really good result.”

Ryder DiFrancesco – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class“I got out front and thought I was going to give it all I got and win this thing or pull it into a third. I dream about this, especially at A1. I grew up coming here. I laid it all out there tonight.”

Western Divisional 250SMX Point Standings

Western Divisional 250SMX Class Highlights – Anaheim 1

450SMX Class Post-Race Media Scrum – Anaheim 1

Western Divisional 250SMX Class Post-Race Media Scrum – Anaheim 1

The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday with the second race of the season from San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium on January 17. Live broadcast coverage on Peacock will begin at 1 p.m. ET with Race Day Live, followed by the Gate Drop at 7 p.m. ET. An encore presentation will be showcased on NBC on Sunday, January 18, at 2 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Peacock while international viewers can choose from dedicated English, French, and Spanish broadcasts via SMX Video Pass (www.SMXVideoPass.com).

All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final will go on pre-sale Tuesday, Jan. 27, with general tickets on-sale to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Supermotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.

Justin Cooper and Cooper Webb Battle Back to Top-10 Finishes at Anaheim 1 Supercross

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper rebounded from a challenging night at Anaheim 1, charging through to sixth in the twice-started 450SX Main Event at Angel Stadium. Reigning 450SX Champion Cooper Webb also overcame adversity to finish seventh at the highly anticipated Monster Energy AMA Supercross opening round in Anaheim, California.

It was a rollercoaster day for Cooper. He crashed in his heat race, finished 11th, and then finished second in the LCQ to transfer to the Main Event. The New Yorker was 13th on the opening lap of the restarted Main Event and steadily made his way forward in a multi-rider battle. With five laps remaining, Cooper advanced to sixth following a tip-over by his teammate and maintained a strong pace to the checkered flag.

Webb got a great start to his heat race and battled for the lead before making contact with another rider, which unfortunately put both riders on the ground. He rejoined the race and continued to push, crossing the line in eighth. In the Main Event, Webb grabbed the holeshot, but the race was red-flagged on the opening lap, and he was ninth after the restart. Undeterred, he steadily made his way through to sixth before the halfway mark. A tip-over on Lap 15 dropped him back to eighth, but a determined Webb regained seventh to score valuable points on a tough night.

Next weekend, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing heads to Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, for Round 2 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the SuperMotocross World Championship on January 17.

Rich Simmons – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager

“It was kind of a rough day. It wasn’t the way our heat races need to go, and you don’t want to be in an LCQ, but I thought we saw some good things with both riders tonight. We’ve just got to build on that and move forward. We’ve got 16 more rounds to go, and I’m proud of the team for all the hard work to get here.”

Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #32

“Overall, it was a good start to the season. A lot happened today. I had a crash in my heat and went to the LCQ, which is never fun, but it was kind of uphill from there. It’s tough starting from the 20th gate pick, so sixth on the night is really good all things considered. It was a long day with a lot of laps, but I made my way through the pack well and felt I had good speed tonight. We’ll move on to next weekend and try to get a better start.”

Cooper Webb – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #1

“It was an up-and-down day. It was good to be at A1, but I just made a lot of mistakes today, which is not like me. The heat race incident was on me, and I put myself in a bad position. Getting the holeshot for the first start of the main was good, but I just didn’t quite execute the second one. We’ll clean it up and be ready for San Diego.”

Max Anstie Scores Commanding Anaheim 1 Supercross Victory

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie launched his 2026 250SX West title campaign in style, scoring a dominant victory at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season opener at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Reigning champion Haiden Deegan and teammate Michael Mosiman overcame adversity to break the top five, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

After a dominant Heat Race victory, Anstie got a strong start to the Main Event around fourth and claimed the lead prior to the halfway mark. From there, he put in consistently fast laps to build a comfortable gap up front and earn a decisive victory. In addition to marking his second consecutive 250 regional class opening-round victory, it was the British rider’s fourth career Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250 win, and his first at Anaheim 1.

Deegan hit the ground running in his home state, grabbing the holeshot and riding on to score the first Heat Race win of the season. In the main event, he did not get the start he was hoping for and found himself back in 14th. Undeterred, the five-time 250 class champion put his head down and charged through the field to finish fourth, earning valuable points in his title defense.

Mosiman also had a good start to his heat race, but unfortunately crashed around the midway point and finished 11th. He rebounded to win the LCQ and transfer to the Main Event, and got a great start inside the top 10 despite the less-than-ideal gate pick. Five laps in, the Californian made his way through to fourth before being passed by Deegan in the closing laps and rode on to secure fifth.

Next up, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing heads to Round 2 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the SuperMotocross World Championship at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, on January 17.

Wil Hahn – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team General Manager

“It’s always nice to leave here with a win. Max was solid all night. Haiden also started out really well, and we won both heat races. He just had a poor start in the Main Event and had to come through the pack to fourth. After Mosi’s (Michael Mosiman) Heat Race and having to go to the LCQ, getting the win and all of our bikes in the top five – we’ve got to be really happy leaving Anaheim.”

Max Anstie – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team #61

“Anaheim – it’s got a place in my heart. I remember coming here as a kid and dreaming of being here, so to actually win tonight at A1, that’s something special. The whole Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing crew has done a great job, and the bike was working awesome. It’s been a fantastic night and a fantastic run into this championship. Of course, it’s only Round 1. I know I’ve got another nine more to go, so we’ll refocus again tomorrow and get back to work.”

Haiden Deegan – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team #1W

“Today was a little unfortunate because I’ve worked my butt off to try and win this first round, but we’ve got a long season ahead. So you can’t really care about that too much and just take it as it comes. We’re healthy, so that’s the main part, and we got the heat race win, which was cool. Our speed and fitness are there. We’ve just got to come out swinging next week.”

Michael Mosiman – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team #23

“Man, I’m stoked to get the year started, and happy to leave here healthy and with a fifth. I also think getting all the Star Yamaha boys in the top five was really good. It was a wild day, and I had to be resilient and build back from some chaos in the heat race, but I’m stoked on my performance, my fitness, and my bike. There are a lot of positives to take into the season, and starting the year with some good points is going to be huge.”

Mission Foods Returns as Official Partner of Progressive AFT for Sixth Consecutive Year in 2026

Building on a half-decade of momentum, Progressive American Flat Track is proud to announce that its expansive partnership with Mission Foods® will continue for a sixth consecutive year in 2026.

*Briar Bauman (3) accepts the Mission Triple Challenge check at round 10 of the 2025 season. [Photo: Kristen Lassen for AMA Pro Racing]*

Mission Foods, the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps, has been a cornerstone supporter of Progressive American Flat Track since the partnership began in 2021. Through its steadfast commitment, Mission Foods has been instrumental in elevating the series’ national profile and expanding audience awareness across the sport.

In addition to its sponsorship of Progressive American Flat Track, Mission Foods has actively supported several innovative initiatives aimed at increasing fan engagement. This commitment to the sport is set to continue throughout the 2026 season.

Mission Foods returns as the title sponsor for the premier Mission AFT SuperTwins class and as the Official Tortilla, Chip, and Salsa of Progressive American Flat Track. The renewed partnership also includes the return of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and the season-ending Mission Foods Awards Party, while continuing the brand’s high-profile role as the title sponsor of the Mission Triple Challenge, which debuted in 2025 at select events, for the Mission AFT SuperTwins.

“We are very proud to continue our partnership with American Flat Track as the title sponsor of the SuperTwins class, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, and the Mission Triple Challenge,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “These platforms give Mission a meaningful way to connect with racing fans and help create unforgettable moments on the track.”

The Mission Triple Challenge format brings an exciting shakeup to three high-stakes events throughout the year, beginning with the season opener at the Daytona International Speedway Flat Track. The Mission Triple Challenge turns up the heat with three races of escalating intensity and challenge points to determine each event’s ultimate victor. The three Mission Triple Challenge events will be the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II, Lima Half-Mile I, and Springfield Mile I.

Mission Foods has established these events as the most lucrative on the calendar by offering increased prize money through an escalating bonus structure. Winners of the Mission Triple Challenge will take home $2,500 for Race 1 and $5,000 for Race 2, totaling $7,500 in incentives alone before heading into the third and final race of the event. By the time the final race begins, the potential for a massive payday has already reached a fever pitch, cementing these events as appointment viewing.

At all other rounds, Mission Foods will keep the intensity high with the most exciting four laps in all of flat track thanks to the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Four qualifying Mission SuperTwins riders will leave it all out on the track in a winner-takes-all, no-points, four-lap shootout, with the winner taking home $5,000. That makes the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge one of the highest challenge-specific payouts in all of dirt track racing.

Mission Foods remains committed to growing the sport’s audience through widespread fan activations and retail marketing. By featuring branded athletes on grocery store displays across the country, Mission Foods ensures that Progressive American Flat Track maintains a high-profile presence both at the track and in the national marketplace.

The 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6.

To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-i-150573.

To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-ii-150638.

And to save $10 by purchasing Thursday and Friday tickets together via the Multi-Day Discount for the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-i-and-ii-149220.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

Progressive AFT series merchandise is available via the official merchandise store at https://aftmerch.com/.

Roof Systems Returns as Title Sponsor of 2026 AMA Flat Track Grand Championship

For the second-straight year, Roof Systems will be the title sponsor of the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, which will run July 5-10 at the iconic Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill.

Located in Dallas, Texas, Roof Systems is a family-owned and professionally managed commercial roofing & sheet metal contractor that services consumers throughout the country.

“I am extremely honored to have my company be the title sponsor of the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship,” Roof Systems owner Jerry Stinchfield said. “In order for our sport to grow, we as business owners who follow flat track must get involved to support the amateur teams and events.”

The American Motorcyclist Association is grateful for Roof Systems and Stinchfield — a former flat track racer — as they have been longtime, ardent supporters of the sport of flat track and the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship.

“Roof Systems has maintained a constant presence at the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship over the last few years, and we are so pleased to have them back for our event in 2026,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “We look forward to another outstanding week of racing in Du Quoin this July.”

Since debuting in 1976, the Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship is the only amateur flat track event in the country where riders can earn AMA National No. 1 plates. Competition will be fierce throughout the week, as racers will be put to the test in all four disciplines of flat track racing — Mile, Half-Mile, Short Track and TT — across various tracks at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.

In addition to the AMA National No. 1 plates, the AMA will also recognize a collection of racers that set themselves apart during the weeklong event with special awards. The AMA will present the prestigious Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award, the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award, AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year and the AMA Youth Racer of the Year.

More information about the Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/events/scheduled-events/ama-flat-track-grand-championship/ .

Altus Motorsports Announces Its Four-Rider Supersport Team For 2026

One of the true “OG” teams in the MotoAmerica paddock, Altus Motorsports returns for its 12th season in America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, and they will have a fearsome foursome aboard middleweight machinery as the team contends for the 2026 Supersport Championship.

Team owners George and Janette Nassaney are proud to announce that Jaret Nassaney is back, also for his 12th season of MotoAmerica competition, and he is joined by incumbent rider Torin Collins, now in his third season with Altus, along with Maximiliano Gerardo and the team’s newest member Austin Martinez.

Torin Collins, entering his third season with Altus Motorsports, will switch from Suzuki to Yamaha for this year’s Supersport Championship. *Photo courtesy of Altus Motorsports.*

Jaret Nassaney, Collins, and Gerardo will all be racing Yamaha’s YZF-R9s as the team continues to develop that platform, while Martinez will be aboard a Team Hammer-built Suzuki GSX-R750.

Collins switches from Suzuki to Yamaha machinery for 2026 as he looks to improve on his ninth-place finish in last year’s Supersport points standings.

Maximiliano “Maxi” Gerardo joins Altus full-time aboard a Yamaha for 2026 after his fill-in ride for the team at Laguna Seca last year. *Photo courtesy of Altus Motorsports.*

Gerardo, who is a well-known and highly talented international rider, was a fill-in rider for Altus Motorsports in Supersport at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca last year, and he notched top-10 results in both races aboard one of the team’s Yamaha R9s. He’ll be in the saddle of a Yamaha R9 again this year, and he and the entire team are excited to see how he does as a full-season member of the Altus squad.

Austin Martinez is the fourth member of the Altus Motorsports Supersport squad, and he will race a Suzuki for the team in 2026. *Photo courtesy of Altus Motorsports.*

Martinez has a wealth of experience aboard middleweight motorcycles, and he’ll be the lone team rider aboard the tried-and-true Suzuki GSX-R750.

“We’ve put together an incredible lineup for 2026,” commented Altus Motorsports co-owner Janette Nassaney. “With our mixture of returning talent and new riders, this team is poised for an incredible season. Team Manager and Technical Director Boyd Brunner has brought on a seasoned staff to make sure our riders will have success. Thibault Few and Michael “Murph” Murphy will provide our riders with technical data that is crucial every weekend. Our riders and crew share a commitment to excellence and embody the family-team atmosphere that Altus is known for. With everyone working together, we’re confident this season will bring consistent podium finishes and incredible moments on and off the track.”

George Nassaney, co-owner of Altus Motorsports added, “I am very excited to get the season started. Last season, we had a lot of learning on the Yamaha R9, but we made great improvements at the end of the season. We’re also proud to announce several new team sponsors, including Parts Unlimited and Motul, along with returning sponsors Buy A Jet From Steve Main and Barnett Clutches. Without these vital team partners and the rest of our family of sponsors, this would not be possible.”

Altus Motorsports is currently working on their plans for the 84th running of the Daytona 200, and they are hopeful that they’ll have all four riders lined up on the starting grid for the “Great American Motorcycle Race” slated for Saturday, March 7 on the high banks at Daytona International Speedway.

Altus Motorsports is supported by Parts Unlimited, Motul, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Buy A Jet From Steve Main, Barnett, Hot Bodies Racing, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, SBS Brakes, BrakeTech USA, GB Racing, Maxima Racing Oils, K-Tech, Orient Express, Attack Performance, RS Taichi, Arai, Core Moto, Puig Hi-Tech Parts, Pro-Bolt, Chicken Hawk Racing, TechSpec Tank Grips, and Altus Factory Racing.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Ricky Carmichael’s 2001 Supercross Championship

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ricky Carmichael’s 2001 Supercross Championship on a Kawasaki, Monster Energy® Kawasaki will be displaying his 2001 KX™250SR during the Monster Energy AMA Supercross round in San Diego on Saturday, January 17.

2026 KX™450SR replica graphics designed by D’COR Visuals

The team celebrates Carmichael’s dominance with a display of his original 2001 KX™250SR, along with a 2026 KX™450SR replica display bike, built to pay a modern homage to a memorable era of racing. To further celebrate, Monster Energy Kawasaki riders Chase Sexton and Garrett Marchbanks will sport similar graphics aboard their KX™450SR for San Diego supercross.

The No. 4 Kawasaki went on to win 14 of 16 races during the 2001 supercross season 1

Carmichael began one of his most dominant campaigns in supercross history with his first win of the season at San Diego supercross in 2001. The No. 4 Kawasaki went on to win 14 of 16 races during the 2001 supercross season and finished on the podium at every round to claim his first supercross championship in the premier class. Carmichael created a new era in racing as he took over the premier class and ushered in a new dominant force.

The No. 4 Kawasaki went on to win 14 of 16 races during the 2001 supercross season 2

San Diego provides the perfect stage to commemorate the milestone and recognize Carmichael’s lasting impact on supercross. The media are invited to visit the Monster Energy Kawasaki truck on Saturday, January 17, at 7:30 a.m. for the unveiling of the Carmichael championship bike display and photo opportunities.

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