This week in US Powersports racing.
Eli Tomac Goes Back-to-Back to Open 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Season After Hard Fought Victory in San Diego
For the second week in a row the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship welcomed a sold-out crowd to begin its season, this time inside the intimate setting of Snapdragon Stadium for the second round of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship. One week after he captured a memorable debut victory with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 450SMX Class points leader Eli Tomac went back-to-back following a hard-fought Main Event in which he outlasted Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen and Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence for the Colorado native’s 55th career win.
Another sold out crowd was on hand inside Snapdragon Stadium as the
2026 Monster Energy Supercross season traveled to San Diego.
The 450SMX Class Main Event began with Lawrence leading the way for the holeshot, followed closely by Roczen and Tomac. The trio quickly asserted themselves at the front of the field and soon pulled away to set the stage for a three-rider battle for the win. Lawrence was impressive early on and successfully fended off heavy pressure from Roczen, but as their battle continued Tomac joined the fight, which pushed Roczen to make a pass around Lawrence with 14 minutes and a lap to go. Tomac was able to move into second as another battle for the lead unfolded. Tomac briefly made the pass on Roczen, but the German battled back to reclaim the position and lead most of the Main Event.
With time running out, Tomac made the move on Roczen again and solidified his hold of the lead with six minutes remaining. Roczen’s pace slowed enough for Lawrence to make the pass for second and from there the Australian looked to track down Tomac. Tension was high in the closing laps, but Tomac kept Lawrence at bay on the final lap for his 87th career SMX win (Supercross + Pro Motocross) by a margin of 1.3 seconds. The victory moved him into a tie with Jeremy McGrath for second all-time. Lawrence’s runner-up finish equaled the best result of his career, while Roczen now has second and third place finishes to begin the season.
Just off the podium in fourth was Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Chase Sexton, who impressed in a come-from-behind effort after he hit the gate to begin the Main Event and started at the tail end of the field. Along the way, Sexton made contact with defending champion Cooper Webb, who went down in the incident and recovered for an eighth-place finish aboard his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine.
Tomac’s pair of wins through the first two races has extended his lead in the 450SMX Class standings to eight points over Roczen, while Lawrence moved from fourth to third and sits 10 points out of the lead.
It’s back-to-back wins for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac,
who captured his 55th career Supercross victory and 87th career SMX win
to move into a tie Jeremy McGrath for second all-time.
Eli Tomac – 1st Place – 450SMX Class
“Me and Ken [Roczen] had an unbelievable battle there and once we got into the lead I felt like I was in a really good groove. Towards the end there I was not paying attention and just looking at my front fender, I didn’t know Hunter [Lawrence] was there [because] I was so focused on marking Kenny around the track. I [went] over the tunnel on the last lap and heard Hunter revving his bike and was shocked he was right there. I feel fortunate I held onto the lead there. I guess I need better self-awareness next time. That was close.”
Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence came close to capturing his first Supercross victory and impressed every step of the way in a runner-up effort.
Hunter Lawrence – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class
“It’s bittersweet when you’re so close. I wanted to be there with those guys last week [up front] so we worked really hard this week and made some progress, which is always rewarding. I think I shot my shot too fast on the last lap and thought I’d dive bomb into the corner, but at the last minute I thought it was going to be a really dirty move if I followed through, so I backed out of it. It was cool. A really great race.”
Another podium performance by Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen has him in the thick of the early title fight in the 450SMX Class.
Ken Roczen – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class
“Me and Eli [Tomac] went back and forth a couple times and then in the middle of the race I just had a couple laps where I was all over the place and fell off the back a bit and got passed. I tried to just settle back in and at least stay close to those guys. We have 17 rounds and it can swap around real quick, so being on the podium is really good. We want to win, but at the same time we can’t be mad at a podium. We’ll keep at it, see if I can snag a couple of wins, and see where it goes.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right)
Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, and Hunter Lawrence
A captivating battle between teammates headlined the second race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class, as Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan came out on top for the first time this season. The eighth career victory for the defending Western Division Champion wasn’t without controversy, as he went bar-to-bar with fellow Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider Max Anstie, who entered as the points leader. After Anstie grabbed the holeshot, he and Deegan resumed their entertaining battle that began in the Heat Race with a multi-lap fight for the lead. Deegan appeared to be faster, but the Englishman’s veteran savvy kept his younger teammate at bay. With nine minutes and one lap to remaining Deegan made his move in a bowl turn and aggressively cut down under Anstie, who went high to concede the position. As he exited, Deegan’s rear wheel hit Anstie’s front wheel and took the red plate holder to the ground. Deegan sprinted away as Anstie eventually remounted in sixth place.
As Deegan established a lead of over five seconds, the attention shifted to an exciting battle for the podium between Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman. After McAdoo made the pass on Hymas for second, Mosiman followed through shortly after as Hymas nearly crashed defending the position.
Deegan went unchallenged and took his first win carrying the No. 1 plate by a margin of 7.6 seconds over McAdoo, who finished last (22nd place) at the Anaheim opener and is coming back from a torn ACL suffered last season. Mosiman recorded his 11th career podium finish in third. Anstie battled back to finish fifth.
With the win, combined with Anstie’s finish, Deegan moved from fourth to first in the Western Divisional 250SMX Class standings, a single point ahead of Anstie. Hymas, who finished sixth, sits third, five points out of the lead.
While it wasn’t without controversy, the first win of the season for
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan moved
him into control of the Western Divisional Championship.
Haiden Deegan – 1st Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class
“This one feels good. I wanted to show it at A1, but stuff happens. I came out swinging [tonight]. Sorry to Max [Anstie], I didn’t really want it to go that way. I tried to cut down [in the corner] so he wouldn’t cut down [to counterattack] and we came together.”
After a challenging opening round where he finished last,
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo
rebounded with an impressive second-place effort.
Cameron McAdoo – 2nd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class
“I didn’t expect to get 22nd place last weekend and end up in B practice this morning, so I had something to prove. It has been a long time and as you all know this sport is about trying. I always pride myself on being able to come back after being off the bike for a long time. Tonight was pretty special. I’m just a kid from Iowa living my dream and I’m really grateful I keep getting to do this. I have a lot of belief in myself that I belong here.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman was consistent throughout the Main Event and recorded his 11th career podium result.
Michael Mosiman – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class
“It feels great. We’ve been putting in the work, and it’s been a long road. Just to be able to hang in there the whole moto, to be right there and end up on the podium. To be able to push the pace feels really great. We’re going to keep it rolling.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie entered as the points leader and was leading the Main Event until an incident with his teammate Deegan put him on the ground and resulted in a fifth-place finish.
Max Anstie – 5th Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class
“[Deegan’s move] was ‘impressive.’ I didn’t really want to play the game. I know who I’m racing against, but fair play. Straight up, I’ve got to take it on the chin. I’m a big boy, no problem. I didn’t expect that. I’ve got to go back and do some work.”
Western Divisional 250SMX Class Podium (left to right)
Cameron McAdoo, Haiden Deegan, and Michael Mosiman
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday with the third race of the season and a return to Anaheim, California’s Angel Stadium on January 24. 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. 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.
ELI TOMAC AND RED BULL KTM EARN BACK-TO-BACK 450SX WINS IN SAN DIEGO
Round 2 – AMA Supercross Championship
Two-time Supercross champion Tomac set the fastest combined qualifying time in the premier class during Saturday’s afternoon sessions, displaying immediate comfort onboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION at Snapdragon Stadium.
The decorated racer from Cortez, Colorado, powered to a strong start in his Heat Race, finishing P2 to secure a favorable gate pick for the upcoming Main Event. Another fast start in the Main Event saw the 33-year-old exit the first rhythm lane in third position, which would set the tone for the remainder of the race toward the front of the field.
A race-long back-and-forth fight for position saw red plate-holder Tomac take control of the lead with six minutes remaining, fending off additional challenges late in the race to deliver his second win of the season and the 55th of his career.
Eli Tomac:“It was quite a back-and-forth race tonight! At the beginning, I tried to play the patience game as Hunter [Lawrence] and Ken [Roczen] were really dicing it out, so I tried to warm into the race from there. It was close racing all Main Event, but of course, it was a great night, and to get two race wins in a row is massive. I feel very happy with what I am working with right now. As far as winning two in a row to open the season, you dream of it, but making it happen is a whole different deal. So, it’s been a great start for us – I feel really at one with the KTM and it’s showing.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450SX teammate Aaron Plessinger’s night in San Diego also was a promising one, with the number 7 overcoming illness to finish third in his Heat Race, directly behind Tomac. Equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, ‘The Cowboy’ featured among the top-five for a large portion of the Main Event, before recording a hard-fought P7 finish.
With his combined results, Plessinger sits eighth in the 450SX Championship as the series returns to Angel Stadium in Anaheim next Saturday.
Aaron Plessinger: “San Diego was pretty good! I’ve been sick all week, but I was feeling better in practice than I did last weekend, and I was actually feeling really good going into the Heat Race. Once I got done with that one, my chest was on fire and I had a headache, so it was tough… No excuses, though. I went into the Main Event and did what I could – I was around sixth for a while, and then was there until the last lap before a lapped rider held me up. It’s racing, but we’ll go back this week, return to 100 percent, and then be ready for A2.”
In his second AMA Supercross appearance as part of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, multi-time MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado posted the second-fastest 450SX qualifying time in the afternoon onboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, before capturing the holeshot in Heat 1 and racing to a P2 result, which continued his impressive form following a podium at the season-opener.
Upon launching to a top 10 start in the Main Event, the Spaniard posted a measured performance on a deteriorating circuit, eventually claiming 13th position by the time the checkered flag flew to continue building important experience in the discipline.
Jorge Prado:”Round 2 was a positive day. Even though the Main Event didn’t go as well as I would have liked, I was still P2 in qualifying and then was also second in the Heat Race, so up until then, things were going very well. Then in the Main, I missed the start and after that I was riding tight. I didn’t really ride like myself, I would say, and it was a bit of a struggle. I kind of fell into some other riders’ pace around me, so I’ll need to learn from this, and again, it’s a good learning experience to be better in the future. We’ll come back solid for A2.”
Next Race: January 24 – Anaheim, California
Results 450SX Class – San Diego
- Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
- Hunter Lawrence (Honda)
- Ken Roczen (Suzuki)
- Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
- Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna)
- RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna)
- Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
- Justin Hill (KTM)
- Kevin Moranz (KTM)
- Grant Harlan (KTM)
Standings 450SX Class 2026 after 2 of 17 rounds
- Eli Tomac, 50 points
- Ken Roczen, 42
- Hunter Lawrence, 40
- Aaron Plessinger, 27
- Jorge Prado, 26
- Justin Hill, 16
- RJ Hampshire, 14
- Malcolm Stewart, 12
Strong points night for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing at San Diego Supercross
Western division 250SX contender DiFrancesco began the day well on the fast-paced track layout, qualifying third on combined times and dialing in his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition from the outset in warm conditions.
In his Heat Race, the 20-year-old was again competitive throughout the duration, claiming a fifth-place finish that saw him take a direct transfer into the night’s 250SX Main Event and looking to continue last weekend’s podium form.
A tough start to the Main Event saw DiFrancesco classified well outside the top 10 as the gates dropped, leaving the popular Californian with a lot of work to do throughout the race. In impressive style, he would charge forward, climbing to seventh position by the time the checkered flag flew, and limiting the damage toward his title chase.
After San Diego, Ryder D is currently ranked fifth in the 250SX West standings, only eight points outside of the lead as the series returns to Anaheim next weekend.
“San Diego was good!”reflected DiFrancesco“I qualified really well, we were all so close on the leaderboard between the top-three, so my speed is really not a problem. I just need to work on putting myself in a better position from the start, but I feel like everything is coming together. My endurance and mental side are solid, so we’ll be aiming for some more podiums and wins as the season continues.”
After overcoming his incident at Anaheim 1 just one week ago, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Malcolm Stewart made a gritty return to racing at Snapdragon Stadium, battling soreness as he took his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition to the 13th-fastest qualifying time. The 33-year-old was again impressive in his Heat, racing to a sixth-place finish while managing his shoulder injury.
Consistent laps saw Stewart complete the race with a well-earned 10th-place result, with continued recovery the priority as he and the team look forward to Anaheim 2 next weekend.
“First things first, I’m stoked to be out here racing,” said Stewart. “We had a big one last Saturday night, and then did a bunch of therapy during the week to be able to line up in San Diego. Practice went okay even if I was really sore, and then the Heat Race was decent, but all-in-all, I just geared myself up for the Main Event. I did everything I could and I am really proud to say that P10, honestly, means a lot to me. I rode my own race, which I’m happy with, and these next few weeks are going to be tough, but we’ll do some more therapy and then get ready for A2.”
Following a promising week of testing onboard his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition, Hampshire arrived in San Diego with added confidence as the Florida native continued his first full season in the 450SX class by qualifying seventh. The 29-year-old then showed more speed throughout the round, running up front in his Heat Race before a minor fall resulted in a P7 finish.
In the Main Event, Hampshire started just outside the top 10 in the opening laps before battling through the race to finish 12th, continuing to build experience in his maiden premier class campaign. “I felt a lot better on the bike this weekend,”commented Hampshire.“We made big improvements as a team during the week, even if tonight’s result doesn’t really reflect that. I had better speed and it’s just about putting it all together now – getting stronger, completing the laps, and I think we’ll continue to grow. We’ll aim for a solid result next weekend. We’re not close to where we can be, so we’ll keep pushing to be better over the next few rounds. Thanks to the team for all the work they’ve been putting in.”
Next Race: January 24 – Anaheim, California
Results 450SX Class – San Diego1. Eli Tomac (KTM)2. Hunter Lawrence (Honda)3. Ken Roczen (Suzuki)7. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)10. Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)12. RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)13. Jorge Prado (KTM)
Standings 450SX Class 2026 after 2 of 17 rounds1. Eli Tomac, 50 points2. Ken Roczen, 423. Hunter Lawrence, 408. Aaron Plessinger, 279. Jorge Prado, 2615. RJ Hampshire, 1416. Malcolm Stewart, 12
Results 250SX Class – San Diego1. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha)2. Cameron McAdoo (Kawasaki)3. Michael Mosiman (Yamaha)7. Ryder DiFrancesco (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)
Standings 250SX Class 2026 after 2 of 10 rounds1. Haiden Deegan 43 points2. Max Anstie, 423. Chance Hymas, 385. Ryder DiFrancesco, 35
FMF KTM FACTORY RACING’S DANTE OLIVEIRA OPENS NGPC SEASON WITH DELANO WIN
Six-time National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) title-holder Dante Oliveira opened his 2026 defense in impressive form at Delano’s season-opening round, overcoming a mid-field start to claim victory in the Pro Class on Sunday.
In his first professional outing of the new year, the FMF KTM Factory Racing rider picked up where he left off last year, taking to the Californian terrain in convincing fashion after he began the 10-lap race positioned in fifth on Lap 1.
A steady, patient climb up the order onboard his KTM 450 XC-F followed, as Oliveira made a sequence of important passes on his main competitors to arrive in the lead with just a single lap remaining.
From there, the 25-year-old delivered a well-earned victory to commence the NGPC season, recording a total time of 1:36:08. Round 2 of the series will take place in Blythe, California, in two weeks time – an event Oliveira also claimed victory at on his way to the title last year.
Dante Oliveira: “I got off to a rough start – I was just a little too excited – which meant I had my work cut out for me! I ate roost for almost the entirety of the race, so it was a long one. I was in a battle pretty much the whole time, and the roost is brutal out here. It was a good time though, the bike worked awesome, and I just kept charging – I found some good lines and really just put the hammer down. I had a lot of trust in my setup, we had a lot of traction even though the track was pretty loose, which was nice. The field is stacked this season and I’m stoked to come away with a really rewarding win to start the year – I couldn’t have done it without my whole FMF KTM Factory Racing team.”
Pro Class Results:
1. Dante Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Dare DeMartile, Beta
3. Mateo Oliveira, Husqvarna
Podium finish for Mateo Oliveira at NGPC season-opener in Delano
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mateo Oliveira delivered a solid Pro Class podium finish at the season-opening National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) round in Delano, California, on Sunday, earning third position to commence his 2026 campaign.
Equipped with the Husqvarna FE 450, the 23-year-old began the 10-lap race in third position, battling among the top-five in what was a fierce multi-rider battle at the head of the field.
Alternating pit strategies throughout the race kept Mateo competitive in his fight for the podium, with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna recruit achieving a total time of 1:36:34 for third position overall.
Delano marked a consistent day of racing and important points toward his 2026 championship tally. The next round of the NGPC season will take place in Blythe, California, in two weeks.
“My race was good here in Delano!” commented Oliveira. “I got off to a decent start and was running third early on, but the pace during those opening stages was super-high – I wasn’t quite ready for it. I battled my brother [Dante Oliveira] a little bit, but we all had a different pit strategy, and I managed to come out in third, which is a good result for an intense first round, and I’m happy to be on the podium. Big thanks to the whole team, we’re working hard and will continue to improve as the races go on.”
Pro Class Results:
1. Dante Oliveira, KTM
2. Dare DeMartile, Beta
3. Mateo Oliveira, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2025 AMA Racing, Organizer and Volunteer Awards Announced
The American Motorcyclist Association enjoyed another outstanding year of racing and recreational riding, with several individuals and groups standing out as worthy of the 2025 AMA Racing, Organizer and Volunteer Awards.
These awards recognize excellent individuals and groups that helped maintain a thriving competitive and recreational environment in 2025, including championship-winning racers and diligent organizers.
“We are so grateful to all of the racers, riders and organizers that made 2025 another successful year for the AMA’s racing and recreational riding pursuits,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “Several of those went above and beyond in their efforts, and we are delighted to recognize them with AMA Racing, Organizer and Volunteer Awards.”
AMA members participated in the selection process of certain racing categories — including the Athlete of the Year awards — while AMA staff selected the recipients of the organizational and volunteer awards.
The AMA Athlete of the Year Award winners include Steward Baylor Jr. (National Championship), Bodie Paige (Grand Championship) and Syler Padusnak (ATV).
The AMA Veteran/Senior Racer of the Year went to Adam Beldyga, while Kannon Zabojnik earned AMA Youth Racer of the Year honors. Additionally, Rachel Gutish earned the AMA Female Racer of the Year award.
The AMA also recognized several organizations for their efforts over the previous year. BCMX was named the AMA Motocross Organizer of the Year, J Day Offroad earned the AMA Off-Road Organizer of the Year, Pioneer Motorcycle Club was awarded the AMA Track Organizer of the Year and Racer Productions received the AMA ATV Organizer of the Year.
On the recreational side of things, P&D Promotions earned the AMA Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year and Roaring Horse LLC secured the AMA Recreational Off-Road Organizer of the Year.
Rhode Island Trials was named the AMA Club of the Year while Mikey Waynes earned the AMA Media Award. Raycin Kyler was awarded the AMA Sportsman of the Year.
The AMA also recognized 14-year-old Charlie Walter as the AMA Volunteer of the Year. Despite being unable to race due to injury, Walter was a constant presence at District 6 and 7 events and stepped up in a variety of roles as a volunteer.
