This Week in Powersports Racing – the week of February 15, 2026

This week in US Powersports racing.

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Eli Tomac Prevails for Third Monster Energy Supercross Victory of the Season Following Grueling Battle in Seattle

Just a week removed from a Super Bowl victory for the hometown Seattle Seahawks, the energy inside Lumen Field for a Valentine’s Day visit to the Emerald City featured a heightened sense of energy and excitement for Round 6 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship. The incredible atmosphere encapsulated the most action-packed night yet in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, where the always challenging Seattle track conditions became a central player in the battle for victory. After a grueling 20 Minutes + 1 Lap Main Event, it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac who prevailed with his third victory of the season, wrestling the lead away from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb before soldiering home to a bounce-back win following an adversity plagued outing last weekend.

A memorable week at Lumen Field was capped off by a Valentine’s Day visit from Monster Energy Supercross for Round 6 of the 2026 season.

The 450SMX Class Main Event got underway with Webb leading the way for the holeshot as Tomac and his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Aaron Plessinger gave chase ahead of season race winners Chase Sexton (fifth) and Ken Roczen (sixth), as well as championship leader Hunter Lawrence (seventh). Webb was able to assert his hold of the lead while Tomac eventually settled into second and Roczen into third aboard his Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki. It wasn’t long before the lead trio settled in on the soft, rutted, technical conditions and established a significant lead over the rest of the field. Tomac chipped away at the deficit and applied pressure for the lead as the race passed halfway. He made a quick and decisive move around Webb to seize control of the race and opened a multi-second lead. Lapped riders allowed Webb to close back within a second, but Tomac extended the lead once again to effectively end the threat. Behind them, Roczen’s hold of third came under fire from Lawrence, who overcame an early miscue to climb from seventh to fourth aboard his Honda HRC Progressive machine. Lawrence was the faster rider and was in position to take third until he went too aggressive in the track’s sand section, collided with last week’s winner, and took both riders to the ground. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper rode by to assume third as Lawrence remounted in fourth and Roczen continued well back in ninth.

Tomac navigated the deteriorating conditions to perfection and took his 56th career win by 9.2 seconds over Webb, who grabbed a third straight podium in second. Cooper landed on the podium for the first time this season in third. Lawrence recovered to finish fourth, while Sexton rounded out the top five aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki. Roczen got the worst of the exchange with Lawrence and finished a season-low 10th, a net-loss of seven positions.

Lawrence’s finish proved significant in the championship standings as he maintained control of the lead by a single point over Tomac. Roczen and Webb now sit tied for third, 11 points behind Lawrence.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac battled through the most demanding track conditions of the season to capture his third win of the championship campaign.

Eli Tomac – 1st Place – 450SMX Class

“Seattle was the usual. It’s a tough track to really get a hold of and get comfortable on. I saved the best for last of course. I had my best start and my best ride there [in the Main Event]. I cleaned up some lines, did some different jump combinations. Just typical Seattle. One of the toughest we have all year. Glad to conquer it.”

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb (1) led half of the Main Event and ultimately settled for a third straight podium finish.

Cooper Webb – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class

“Overall, it was fun, with a side of sketch. The track was really gnarly. It’s always gnarly here, but this [track] with still having to hit the rhythms [sections], they’re pretty big. It was brutal. Obviously, Eli [Tomac] picked up on a good line and kept doing it and got past me. I tightened up for sure with a little arm pump, but it is what it is. At the end of the day, I can’t be hitting whoops like that and expect to win. We’ll get back to work.”

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper kept digging and was rewarded with his first podium result of the season.

Justin Cooper – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class

“It’s just Seattle. This track was absolutely gnarly. With 20 [minutes] plus 1 [lap] out there with these 450s, it gets really demanding. I just put together solid laps and got a little gift from [Lawrence and Roczen]. Sometimes you’ve got to stay in it and that’s what we did tonight. Really pumped to get back on the box.”

450SMX Class Podium (left to right)
Cooper Webb, Eli Tomac, and Justin Cooper

Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence bounced back from a crash during a battle for third to finish fourth and keep hold of the red plate.

Hunter Lawrence – 4th Place – 450SMX Class

“[My race] started with wheel spin off the start. I just didn’t get myself good track position. I was coming through and had good pace. I feel like an idiot. I jumped on the inside [and] was already going down and got Kenny involved. That just sucked, honestly. Not how I would have wanted the night to go, but we’re fourth and still have the red plate. We’ll head on to Dallas.”

The sixth race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class also served as the midseason send off before the Eastern Divisional Championship begins next weekend. That presented an opportunity to enter the break with momentum, and the added motivation produced an instant classic between Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, the dominant championship leader, and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen, the hometown favorite. Off the start it was another Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider out front, with Max Anstie securing the holeshot, but it didn’t take long for Deegan to storm into the lead just a few minutes into the 15 Minute + 1 Lap race. Kitchen, meanwhile, was on a torrid charge to the front as he clawed his way from fifth to second prior to the halfway point. The tense rivalry between Deegan and Kitchen entered its next chapter during an incredible head-to-head showdown that produced four exchanges for the lead. As he navigated lapped riders Deegan appeared to let Kitchen assume the lead with a little more than seven minutes to go. Kitchen then established a multi-second advantage for several laps, but the degrading track and increased lapped traffic forced both riders to take alternate lines and caused minor miscues. Deegan showed patience and closed back in, then made multiple inside pass attempts before he took advantage of a missed rhythm by Kitchen to reclaim the position with a little more than two minutes to go. With the support of the crowd, Kitchen fought back and retook the lead, but Deegan made one final pass back with about a minute remaining.

Deegan stormed to his fifth consecutive win by 1.5 seconds over Kitchen, who became the first fellow competitor to give Deegan a significant challenge during his run of dominance. The near-miss in front of the hometown crowd continued a recent surge for Kitchen, who now has three straight runner-up finishes. Anstie rode to a quiet and comfortable third-place finish, his first podium since winning the opening race of the season.

Deegan now owns a dozen career victories and has moved out to a healthy 35-point lead over Anstie heading into the break. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman, who finished sixth, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco, who finished fourth, are tied for third, 36 points behind Deegan. After a slow start to the season, Kitchen has fought his way up to fifth, 42 points behind Deegan and just seven points behind Anstie for second.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan (1) came out on top of a thrilling head-to-head battle with Levi Kitchen for his fifth straight victory.

Haiden Deegan – 1st Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class

“That was gnarly. I went through after [the finish] and told [Kitchen] that was the gnarliest battle I have ever had racing. We were going back and forth. I don’t know what to say, that was the best I’ve had. I know it’s in his hometown so the [fans] may not like it, but I hope they enjoyed that one.”

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen (47) battled it out with Deegan and finished a close second in from of the hometown crowd.

Levi Kitchen – 2nd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class

“I think that’s the race everyone has been waiting for. I’m bummed I couldn’t get it done for the hometown, but I rode my heart out and [Deegan] did too. That had to be the coolest race of my life. We were going at it the whole time. Thanks to everyone here in Seattle, they were amazing. That was fun.”

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie made his return to the podium for the first time since he won the season opening race.

Max Anstie – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class

“That was really tough. That was a tough track, and those boys [Deegan and Kitchen] were obviously riding awesome. It was amazing to hear the fans cheering for Levi. I’ve been struggling since Anaheim 1. I don’t know what it is, but my throat and my chest have been burning. Last week was bad too. I need to get it checked out because I don’t feel sick, but I can’t breathe right. My chest just burns.”

The battle for victory between Deegan and Kitchen became an instant classic as they traded for the lead on four separate occasions.

Western Divisional 250SMX Class Podium (left to right)
Levi Kitchen, Haiden Deegan, and Max Anstie

The annual visit to Seattle was highlighted by the inclusion of bowhunting icon and ultramarathon runner Cameron Hanes, who served as Grand Marshal. The hugely popular outdoorsman has become captivated by the sport of SMX and its athletes.

The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday, February 21, for the seventh race of the season from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The race will open the Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class Championship. Live broadcast coverage on Peacock will begin at 1 p.m. ET with Race Day Live, while a special pre-race show will air at 6:30 p.m. ET followed by the Gate Drop at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Pea cock 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 are now on sale 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.

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING AND ELI TOMAC BACK ON TOP IN SEATTLE

Equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Tomac set the second-fastest qualifying time behind Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Jorge Prado at the conclusion of the afternoon sessions.

The 33-year-old then powered to a measured third-place finish in the opening 450SX Heat Race, earning a strong gate selection for the upcoming Main Event as track conditions continued to break down throughout the night.

In launching out of the gates well for the Main Event, Tomac positioned himself in second position early on, then trailed the race leader during the opening stages of the race as he looked for opportunities to make a move. A decisive pass at the halfway point saw him take control of the lead, going on to deliver victory by 9.265 seconds.

Tomac recorded his third win of the 2026 SMX World Championship season in Seattle – which was also the 56th of his career in 450SX – and now is one point outside of the 450SX lead entering Arlington next weekend.

Eli Tomac:“Seattle was the usual conditions today, a tough track to really get ahold of and get comfortable on, but I saved the best for last – I got the best start and had my best ride in the Main Event. I cleaned up some lines, did some different jump combinations, and this was just typical Seattle, and one of the toughest rounds that we have on the schedule. I am glad to come here and get back on top, as the last couple of weekends have been a little tough, so we’re back at it!”

Also onboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Aaron Plessinger qualified ninth overall during the afternoon, later taking a direct transfer to the 450SX Main Event with a convincing third-place finish in his Heat Race.

‘The Cowboy’ then powered to a good start in the Main Event, battling within the top-five throughout the opening stages of the race, before eventually crossing the finish in seventh position and continuing to improve into the middle stages of the Supercross series.

Aaron Plessinger:”Wrapping up Round 6 in Seattle, it was an alright night for me. I struggled a little in practice, but then got a pretty good start in the Heat Race and finished third, and then made another good start in the Main Event. Half of that one was solid, but it just kind of fell apart after that, so I’ve just got to be better. We’re getting back towards consistent riding and not making so many mistakes, and I think heading back to Florida this week will do me good – we’ll get some riding done and work on some things. The positives are that we got two good starts tonight and had some good laps, so we’ll build on that in Arlington!” 

Four-time world champion Jorge Prado continued his impressive pace in Seattle, setting the fastest overall qualifying time for the second-consecutive week with a 50.600-second lap — nearly half a second clear of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Eli Tomac.

An incident late in the second 450SX qualifying session, however, ultimately sidelined the 25-year-old for the remainder of the night program. After attempting to line up for Heat 2, Prado withdrew from Round 6 and will undergo further medical evaluation this week.

Next Race: February 21 – Arlington, Texas

Results 450SX Class – Seattle

1. Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
2. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)
3. Justin Cooper (Yamaha)
4. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna)
5. Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
6. Justin Hill (KTM)
7. Kevin Moranz (KTM)
8. Grant Harlan (KTM)

Standings 450SX Class 2026 after 6 of 17 rounds

1. Hunter Lawrence, 124 points
2. Eli Tomac, 123
3. Ken Roczen, 113
4. Jorge Prado, 73
5. Aaron Plessinger, 65
6. Malcolm Stewart, 52
7. Justin Hill, 51
8. RJ Hampshire, 38

Consistent results for Ryder DiFrancesco and Malcolm Stewart at Seattle Supercross

A season-best for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing in 450SX Main Event

DiFrancesco qualified eighth in the 250SX category, continuing to build comfort with the technical Lumen Field track conditions onboard his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition over the course of the two sessions.

The 20-year-old charged to a convincing second-place finish in his Heat Race, before a composed ride in the Main Event saw DiFrancesco claim a P4 result, which now has him tied for third position in the Western Division standings after six rounds.

Ryder D will return to action on March 21 at Protective Stadium for the first 250SX East/West Showdown of the year, while the Eastern division commences next weekend in Arlington, Texas, with team riders Daxton Bennick and Casey Cochran making their first appearances of the 2026 season. “I didn’t have the best day in Seattle,”recalled DiFrancesco.“Out of the six rounds, this is probably the one I struggled with the most, so a fourth is a decent result entering the four-week break now. We’ll get that fire lit again, take a little time off, and regroup. Today was a bit of a struggle, although I am pretty stoked to come away with P4 and be tied for third in points.” Stewart posted the sixth-fastest time overall in 450SX qualifying aboard his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition, finding a strong rhythm early on during the afternoon and looking to maintain that form into the night show.

A crash in his Heat Race marked the lone major setback of what was an otherwise solid night for the 33-year-old Stewart, advancing directly to the 450SX Main Event with a seventh-place result.

Launching inside the top-10 on lap one, Stewart delivered a measured performance in demanding conditions, steadily working his way forward as the race wore on. Combining consistency with speed, Mookie crossed the line in P6 when the checkered flag flew. “Seattle is always an interesting race,”said Stewart.“I always feel like I leave here with a positive mindset and decent results, and tonight we got sixth. Obviously, we wanted that top-five position, but considering how the beginning of the year has started, a sixth is a really good result for us! I felt really good all day. Practice was strong and it kind of starts from there, right? You know, just getting into that positive mindset, so yeah, Seattle was a good night, especially with the way the track was. It was pretty brutal out there – everybody was crashing and making big mistakes – but we kept it on two wheels and I was being smart with it. Now we head back indoors to Arlington and continue to build!”

Premier class teammate RJ Hampshire did not line up for Round 6 of the 2026 SMX World Championship in Seattle after fracturing his foot in a training crash earlier in the week, an injury that will also see him sit out upcoming rounds while he focuses on his recovery.

Next Race: February 21 – Arlington, Texas

Results 450SX Class – Seattle1. Eli Tomac (KTM)2. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)3. Justin Cooper (Yamaha)6. Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)7. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)

Standings 450SX Class 2026 after 6 of 17 rounds1. Hunter Lawrence, 124 points2. Eli Tomac, 1233. Ken Roczen, 11310. Jorge Prado, 7311. Aaron Plessinger, 6512. Malcolm Stewart, 5213. Justin Hill, 5116. RJ Hampshire, 38

Results 250SX Class – Seattle1. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha)2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki)3. Max Anstie (Yamaha)4. Ryder DiFrancesco (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)

Standings 250SX Class 2026 after 6 of 10 rounds1. Haiden Deegan, 118 points2. Max Anstie, 1083. Michael Mosiman, 1074. Ryder DiFrancesco, 107

LEVI KITCHEN IMPRESSES THE HOMETOWN CROWD WITH A PODIUM FINISH AT SEATTLE SUPERCROSS 

Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Levi Kitchen had the hometown crowd on their feet as he delivered a standout performance to take second place in the 250SX Main Event at Round 6 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Seattle. Teammate Cameron McAdoo powered through adversity to secure a solid fifth-place finish. Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Chase Sexton put in a solid effort on the day to take home fifth place in the 450SX Main Event. Garrett Marchbanks rebounded from a late race incident, but without enough time left in the race, the No. 36 Kawasaki would ultimately finish 22nd. Following a day of non-stop rain on Friday, riders were met with challenging track conditions on race day. The sticky mud tested the bikes and riders throughout the day. In 250SX Qualifying, Kitchen laid down fast laps in both sessions, narrowly missing the top spot to earn second overall. McAdoo continued to adapt to the changing track conditions, putting down a fast lap in the second session to take sixth overall. The two Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders were lined up nearly side by side for the first heat race. As the gate dropped, both Kawasaki riders bolted out of the gate on their KX™250 machines, with McAdoo rounding the first turn in second and Kitchen close behind in fourth. Kitchen quickly went to work, making decisive passes into third and then second before taking the lead just two minutes into the race. Riding off the energy of the hometown crowd, he continued to charge forward, gapping the field by over seven seconds and clocking the fastest lap time by over a second. After slipping back a couple of positions, McAdoo regrouped and started his push back towards the front. While on the move, McAdoo suffered a mid-race crash that dropped him back to eighth. The No. 142 Kawasaki quickly regrouped and climbed his way back up to fifth to finish the heat race.In the 250SX Main Event, both riders came out of the gate in favorable Top 5 positions. McAdoo entered the first lap in second, finding his speed and rhythm in the opening moments, while Kitchen charged his way from fifth to second by Lap 3, passing his teammate along the way. Riding the momentum, Kitchen set the fastest lap of the race on the following lap. Determined to get the lead in front of the home crowd, Kitchen made a clean pass for first at the halfway point. A back-and-forth battle with the series points leader ensued with Kitchen using his inside line in the sand and triple-triple through the Sector 7 rhythm lane to hold a gap. Through the closing laps, lapped riders and rutted conditions caused the leaders’ lap times to be upwards of five seconds slower than their best. The two riders exchanged positions until the checkered flag, with Kitchen finishing a hard-fought second place. Despite lingering soreness from his earlier crash, McAdoo maintained a Top 5 pace all night to secure fifth place. In 450SX Qualifying, Sexton steadily learned the evolving track conditions and made key adjustments to dial in his KX™450SR. The No. 4 Kawasaki wrapped up the second session to take seventh overall on the tricky track. Marchbanks also used the second session to post his fastest lap time, matching his best qualifying finish from last week with a 12th overall.In Heat 1, Marchbanks pulled a strong start, placing himself inside the Top 10 and quickly passing riders on the opening laps. Before the race ended, the No. 36 Kawasaki was able to move himself into fifth place, marking his best heat race result of the season. In Heat 2, Sexton pulled an optimal start aboard his KX™ machine, putting himself in the Top 3 out of the gate. As the No. 4 Kawasaki navigated the deteriorating track, he suffered a tipover in the corner before the finish line. Sexton quickly remounted his bike and pushed back towards the front, moving from 10th to fifth by the end of the race. Sexton was right on pace with the rest of the field as he wrapped up the race, recording his fastest time at only three-tenths of a second behind the leader and setting multiple fastest sector times. In the 450SX Main Event, Sexton pulled a prime start, rounding the first turn in the Top 5, while Marchbanks sat just outside the Top 10. Sexton rode a consistent race through the night, maintaining his position to take home fifth place. Marchbanks displayed consistent speed as he moved through the field on his way to crack a Top 10 finish, until a crash in the rhythm section sidelined him for a moment. The No. 36 pulled into the mechanics area to make adjustments to his bike, before riding back out determined to finish the race. Already three laps down due to his time off the track, Marchbanks pushed to make up time but would settle for 22nd on the night.

“I definitely built more confidence after the race tonight, and we will keep building each week. Tonight we delivered a show for the fans and I had fun racing out there. I think the fans had fun watching it, and this is what they have been waiting for. I do feel like we’re close right now. I feel like we’re pretty close in speed and just need to work on a few more things, but I know the team and I can do it. My goal now is to go into every weekend, knowing that I can break away from the field and push my ability and speed. I want to have more races like that and put it on the top step of the box for Mitch and the team.”  – Levi Kitchen

“I had a few struggles today. I struggled a little bit in qualifying with comfort, but it wasn’t terrible. In the heat race, I had an unfortunate crash and banged myself up pretty good. Ending up fifth on the night was definitely the best that I had. I’m proud I was able to stay up there and get a solid result. I was glad that I was able to limit the damage as much as possible with how I was feeling after the heat race.  – Cameron McAdoo

“Today was a bit frustrating for me. I expect to be at the front right now, but we’re not there yet. This week we worked on starts a lot and it paid off, as we saw today. Right now, I’m headed back to Florida and the team is going to come out and test more with me this week. We’re hopeful to make some positive changes and come into Arlington ready to fight.”  – Chase Sexton

“I love Seattle. The track was fun, but gnarly all day long. I felt like I started to get my flow and the bike together after second qualifying. We made a slight adjustment going into the heat race and had a good heat race from it. I started to feel better around Lap 4, we were able to put some good laps together and felt good going into the main event, with a good gate pick. I got off to a decent start and made some good passes in the main event. I was finally able to run up there in that Top 10 area and was able to battle the guys I knew I could always be around. I felt like I finally had that flow I’d been searching for, but I hit a weird spot in the rhythm and had a big crash. I knocked the wind out of myself pretty bad and couldn’t breathe for about two minutes. I got up and was just trying to catch my breath. I had to pull into the mechanics area to make some adjustments to my bike, and gave myself a minute to regroup because I was struggling to feel my hands. I wanted to go back out and finish this one out for the team, but I just had to roll this one out through the finish. Besides that, I thought it was really good improvement. I was having a lot of fun out here and looking forward to the rest of the season.”  – Garrett Marchbanks

Podium results for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna in GNCC opener and West Hare Scrambles

Third place in the WXC Class was a convincing start to the 2026 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series for defending champion Korie Steede, with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Craig DeLong claiming fourth in the XC1 Open Pro division. In addition this weekend, Mateo Oliveira took P2 in the Pro Class at Round 2 of the West Hare Scrambles (WHS).

Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 1

Although under the weather in the week leading into the Big Buck GNCC, Steede posted a standout ride in Union, South Carolina, picking up where she left off last year by leading a large share of the season-opening round onboard her Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition.

A small mistake late in the rain-affected race relegated the current WXC number one to third position on the podium, completing the race with a total time of 2:08.12 to deliver P3 at Round 1 and claiming valuable points in tough conditions.

“It’s always good to end Round 1 on the box,” recalled Steede. “I’ve spent the whole week sick, which I was super-bummed about, but overall I’m so happy with my riding. I led most of the race before making a silly mistake and going back into third. I had nothing left in the tank from there, but it’s going to be a really good year, and I’m excited about this start.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna teammate Craig DeLong was also impressive at the season-opening GNCC round despite the muddy conditions, with the former GNCC Champion powering his Husqvarna FX 350 to fourth place in the ever-competitive XC1 Open Pro Class and sixth Overall.

DeLong showed front-running speed throughout the race, leading the XC1 field during the early-to-middle stages, before settling into position. Fourth place also marks a strong points haul for DeLong, with Round 2 of the series taking place at the Wild Boar GNCC from February 28-March 1 in Florida.

“Big Buck was solid for me,” said DeLong. “I had a decent start and was kind of in that three-to-five range early, before being shuffled into the lead there for a little bit. I got passed and then tried to hang with the race leader, but a couple of small mistakes had that get away from me. I made a strong comeback after some crashes, but I’m happy to get out of here with a decent result given the conditions, and we’ll be ready for the next one.”

XC1 Open Pro Class Results

1. Johnny Girroir, KTM
2. Jordan Ashburn, Honda
3. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
4. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
5. Ben Kelley, KTM
6. Grant Davis, KTM

WXC Class Results

1. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
2. Brandy Richards, KTM
3. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

West Hare Scrambles – Round 2

Also on track over the weekend was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing recruit Mateo Oliveira, with the Californian achieving second position in the Pro Class at the Cupid Classic Hare Scramble at Chaney Ranch.

The reigning WHS number one led the field for the opening four laps before surrendering the position after a pit stop interchange and a caught up in a technical creek section. The 23-year-old would ultimately cross the line in P2 onboard his Husqvarna FE 450.

Coupled with his opening round victory, Oliveira sits atop the Pro Class standings on 55 points – 12 clear of second position entering Round 3 in Nevada on March 14-15.

“I got a good start out here today, then ripped the moto track on the first lap and felt I had a good pace going,” said Oliveira. “We had some back and forth with Giacomo [Redondi] for a little bit, and then I pitted the lap before he did, which put him in front of me. I went to chase him down, but in the technical creek section here, someone was stuck in the main line, so I tried a different line and then I got stuck for a little bit as well. We got back going and wrapped it up in P2, which is a good salvage of solid points.”

Pro Class Results

1. Giacomo Redondi, Kawasaki
2. Mateo Oliveira, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Layton Smail, Kawasaki

FMF KTM FACTORY RACING’S JOHNNY GIRROIR OPENS 2026 SEASON WITH BIG BUCK GNCC VICTORY

FMF KTM Factory Racing and Johnny Girroir raced to the XC1 Open Pro Class and Overall victory at a rain-soaked opening round of the 2026 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series in Union, South Carolina, as teammates Jason Tino and Brandy Richards also earned podium finishes to mark an exceptional start to the new season at the Big Buck GNCC.
GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES – ROUND 1

The Big Buck GNCC was a challenging start to the season for all competitors, with unrelenting rain in the region and ultra-muddy conditions proving to be the ultimate test for both riders and their machinery at Round 1.

As a result, a methodical approach was adopted by 2024 GNCC Champion Girroir, which saw the 30-year-old avoid much of the chaos, instead favoring consistency and patience onboard his KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION.

Putting in a sprint over the final two laps to take control of the race at the head of the pack, Girroir raced to a well-earned win to commence his 2026 campaign, eventually greeting the checkered flag in a total time of 2:57.21.

Johnny Girroir: “I tried to stay consistent today – the conditions were super gnarly, so I tried to learn the track and where all the mud holes were before picking up the pace and putting the hammer down with two laps to go. I had a couple of little mistakes, but honestly, I didn’t want to lead the opening laps – I wanted to be there at the end. It was musical chairs up front, so I just focused on staying steady and, overall, I’m stoked on my day and to start the series like this. A big thank you to the FMF KTM Factory Racing team, and all those who help us get here.”

For defending GNCC Champion Ben Kelley, the Big Buck event marked a tough opening round equipped with his KTM 450 XC-F after a sequence of mishaps on the testing terrain saw him claim seventh in the XC1 Open Pro Class. Still, despite the conditions, he collected valuable points toward his championship with 12 rounds remaining.

Ben Kelley: “It was a tough race for me! I made a few mistakes on my own, crashing and getting stuck, so I had to do a lot to keep clawing my way back up the standings while just trying to save my bike and get it to the finish. I’m already looking forward to Round 2 in Florida in a couple of weeks’ time.”

Sunday was also a difficult first outing of the year for XC1 Open Pro Class newcomer and last year’s GNCC runner-up Grant Davis, who was credited 11th in class after running toward the front during the early stages at Round 1 onboard his KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION. With glimpses of speed on display, Davis will shift his sights to the Wild Boar GNCC.

Grant Davis: “My day was going good after I was in a strong position off the start with the leaders. I led a portion of a lap, but then made a few mistakes, so I’m excited to get to Florida next.”

New FMF KTM Factory Racing recruit Jason Tino impressed in his GNCC debut with the team, the New Jersey native launching to a strong start onboard his KTM 250 XC-F, before remaining steady throughout the three-hour-long race duration.

Tino eventually earned a P3 finish in class amid the brutal conditions, which signals a welcome return to GNCC competition after spending much of 2025 sidelined through injuries.

Jason Tino: “I tell you what, it feels good to be back at the races! It was a successful Big Buck for me – it looks a lot like last year, conditions-wise, but it feels good to be back. I got off to a good start and just clicked off my laps. The rain stopped with about two to go, then the track got really slimy and gnarly, which made things tough. Thank you to the FMF KTM Factory Racing team, the bike was amazing all day.”

In the WXC division, FMF KTM Factory Racing rider Brandy Richards found the podium at the Big Buck GNCC, taking her KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION to second overall in the category and starting the 2026 season in convincing fashion.

Brandy Richards: “The first round of GNCC was definitely eventful! We had a lot of rain before and during the race, with a lot of standing water. I didn’t get the best start and went down in the first half-mile, so I lost a lot of time, but I stayed consistent and charged my way up towards the front – had some good battles, but came up a little short of the win. I’m happy with how I rode, especially in the brutal, muddy conditions.”

XC1 Open Pro Class Results

1. Johnny Girroir, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Jordan Ashburn, Honda
3. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
4. Craig DeLong, Husqvarna
5. Ben Kelley, FMF KTM Factory Racing
6. Grant Davis, FMF KTM Factory Racing

XC2 250 Pro Class Results

1. Nicholas Defeo, Kawasaki
2. Angus Riordan, Honda
3. Jason Tino, FMF KTM Factory Racing

WXC Class Results

1. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
2. Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing
3. Korie Steede, Husqvarna

SUZUKI’S KEN ROCZEN SHOWS TOP FORM AT SEATTLE SUPERCROSS

Round 6 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season presented a rutted and technical track inside Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. The racing conditions in the open stadium were a stark departure from the previous round’s hardpacked dirt under a domed stadium. The soft, wet soil rutted up and deteriorated quickly throughout the event, which paid championship points for both the Supercross season and the SMX World Championship.

Race Highlights:

• Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Ecstar Suzuki
  • 450 Class
    • Ken Roczen earned his third heat race win of the season and ran in a podium position for 19 out of 24 laps in the main event.
• Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance
  • 450 Class
    • Jason Anderson bounced back brilliantly from a heat race crash to notch an LCQ victory.
    • Colt Nichols delivered his season-best heat race result and a fastest-sector time in the main event.

Ken Roczen (94) was positioned to back up his Glendale victory with a podium result until a late-race collision dropped him out of the top-three at the Seattle Supercross.

Ken Roczen (94) demonstrated the breadth of his talent in Seattle. After delivering a runaway main event win the weekend before on the hardpack of Glendale, Arizona, Roczen and his Suzuki RM-Z450 earned an uncontested victory in his heat race at the Seattle Supercross. In the Seattle main event, Roczen crossed the holeshot stripe in sixth place then launched a drive to the front; by lap three he had secured third place. As the top three riders pulled clear of the field, Roczen put in surges to get into position to attempt another pass. Late in the race, another rider jumped into Roczen in the sand section and both racers went down. It was the end of Roczen’s hope of a Seattle podium; he crossed the line inside the top ten and remains inside the top 3 in the championship standings. 

“Overall, we had a pretty dang good day, honestly,” said Roczen. “This is always a crazy venue to go to just because the track gets so gnarly. But we had a really good heat race going, won that one, and had first gate pick [for the main]. I got off to a decent start and honestly was putting on a strong charge in the middle of the race and [among the top three riders] we were all bunched up and riding really well. But the track did deteriorate really, really quickly. I had a couple of bad laps there towards the end, and I made a mistake [and I] couldn’t double before the whoops section. That just really cost me and allowed [another rider] to get way too close to me and he pulled a move [that put us both on the ground]. He came over and apologized, and I have no hard feelings towards it at all; I think it was a little bit of a [brief mental lapse]. It’s just unfortunate with situations like that. We pulled the shorter end of the stick until I got going again, and then the main was over. We ended up not with the greatest result, but we’re only 11 points down. Overall, we rode well all day and had a really good main going, so I really can’t be too mad.”

Jason Anderson (21) rebounded from a first turn crash in his heat race to earn the LCQ win in Seattle.

 Jason Anderson (21) held a consecutive string of heat race podiums in 2026, but his streak was ended with a tough crash in his Seattle heat. In the first-turn crash, Anderson tangled with other racers including his teammate, Nichols. Anderson remounted but did not continue beyond the first lap of the heat. Forced to race the LCQ, Anderson was patient on the opening lap before finding the flow of the track and working his way confidently into the lead. On the podium, Anderson told the fans inside Lumen Field that the additional track time was welcomed. The poor gate pick resulted in a poor start in the main for Anderson. After crossing the holeshot stripe in 12th, Anderson battled into the top ten. Anderson fought hard as the track got rougher and earned enough points to take over sole possession of seventh place in the standings. 

“My weekend was pretty tough,” admitted Anderson. “But we ended up 11th. It was just a little bit of a struggle. Maybe next weekend, hopefully, we can be better. But I think tonight I was pretty much hovering in that tenth, 11th, 12th place area.” 

Colt Nichols (45) was on the move, gaining nine positions in his heat race for his best heat result so far in 2026.

Colt Nichols (45) was stopped in the first turn of his heat race when his teammate Anderson tumbled and wound up right in front of Nichol’s front tire. From there, Nichols put on an incredible charge on a track that was unforgiving of rider mistakes. Nichols gained nine spots to card his best heat race result of the season. In the main, a poor start put the odds against Nichols again. The Oklahoman put his head down; Nichols used his Suzuki’s nimble handling to gain four positions and set the main event’s fastest time through the section before the whoops (Sector 3). Nichols brought home a top-15 result, which moved him up in the championship standings by one position. 

“Seattle was an interesting day, to say the least,” said Nichols. “Practice was terrible, to be honest, and then we turned it around a little for the night show. I got into a [tangle] on the first start with Jason and [another rider], then I had to fight my way back and got into sixth in the heat. I feel like I rode really well. In the main event I got off to a little bit of a better start, it still wasn’t great, and then just fought trying to get around some guys and ended up P-13. That’s a little bit better, I didn’t get 16th [again], so I’m happy about that. But there’s a lot of work to do still. We’ll go back home, go to work, and then it’s my hometown race next weekend, so I’m excited.”

“It was a tough weekend in Seattle after fighting for the win early in the main event,” stated Dustin Pipes, Principal for the Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance team. “Even with everything that transpired, we are still only 11 points out of the championship lead. It’s time to get back to work and regroup in Arlington next weekend.” 

The next Supercross race takes place this Saturday inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Suzuki riders, mechanics, and team members are ready for the challenges of the season and eager to deliver more wins and podium rides with their Suzuki RM-Z450s. 

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