This Week in Powersports Racing – the week of February 8, 2026

This week in US Powersports racing.

Ken Roczen Wins in Glendale to Become Fourth Different Winner in Five Races to Open 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Season

The fifth round of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship was headlined by the largest audience ever for a Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship race inside State Farm Stadium, which also included unprecedented attendance at FanFest. The record crowd was treated to a memorable night of racing that provided a shakeup of the early 450SMX Class title fight as Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki’s Ken Roczen became the fourth different winner in the first five races, while Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence took over the points lead. It all unfolded after misfortune hindered entering points leader and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Eli Tomac to a finish outside the top 10.

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship welcomed its largest crowd ever inside State Farm Stadium for the fifth race of the 2026 season.

The 450SMX Class Main Event began with ISRT MX4Christ Kawasaki’s Vince Friese briefly out front for the holeshot before Lawrence grabbed the early lead ahead of Roczen and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb, the defending series champion and winner of last weekend’s race in Houston. Behind them, Tomac was taken to the ground entering the first turn by Quad Lock Honda’s Christian Craig, who lost traction and collided with his KTM-mounted counterpart. Tomac took his time to re-enter the race and resumed well back of the field in 22nd place. Back up front, Lawrence paced the field for the opening stint of the 20 Minutes + 1 Lap Main Event until Roczen went on the attack and seized control of the lead with about 16 minutes left on the race clock. The German’s impressive pace allowed him to establish a lead of about 3.5 seconds, which he managed for the majority of the race. Lawrence asserted a firm hold of second, as Webb slowly lost touch with the lead duo and soon settled in all by himself in third. As the lead trio strengthened their respective positions, the attention shifted to Tomac and his recovery from the early misfortune. Once he caught the rear of the field, Tomac methodically worked his way up the running order, picking off riders one-by-one until he found himself on the cusp of the top 10 in the closing stages of the race.

Roczen went unchallenged en route to his fifth victory inside State Farm Stadium, where he took the checkered flag 3.3 seconds ahead of Lawrence, who captured a fourth straight runner-up finish. Webb followed up his win with a third-place effort, while Tomac climbed up to 12th and salvaged what could have been a devastating night in the championship.

Roczen’s triumph was the 24th of his decorated career and he has now emerged victorious across seven consecutive seasons. It served as an emotional win for the veteran, following a Friday announcement from Pipes Motorsports Group that revealed esteemed team manager Larry Brooks has been diagnosed with cancer and has taken a leave from the races as he undergoes treatment.

Lawrence, whose fifth career runner-up is tied for the second-most without a win in series history, moved atop the 450SMX Class standings and took possession of the red plate for the first time in the premier division. He currently holds a five-point lead over Roczen, while Tomac dropped to third, eight points behind Lawrence.

Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki’s Ken Roczen became the fourth different winner in five races with an impressive performance in Glendale.

Ken Roczen – 1st Place – 450SMX Class

“This feels unreal. I got a good start and then Friese cut me off going into the first turn, which I expected, which slowed my momentum a little bit. [Eventually] I was able to pass Hunter [Lawrence] and I knew it was going to be a long Main Event because trying to put a gap [on the field] was really hard and the track was tricky. It was just so fast, and everything was built super tall. I’m just really happy.

“I want to dedicate this win specifically to Larry [Brooks]. He hasn’t been able to be with us here the last few races. It really hurts all of our hearts. He loves this more than anybody. This one goes out to him.”

With his fourth straight runner-up finish Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence has moved atop the 450SMX Class standings for the first time.

Hunter Lawrence – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class

“It’s bittersweet. I got a great start and was in a great position. Kenny [Roczen] was riding unreal tonight. He was riding a lot better than me in the first 10 minutes and opened that gap. I just didn’t quite have it. I didn’t feel amazing, just flat, but not bad. We’ll take it. [Getting] the red plate is cool, but we’ve got a long season ahead.”

One week after his first win of the season defending champion Cooper Webb finished third aboard his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine.

Cooper Webb – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class

“It was a good night overall. I think we know this hasn’t always been my best place [results wise], so I was really happy with that result. Kenny [Roczen] was riding awesome and I was right there with Hunter [Lawrence] for a bit and then he started inching away. I fell into a bit of a no-man’s land and took it for a third. I’m happy with that. Happy to leave here with good points. A podium here is a win for me.”

450SMX Class Podium (left to right)
Hunter Lawrence, Ken Rcozen, and Cooper Webb

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac endured through his toughest night of the young season and lost his hold of the points lead after a 12th-place finish.

Eli Tomac – 12th Place – 450SMX Class

“I put myself in a position where bad things can happen. I started off a little bit pinched [by other riders] and then got taken out by Craig. I don’t know what happened before that or why he crashed. All I know is Craig hit me and I was done. It took me a little while to get warmed up again, to get my body loosened up and going. That’s what I had to get back to 12th. The good thing is we’re not too far down [in the championship]. We’ll just have to do some digging now.”

The fifth race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class was arguably the most dominant yet for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, the reigning West champion. He stormed out the gate to open the 15 Minutes + 1 Lap Main Event with a convincing holeshot that he turned into a multi-second lead just a couple laps into the race. From there, Deegan never looked back and continued to add to his advantage. Fellow Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider Michael Mosiman gave chase from second, while Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco battled for third. McAdoo held the position initially but gave way to DiFrancesco for several laps before the Kawasaki rider reclaimed the position and inched away from his rival. As the race wore on, all eyes centered on Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen, who was on an incredible charge through the field after he rounded the first turn in 19th place. The Washington native made an improbable climb into the top five and then passed his teammate McAdoo to move into podium position with less than three minutes remaining. Kitchen’s journey forward didn’t end there as he caught and passed Mosiman for second with 90 seconds to go and even had Deegan in his sights on the final lap.

Deegan’s command of the Main Event was never threatened, and he easily amassed a wire-to-wire performance for his fourth straight victory. He took the 11th win of his career by 4.1 seconds over Kitchen, who passed 17 riders to secure back-to-back runner-up finishes. McAdoo made a late charge to catch and pass Mosiman and finish third for the second consecutive race, which resulted in an identical podium from the previous race.

Deegan further solidified his command of the Western Divisional standings and has a lead of more than a single race, at 27 points over Mosiman, who finished fourth. DiFrancesco, who finished fifth, sits third, 29 points out of the lead. McAdoo and Kitchen sit fifth and sixth, respectively.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan went wire-to-wire for his fourth straight Western Divisional 250SMX Class victory.

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

“These races have been solid. Lots of hard work with the family and the team. Thank you to Yamaha and the whole Star Racing team, my bike is amazing. This feels good. The hard work I put in this offseason, it’s paid off. It shows who works hard and who doesn’t.”

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen impressed in a runner-up effort that saw him pass 17 riders in a climb from 19th to second.

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

“It’s a good night with a lot of positives, but there’s always a negative in my nights [as well]. I can’t be doing that when [Deegan] is doing everything right. Track position is really important, and I didn’t help myself there, but I feel good. I’ve just got to keep working and keep fighting.”

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo earned his third podium finish in the past four races.

Cameron McAdoo – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class

“I fought hard for that one. I got myself into third on the first lap and then in the option lane I chose the inside, which let Ryder [DiFrancesco] slingshot around me. Then I got him [back for third], then Levi [Kitchen] came and got me [for third]. With three to go I was fourth and I was pretty far from Michael [Mosiman], but I had been digging the whole time. I saw him and saw where I had some more in the tank and just made it happen.”

Western Divisional 250SMX Class Podium - Glendale

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

The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday for the sixth race of the season from Seattle’s Lumen Field. 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 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 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.

For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Ryder DiFrancesco races to P5 in 250SX at Glendale

Result elevates him to third position in Western Division standings at halfway point

DiFrancesco displayed exceptional pace from the outset on the sprawling State Farm Stadium layout, qualifying fifth on combined times aboard his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition ahead of the night program.

The 20-year-old was up-front early in 250SX Heat 2 before a fall in the challenging sand section dropped him toward the rear of the field. However, the Californian would mount an impressive recovery ride, climbing through the pack to secure a hard-fought eighth-place finish and a direct transfer to the Main Event.

A solid start and Main Event performance saw DiFrancesco run inside the top-three throughout the opening stages, before ultimately earning a consistent fifth-place result, taking valuable championship points and climbing to third in the championship entering Seattle next weekend. “Glendale was good,”recalled DiFrancesco.“I started off the day really fast in qualifying and then ended up going down in the Heat Race, but managed to fight my way back to eighth. That gave me a bad gate pick, but I positioned myself really well, actually, to start the Main Event. I ran third for a while, and lost a couple of places from there, so we have some work that needs doing between now and the next one, but I like the ruts and I like Seattle. We’ll make some tweaks and come out swinging next weekend!”

For 450SX contender Malcolm Stewart, the Floridian endured a difficult outing at the fifth round of the 2026 SMX World Championship, finishing seventh in Heat 2 onboard his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition. A pair of untimely crashes during the Main Event ultimately forced the 33-year-old to retire in the latter stages of the race, bringing an early end to his night inside State Farm Stadium.
Premier class teammate RJ Hampshire did not line up for the night program at the fifth round after coming down with illness in the days leading up to the race weekend. The 30-year-old briefly took to the track during qualifying, however, the decision was collectively made to withdraw from the remainder of Glendale and focus on a full recovery ahead of Seattle.

Next Race: February 14 – Seattle, Washington

Results 450SX Class – Glendale1. Ken Roczen (Suzuki)2. Hunter Lawrence (Honda)3. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)5. Jorge Prado (KTM)8. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)10. Justin Hill (KTM)12. Eli Tomac (KTM)22. Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)
Standings 450SX Class 2026 after 5 of 17 rounds1. Hunter Lawrence, 106 points2. Ken Roczen, 1013. Eli Tomac, 987. Jorge Prado, 7311. Aaron Plessinger, 5013. Justin Hill, 4014. RJ Hampshire, 3815. Malcolm Stewart, 36

Results 250SX Class – Glendale1. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha)2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki)3. Cameron McAdoo (Kawasaki)5. Ryder DiFrancesco (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)

Standings 250SX Class 2026 after 5 of 10 rounds1. Haiden Deegan 118 points2. Michael Mosiman, 913. Ryder DiFrancesco, 89

JORGE PRADO CONTINUES 450SX PROGRESSION WITH GLENDALE TOP-FIVE

Round 5 – AMA Supercross Championship

The four-time world champion continued his progression in the 2026 SMX World Championship season inside State Farm Stadium, posting the fastest qualifying time in the afternoon with a 56.451s lap on the high-speed, technical Arizona layout.

The 25-year-old followed that by controlling 450SX Heat 2 from start to finish onboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, before a top-10 start translated into a composed fifth-place result in the Main Event to conclude round five of the series. With his Glendale finish, Prado advances to seventh position in the championship standings.

Jorge Prado:”My start was actually very good, it was just that I didn’t have much space entering the first corner. But still, I managed to get around the turn decently, and then I was battling back and forth with Justin [Cooper], which made me get a little bit tight. I ended up bringing it home in P5, which I would say is a solid night. We’re getting better and better with P1 in qualifying and the Heat Race, and then fifth in the Main Event is a good progression. I am happy with my riding and effort, so thanks to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team – they’re doing a great job, we have a great bike, and hopefully I can put it on the box again soon.”

Entering the Glendale round as the 450SX red plate-holder, Eli Tomac arrived READY TO RACE on his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION and charged to the second-fastest time during the qualifying sessions, only marginally behind teammate Prado.

A strong start in 450SX Heat 1 saw the two-time Supercross champion take the holeshot, going on to control the race from the front as he recorded a decisive 5.987s victory and secured a strong gate selection for the Main Event.

The Colorado native endured a challenging start to the Main, however, after being caught up in a multi-rider, first turn incident, before remounting to make a determined climb from the rear of the field to finish 12th, salvaging valuable championship points in the process. Tomac is now positioned third in the series, eight points outside of the lead.

Eli Tomac:“I put myself in a position where bad things can happen. I got a little pinched at the start and then got taken out – so I don’t know what happened before that, all I know is, I was done. It took me a little while to get warmed up again, kind of got my body loosened up and going, and that’s what I had to get back to 12th. The good thing is, we’re not too far down – we’re fine – so we’ll just have to do some digging now.”

Also equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Aaron Plessinger qualified a promising ninth overall during the afternoon sessions, later claiming a direct transfer to the 450SX Main Event courtesy of a sixth-place finish in his Heat Race.

‘The Cowboy’ then battled inside the top-10 throughout the Main Event in Arizona and ultimately claimed eighth position when the checkered flag flew, providing a solid platform to build upon entering the middle stages of the Supercross season.

Aaron Plessinger:”Glendale was a step in the right direction. The result may not show it, but the last few weeks have been really tough, so this week was a lot better as a stepping stone and I think we are on the way to turning things around. I felt better on the bike – that was my first 20-minute moto since San Diego – and it is safe to say that things have been up and down. But, either way, we are moving forward, and that’s a positive for us. We’ll go back, do some more homework this week, and show up for Seattle! I’m ready to go.”

Next Race: February 14 – Seattle, Washington

Results 450SX Class – Glendale

Ken Roczen (Suzuki)
Hunter Lawrence (Honda)
Cooper Webb (Yamaha)
Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
Justin Hill (KTM)
Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna)

Standings 450SX Class 2026 after 5 of 17 rounds

Hunter Lawrence, 106 points
Ken Roczen, 101
Eli Tomac, 98
Jorge Prado, 73
Aaron Plessinger, 50
Justin Hill, 40
RJ Hampshire, 38
Malcolm Stewart, 36

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis Stays Steady Under Pressure

The Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Team delivered a substantial performance in sunny, hot conditions at the Glendale Supercross, a race defined by the longest start straight of the season and by full-throttle intensity throughout the night.

The Glendale track was built to emphasize power and starts, and the Ducati Desmo450 MX rose to the challenge. Improved launches off the start throughout the day highlighted the bike’s horsepower and marked a clear step forward for the team. Although the morning began with setup challenges, the crew worked through the issues, ultimately identifying and correcting, turning the day into a positive step in overall development.

Dylan Ferrandis entered the weekend under the weather but ready to push forward. The day took an early hurdle during Qualifying 1 when Ferrandis was struck by a rock from another rider, resulting in a laceration to his eyebrow that required stitches and forced him to retire early from the session.

With limited track time compared to the rest of the field, Ferrandis returned for Qualifying 2, finishing 15th overall and lining up for Heat Race 2.

In the heat race, Ferrandis delivered one of the highlights of the night with a strong start, a major positive for the team after prioritizing starts and starting positions. Running fourth off the gate in a stacked heat, he ultimately finished 8th.

Ferrandis carried momentum into the Main Event with another excellent start, crossing the line around fourth place on the opening lap. After being shuffled just outside the top five early, he battled in the 7th–8th range before settling into 9th by lap nine, where he would finish. The result marked his fourth top-ten finish of the season and his third ninth-place result.

“It was overall a very difficult day for me,” said Dylan Ferrandis. “I came to this race a little sick. Then 1st practice, I was hit by a rock… and I cut my eyebrow and I had to pull out from the practice to go stitches. So we lost one full practice and track time and was struggling a lot with a good feeling on the track. I had great starts every time we were on track, so that was very, very positive for today. I struggled a bit with the bike set up, and I made some change for main event and It was better. It was a bad beginning of the day but We salvaged to make at least the same result as my best result so far.”

Despite the adversity, Glendale proved to be a valuable round for the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Team, showcasing improved starts, continued progress with the Desmo450 MX, and the resilience to turn a difficult beginning into another solid top-ten finish.

MONSTER ENERGY® PRO CIRCUIT KAWASAKI RIDERS CLAIM BACK-TO-BACK PODIUMS

Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders Levi Kitchen and Cameron McAdoo powered to another double podium finish at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Glendale, Arizona. Kitchen earned a hard-fought second-place finish, while McAdoo rode a consistent race to cross the line just behind his teammate in third. Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Chase Sexton battled through a challenging race to secure seventh place, while Garrett Marchbanks continued his steady progression with a solid performance, finishing with his best result of the season in 13th place.

In 250SX Qualifying, Kitchen laid down consistently fast laps, briefly topping the board during the second session before ending second overall. McAdoo delivered two solid sessions as well, showing strong speed in the second session to take third overall, behind his teammate.

In Heat 1, Kitchen pulled a strong start, swapping positions with the riders around him through the opening lap. The No. 47 Kawasaki quickly charged forward, joining a tight three-rider battle at the front. Kitchen then pushed past two riders to take second in the heat race, while also recording the fastest lap of the race and half of the fastest sector times. In Heat 2, McAdoo launched out of the gate and rounded the first turn in second. Caught up in rider traffic, he was shuffled back a few positions before finding open track and charging back to third in the closing laps.

In the 250 Main Event, McAdoo rocketed out of the gate aboard his KX™250, rounding the first turn in third before battling with other riders on the opening lap. Kitchen, meanwhile, had a less-than-ideal start and would come out of the opening lap towards the back of the pack. Undeterred, Kitchen made strategic passes on his charge to the front of the field. McAdoo made a bold pass to move back into third, while Kitchen continued his charge forward, breaking the Top 5 by the midway point. Focused on the front, Kitchen reached his teammate and made an assertive pass to take over a podium position before advancing into second place before the checkered flag waved. In his rally to the finish, the No. 47 passed an impressive 17 riders and posted the fastest time in three sectors. After being pushed back to fourth, McAdoo kept his sights firmly on the podium and, with two laps remaining, made the move for third to secure another finish on the box. Overall, the night ended with both 250 Class riders moving up one position in the championship standings, with McAdoo now fifth and Kitchen sixth overall.

In 450SX Qualifying, Sexton used the first session to learn the track while still posting strong laps to clock the fastest time in sectors four and six. After making adjustments to the bike, the No. 4 Kawasaki felt stronger in the second session, able to push to fifth overall. Marchbanks felt comfortable on the track as well, turning in his best qualifying result of the season with 12th overall.

In Heat 1, Marchbanks pulled a strong start and positioned himself just outside the Top 5. The No. 36 Kawasaki rode consistent laps as he held his ground to finish sixth and transfer directly into the main event. In Heat 2, Sexton had a less-than-ideal start, slipping to mid-pack down the start straight. Sexton powered through the field to finish fifth while setting the fastest lap time of the race.

In the 450 Main Event, Sexton found himself off balance out of the gate while Marchbanks skillfully avoided a multi-rider crash down the start straight. Sexton emerged in 13th, with Marchbanks close behind in 16th. Both riders put their heads down and charged forward through the field. Sexton never stopped pushing, clocking fast laps and the fastest time in three sectors, but he ultimately settled for seventh on the night. Marchbanks worked his way up to 11th but started to tighten up in the closing minutes and slipped to 13th. A solid effort from the No. 36 as he captured his best result thus far this season and continues to progress in the class.

“It was a pretty good night. There were a lot of positives, but my Achilles heel this season has been my starts, and that’s something I plan to work on all week in practice. I’m happy with my riding, so I don’t feel like I need to make any adjustments in that area. Overall, I’m satisfied with my result tonight, but I know I can do better. I would’ve liked to catch up to the front more, but with how spread out the field was, you can’t expect to make up that much time. This week, I’m going to stay in California with the team and head into Seattle looking for better results. I’ve just got to keep working and keep pushing.”

– Levi Kitchen

“I had to fight for that one tonight, but I felt the best I’ve felt throughout a main event in a while. I got passed back to fourth on the first lap due to a line choice. I focused on where I was going and picked apart the different lines and where I could make passes. I knew where I could be better once I focused on my race, and I passed Ryder [DiFrancesco] back. I made a mistake later on with around three laps to go, and my teammate, Levi [Kitchen], passed me. I looked up, and I saw Michael Mosiman in front of me, and I knew I could make up another position since he was close. I wasn’t done; I knew I was going to get a podium tonight. Having my sister here meant a lot, and that gave me some extra motivation. I can’t thank my team enough for sticking with me through the early rounds. This one was special, and it felt great to put two Pro Circuit bikes on the podium again.”

– Cameron McAdoo

“Not the results I was looking for today. We had some positive moments to take away from the day and some adjustments we made to the bike that are going in the right direction. I felt like I had the speed all day to run up front, but my starts were holding me back today from being up there. In the main event, I really had to work to get up to where I did. Seventh was unfortunately all I had in me today, and I’m not satisfied with it. We’ll continue to test and build this week and look towards Seattle.”

– Chase Sexton

“We made really good progress during the week leading into Glendale. We put in a lot of time on Tuesday and Wednesday to get the bike dialed in. We put in about 100-120 laps altogether in just those two days of riding. We made a lot of changes to the bike to help me feel more comfortable. I wanted to make adjustments that would make me feel more at home when we go racing, and I felt like we made the right decisions during this week to lead to that this weekend. In qualifying, I felt really good in both sessions and qualified my best in the second session. In the main event, I didn’t get the best start and had some riders flinch on the gate near me that didn’t help. There was a big first turn crash that I was able to avoid, and I made some good passes midway through the race. I got up to 11th and started to lose my flow in the last five minutes. I’m working on getting up to race pace shape with the longer format in the premier class, but I’m happy with 13th, my best result of the season so far. We’ll keep moving forward and look to next weekend.”

– Garrett Marchbanks

Building Momentum: Cooper Webb Returns to the Podium in Glendale

Yes, the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Championship spans 17 rounds, but in a class stacked with championship-proven veterans and hungry young challengers, urgency sets in quickly when things aren’t going to plan. Momentum matters. And for Cooper Webb, last weekend’s win in Houston marked a major shift in the right direction. Now, with a third-place finish at Round 5 in Glendale, Arizona—a venue that has historically been a tough stop for the reigning champion—that momentum continues to build.

“Being on the podium here is a win for me,” Webb said. “We’ll start getting to these tracks that I really enjoy, so we’re back in the swing of things, which is nice.”

It wasn’t just a good night for Webb. It was positive momentum for both riders on the team, with Justin Cooper continuing to make improvements—earning both his best heat race and main event result thus far this season.

“It was a pretty good day overall,” said Rich Simmons, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 450 Team Manager. “We made a few adjustments, mainly with Justin throughout the day. The main goal was improving in the whoops and the starts, and I felt like he improved with both. He skimmed the whoops all night, got himself a good start, and rode really well in the main event. For Webb, it was another solid night here. It’s been a tough place for him to come to and get a good result over the years, and now he has two podiums, two years in a row, which is pretty good.”

From the start of the day at State Farm Stadium, both Webb and Cooper showed speed, posting solid qualifying times and getting good starts. It was also a good battle between the two in that first 450SX Heat Race of the evening, with Cooper making a pass on Webb around the halfway point and finishing third.

Then, in the main event, it was another good start with Webb making moves early to third. He tried to close the gap to the front, but ultimately was happy to score valuable points with the final podium spot. The result moved him up to fourth in the standings, now just 15 points from the leader.

“Glendale Supercross was a good night for me, overall,” Webb reflected. “Qualifying was good, and I felt good all day. I was able to get a good start in the main event, get into third, and kind of rode there all night. I was there with Hunter (Lawrence) for a little bit, and then, the boys just kind of got me. But, overall, I’m happy with the night. For me, this is a place that isn’t my favorite, so it’s good to get a podium here. We’ll keep the ball rolling.”

For Cooper, Glendale marked a noticeable step forward. After passing Webb in the heat race, the New Yorker rode away to a secure third, earning a strong gate pick for the main event. He backed it up with another good start, slotting in behind his teammate before moving into fourth on Lap 2, maintaining the position to the finish.

“I got decent starts in the heat and the main,” Cooper said. “I felt like I had a good pace going at the front. I made a few mistakes in the middle, just trying to push. This track is a little bit hard to push on, so you almost have to relax a bit to find a better flow to move forward, and that’s kind of what I started to find towards the end.”

Like Webb, Cooper left Arizona encouraged by the progress, and excited for when the series heads east.

“It was a big improvement from last weekend,” Cooper said.“Fourth place on a track and dirt that I usually struggle on a lot was really good. I was close to the podium, but we’ll take it as a win, and we’ll move on to next weekend in Seattle. Then we go east. I’m excited for the rounds coming up and dirt that suits me a little bit more.”

Make That Four in a Row for Haiden Deegan

It’s been full steam ahead for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan since San Diego Supercross. The 20-year-old has been unstoppable, and at Round 5 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX West Championship, he delivered another masterclass performance at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The reigning champ continued to add to his list of accomplishments in what is his final title campaign aboard the YZ250F. Thus far in 2026, Deegan has notched four consecutive wins – including a Triple Crown sweep in Houston – four heat race wins, and four straight fastest qualifier honors. He added to the momentum in Glendale with a pair of holeshots, one in the heat race and one in the main event, allowing him to lead from start to finish on the technical track.

“Four in a row, and it was another perfect day, so yeah, it’s amazing,” Deegan said about the day. “The track was pretty technical in the main event, pretty slick, but we were able to make it happen. I finally pulled a holeshot in the main event, so that was very nice. That’s a wrap on Glendale. Now we’re on to Seattle.”

Deegan now holds a commanding 27-point lead at the halfway mark of the 250SX West Championship. With one round remaining before the series break, he’s focused on keeping the momentum rolling while also looking ahead to what’s next.

”I’m so excited to get on a 450 and start getting ready for outdoors,” Deegan said. “These races have been solid. It’s been lots of hard work with the family and the team, and my bike has been amazing. Man, this feels good. The hard work that I put in during the preseason, it paid off, and it shows you who works and who doesn’t.”

After a tough outing in Houston, Michael Mosiman rebounded with a strong performance in Glendale. The Californian got a solid start in his heat race, running third before making the pass for second on Lap 3 and riding a smart race to the finish. In the main event, Mosiman once again got a strong start and slotted into second behind Deegan, holding the position for much of the race. Late pressure saw him lose spots to Levi Kitchen and Cameron McAdoo in the closing laps, ultimately finishing fourth. The result, however, moved him back into second in the championship standings.

“Glendale delivered a solid points night,” Mosiman said. “Qualifying wasn’t where I wanted it to be, but I had confidence in my riding and my abilities going into the main event. My starts were strong, which was a big focus for me after last weekend, so that was a positive takeaway. Losing the podium in the final laps was frustrating, and that’s on me. I know exactly where I need to improve, and I’m confident I can make those adjustments to finish races stronger. I’ve worked hard to get back to a place where I’m consistently fighting for podiums, and the same determination and resilience that got me here will keep driving me forward. A big thank you to the team for their effort and support.”

Max Anstie’s night proved challenging. He got a flying start to the first heat race of the evening, but unfortunately went wide and off track, rejoining towards the back of the field. The British rider put his head down, making an impressive charge through to fifth, but then a bad start in the main event made for an uphill battle. In 16th after the opening lap, he charged his way through to eighth by the halfway mark, where he would ultimately finish.

“It was not a good day today,” said Anstie. “I got a bad start in the main and only made it back to eighth. I did all that I could, but it wasn’t good enough tonight.”

“It was definitely nice for Haiden to leave here with another pretty perfect night,” said Wil Hahn, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 250 Team General Manager. “Mosi (Michael Mosiman) was riding well and unfortunately lost the podium at the end of the race, but he’s second in the championship. Max just had an off night. We need a nice reset and will come back next weekend.”

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing will be looking to finish on a high note before the Western Divisional 250 class goes on break. They head to Seattle, Washington, next weekend for Round 6 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the Monster Energy SMX World Championship series at Lumen Field on February 14.

SUZUKI’S KEN ROCZEN WINS GLENDALE SUPERCROSS

Glendale, Arizona provided warm weather for Round 5 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, which also served as Round 5 for the SMX World Championship. The Supercross track inside State Farm Stadium challenged the riders and thrilled the fans with high speeds, tall obstacles, and a technical sand section..

Race Highlights:

Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Ecstar Suzuki
- 450 Class
  - Ken Roczen earned his first victory of the season and advanced into second place in the championship standings.
Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance
- 450 Class
  - Jason Anderson blitzed through the pack to recover maximum points after a first-turn incident.
  - Colt Nichols used newfound speed to gain positions throughout the Glendale main event.

Ken Roczen (94) was the fastest rider in Arizona, setting the quickest lap of the main event en route to a dominating win of the Glendale Supercross.

Ken Roczen (94) came into Round 5 with three Glendale wins already under his belt. Roczen slotted his Suzuki RM-Z450 into the starting gate with his sights set on his first main event victory of 2026. Roczen got a good jump off the gate and a strong drive down the start straight. Another rider pushed Roczen wide, and he crossed the holeshot stripe in third position. Roczen was quickly into second, then used an aggressive inside line in the sand section to take over the lead entering the fourth lap. From there, Roczen balanced aggression and finesse; he steadily pulled a five second gap as the track deteriorated and the lapped riders thickened. Roczen crossed the checkers and earned his fourth Supercross win in Glendale, his third on a Suzuki RM-Z450. The victory moved Roczen into second position in the point standings, just five points away from running the red plate. Roczen has now won a Supercross main event every year since joining the Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear ECSTAR Suzuki team in 2023.

“Glendale, Arizona, you have been a hell of a [good] time,” Roczen said back at the rig. “We always want to get better. Our riding has been so good over these last few weeks, but we were lacking in the starts. So, we did a bunch of testing this week for the first time in a long time. I’m glad that we did, because it shows that we want to get better, and starts nowadays are so important. Tonight we got a good start in the main event and we just had overall such good momentum. My motorcycle worked great, and we were able to take it all the way to the checkered flag. [It was] a phenomenal first place for me as part of my family, Griff, my oldest, and my wife were here. So, to do it again in Arizona, this is my fourth win [here], I kind of have to let it sink in a little bit on the flight home and enjoy this one.”

Roczen dedicated the win to his Team Manager, Larry Brooks, who recently announced a battle with Stage 2 colon cancer that is being met with determination and optimism. On the podium, Roczen told the stadium crowd and viewers at home, “I want to dedicate this race win specifically to Larry. He hasn’t been able to be with us here the last few races, which really hurts all of our hearts. He loves this more than anybody; this one goes out to him. We’re talking every single day, morning ‘till night, and even though he couldn’t be here, I dedicate this win to him. Larry, I love you. Congrats as well.”

Jason Anderson (21) set the fastest time through the whoops section in the Glendale main event.

Jason Anderson (21) grabbed his fourth heat race podium in four heat race starts (Round 4’s Triple Crown format forgoes heat races). Anderson showed incredible speed through the whoops section and recorded the fastest time for that track sector in his heat. In the main event, Anderson ran into trouble early and found himself in 21st place when the racers commenced lap one. Anderson kept his speed advantage in the whoops section, again setting the fastest sector time, and gained ten positions over the 20-minute plus one lap race.

“This weekend was not the best, but my riding was a lot better in the main event, so that was nice,” Anderson reported. “In the heat race I started in [fifth], got up to third, and ended up third. And then in the main event I [got squeezed on the corner exit and] stalled it in the first corner and then worked my way back up to 11th. I think my riding was quite a bit better than where I finished, but we’ll get there.”

Colt Nichols (45) picked himself off the ground in the first corner then charged forward to capture strong championship points.

Colt Nichols (45) was able to once again get up to race speed early in the day; he matched his season-best qualifying position in the first session. He kept the ball rolling into the night’s racing and matched his season-best heat race result for a direct transfer into the main event. When racers entered the first corner of the main, Nichols was entangled up in a multi-rider crash. Nichols quickly remounted and set out after the pack; he clawed his way forward and matched his overall result from the previous three rounds.

“I crashed in the first turn with [two other riders who collided],” said Nichols. “I tried to do everything I could to come back, but the field was pretty spread out, not like in a big group, and I just couldn’t really do anything with it. So, P-16 for the night. I’m frustrated, I want to get out of the gate better and try to put myself in a better position. I’m sick of being back there. [My position is] just the result of being back in the back of the pack, being stuck, and running into guys and crashing. We just need to be better out of the gate, straight up. But my riding’s a lot better. I’m improving every weekend through practice and the heats. I’ve just got to be better in the main.”

“It was a really, really great night for the team. Ken with the win; it’s a really big win at a really big point in the season,” reported Dustin Pipes, Principal for the Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance Team. “We closed the points gap, we’re down five points now, and more importantly he really rode great. It was a complete win, and it was very good to see. Obviously with the news of Larry being out for an extended period of time, Ken has been wanting to get a win for him. It’s good that he got this weight off his shoulders and he was able to get this win for Larry, because he’s someone that’s on our minds and in our prayers. Jason and Colt also rode extremely well. The results didn’t show it, but first-turn wrecks had both guys [in 20th and 21st]. Jason’s times were comparable to the top five, and I think if we wouldn’t have fallen that’s where he would have finished; Colt would’ve been right around the top ten. What’s great about Ken’s win is that it’s putting us on a good trajectory for the rest of the season.”

The Supercross season moves north and west to Lumen Field, the home stadium of the Superbowl-winning Seattle Seahawks, where Round 6 takes place on Saturday, February 14th. The Suzuki riders and team members have proven they have the equipment and the talent to win, and they are looking ahead to more outstanding performances in the 2026 season.

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

Korie Steede and Craig DeLong achieve strong results at National Enduro opener

It was an encouraging start to the 2026 American National Enduro Championship (ANEC) for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing pairing Korie Steede and Craig DeLong on Sunday, both achieving podium results at the Sumter National Enduro in South Carolina.

American National Enduro Championship – Round 1

NE Pro Women Class contender Steede delivered a standout performance at Sumter, establishing the lead from the outset and maintaining control throughout all six tests.

Steede ultimately finished more than five minutes clear of second place in the category, opening her 2026 ANEC campaign in winning fashion onboard her Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition.

“I came into this weekend a little unaware of where I was going to end up,” commented Steede. “I was feeling really good on the bike practicing in the lead up, so my confidence was high, although being out of a series for a couple of years, you just never really know until the first round. After test one, I think I was ahead by something like 40 seconds, and from there I was having a lot of fun, really gelling with the track, and hopefully we’ll do much the same from here on out for the rest of the season.”

For NE Pro1 contender DeLong, he featured toward the front aboard his FX 350, taking two test victories and remaining in race-winning contention throughout the day. The 29-year-old finished up the opener in P2, forming a strong foundation as the series heads to Round 2 in Oklahoma from March 21-22.

“My day was good!” reflected DeLong. “Honestly, I wouldn’t say I surprised myself, but I felt really good and was able to win a couple of tests and put myself back in that fight. This is the best I have ever ridden here at Sumter, which kind of surprised me as well. But I love the trail down here, and the club put a nice amount of work in to make the trail smooth, tough, and tight. It had a little bit of everything, so I really enjoyed it. I’m coming into this year feeling more prepared – we’re pretty dialed in – and my bike is feeling really good. We’ve put in a good amount of work and I’m excited for the season ahead – big thanks to the whole Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team.”

NE Pro1 Class Results

1. Liam Draper, Yamaha

2. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

3. Grant Baylor, Kawasaki

7. Ben Kelley, KTM

NE Pro Women Class Results

1. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

2. Shelby Turner, Triumph

3. Rachel Gutish, Reiju

FMF KTM FACTORY RACING’S JASON TINO CLAIMS PRO2 PODIUM AT SUMTER NATIONAL ENDURO

FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Jason Tino finished second in the NE Pro2 Class at Round 1 of the 2026 American National Enduro Championship (ANEC) in Sumter, South Carolina, where teammate Ben Kelley opened his season with a seventh-place result in Pro1.

AMERICAN NATIONAL ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 1

Equipped with the KTM 250 XC-F, Tino delivered a convincing performance across the six tests contested at the Sumter National Enduro, maintaining second position in class from the outset despite a crash in test four.

Aside from that late mishap, the 22-year-old demonstrated consistency in his first outing of the year with the FMF KTM Factory Racing team.

Tino finished just over a minute from the NE Pro2 Class victory, collecting a valuable haul of points to open the National Enduro Championship, with Round 2 set to take place at Cross Timbers in Oklahoma between March 21-22.

Jason Tino: “The first round went pretty well and I was happy with my consistency. The bike worked great, so a big thanks to the team for getting me dialed in and all the support. My tests were good – I just focused on staying smooth and hitting my marks while moving forward, and it turned out well aside from my crash in the fourth test. Eyes are on Round 2 now!”

FMF KTM Factory Racing teammate Ben Kelley opened his 2026 ANEC campaign with a measured performance, rebounding from a collision with another rider during the opening test. The NE1 Pro contender steadily recovered from that early setback to claim seventh position in class aboard his KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION.

Ben Kelley: “I had a good day going at Round 1 in Sumter – I had a nice flow and felt like my roll speed was solid all day. I had that little incident with another rider in the first test, although other than that, it was decent. Obviously, a few little mistakes here and there, but overall, everything felt pretty good and we just posted what was a steady day to start the season.”

NE Pro1 Class Results
1. Liam Draper, Yamaha
2. Craig DeLong, Husqvarna
3. Grant Baylor, Kawasaki
7. Ben Kelley, FMF KTM Factory Racing

NE Pro2 Class Results
1. Nicholas Defeo, Kawasaki
2. Jason Tino, FMF KTM Factory Racing
3. Ryan Piper, KTM

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Announces 2026 Team Dunlop Elite Flat Track Program

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires enters the 2026 season continuing its role as the official tire partner of American Flat Track (AFT), extending a long-standing commitment to the sport and to the continued growth of the Team Dunlop Elite Flat Track program. Built to support the next generation of flat track racers, the Elite program remains a proven pathway for amateur riders advancing toward the professional ranks.

“Dunlop’s dedication to amateur racing in the United States is unmatched,” said Chad Geer, Dunlop Director of Motorcycle Products & Motorsports. “The Team Dunlop Elite Flat Track program has consistently demonstrated its ability to develop riders who move on to compete at the highest levels, mirroring the success we’ve seen across our other Elite programs.”

The 2026 Team Dunlop Elite Flat Track roster features a strong mix of returning riders and emerging talent. Cruise Texter returns as a key part of the program, continuing his role as one of the nation’s top minibike racers while contributing to the ongoing development of Dunlop’s flat track tire offerings. Texter also competes across multiple disciplines as a member of the Team Dunlop Road Race Elite program. Returning Elite riders Adam Costan, Colton Shafer, Braxton Ragan, Meg Greimel, Jackson Joiner, and Sam Drane once again showcase the performance of Dunlop’s DT4 flat track tire. Jack Brucks graduates from the Elite program in 2026 as he makes the move to compete professionally in American Flat Track, marking another successful advancement from the Dunlop development system. New to the program is Jayden Nickens, who joins the Elite roster aboard an 85cc machine using Dunlop’s 17-inch DT4 tires, representing the next wave of flat track talent.

Much like its motocross counterpart, the Team Dunlop Elite Flat Track program provides select amateur racers with exclusive support and benefits both on and off the track. In addition, Dunlop continues to expand access for amateur competitors, with flat track racers able to apply for tire discounts and support through the TeamDunlop.com platform.

“We’re excited to carry the Team Dunlop Elite Flat Track program into 2026,” said Rob Fox, Dunlop Amateur Motocross and Flat Track Support Manager. “It’s rewarding to work for a company that consistently invests in amateur racing. Seeing riders graduate from our Elite program into the professional ranks reinforces the value of what we’re building year after year.”

Looking ahead, Dunlop is also preparing for a busy 2026 amateur flat track calendar, highlighted by several new and exciting initiatives, including the CTR Showcase Events, further strengthening Dunlop’s presence and involvement at all levels of the sport.

For more information or to apply for Dunlop’s flat track amateur support program, visit www.TeamDunlop.com

Monster Energy Supercross Marks Significant Sustainability Milestone with More Than 2 Million Cans Recycled Through FanFest Initiative

Following Round 5 of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship™ at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Feld Motor Sports and Monster Energy are pleased to report that more than 2 million Monster Energy cans have been recycled through the popular Monster Energy Supercross FanFest recycling program. Since 2009 in select Supercross markets, fans who arrive at FanFest with an empty can of Monster Energy have received complimentary entry into the pre‑race festivities.

State Farm Stadium regularly hosts one of the largest FanFest events of the season, and this year’s pre‑race FanFest drew a record‑setting crowd of more than 30,000 fans, pushing the total number of recycled Monster Energy cans to 2,004,934. FanFest features a wide range of activities to compliment race day, from athlete autograph and qualifying sessions to VIP experiences. Glendale FanFest also played host to Round 1 of the Monster Energy BMX Triple Challenge. Round 2 will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium on May 8-9 and Round 3 will take place at an SMX postseason event to conclude the series, specific round still TBA.

Monster Energy’s core sustainability mission emphasizes reducing its environmental impact through responsible packaging, renewable energy use, and long‑term resource stewardship — because Monster Green isn’t just a color. Monster practices green initiatives such as using 100% recyclable aluminum cans made with up to 73% recycled content, installing solar panels across major facilities, and setting science‑based emissions‑reduction targets to combat climate change. Additional efforts include cutting landfill waste by eliminating single‑use plastic bottles, improving water efficiency, and supporting reforestation by funding the planting of 100,000 trees in wildfire‑affected areas.In a current economic climate where consumers are focused on finding the right value for their dollar, this program by Monster Energy and Monster Energy Supercross shines through. A typical Supercross race day can be up to nine hours long for fans looking to take advantage of every minute available. In 14 of the 17 Supercross markets for the 2026 season, a Monster Energy can buys fans six hours of access and entertainment.

Supercross fans can expect this promotion to continue in the coming years. In August, it was announced that Monster Energy has extended its title partnership of Monster Energy Supercross for an additional five years and will now serve as the title partner of the entire Monster Energy SMX World Championship series. The FanFest recycling program will remain in effect during future Supercross seasons, the postseason Playoffs, and the World Championship Final. Those cities, dates and venues were recently announced in January as Columbus, Ohio; Los Angeles, California; and Ridgedale, Missouri host the highly anticipated ending to 2026.

The Monster Energy Can FanFest promotion is not available in all markets on the Supercross schedule. In 2026, Round 8 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, Round 9 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Round 11 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan will not offer the can redemption program. Tickets for the remainder of the Monster Energy Supercross season and the entire SMX World Championship series, including the postseason, are currently on sale. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more details.

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