This Week in Powersports Racing – the week of May 10, 2026

This week in US Powersports racing.

SUZUKI’S KEN ROCZEN IS THE 2026 SUPERCROSS CHAMPION

The final round of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season will go down in history as one of the most emotional and memorable title fights the sport has ever seen. Ken Roczen entered Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City holding the championship points lead, with the red plate mounted to his Suzuki RM-Z450 heading into the final race of the 17-round series.

After 13 seasons in the premier class, Roczen had accumulated 28 career 450SX victories, but the championship had always remained just out of reach. The 2026 season marked Roczen’s sixth year aboard the RM-Z450 and his fourth season with Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear ECSTAR Suzuki. Against the odds, against the industry narrative, and against one of the deepest fields in modern Supercross history, Roczen delivered one of the most memorable championship victories the sport has seen.

Inside a sold-out Rice-Eccles Stadium, Roczen launched off the gate and immediately put the power of his Suzuki RM-Z450 to the Utah dirt. He crossed the holeshot stripe in second position before taking over the lead in the very next corner. With the championship pressure at its absolute peak and his title rival close behind, Roczen responded with flawless laps, setting the fastest lap time of the Main Event and keeping control of the championship firmly in his hands.

As Roczen circled the stadium floor lap after lap, the roar from the crowd built into a rolling wave of emotion. Just before the halfway point of the race, the other championship contender went down and dropped outside the top positions. Roczen capitalized, stretching the lead to four seconds and controlling the pace out front for 22 laps on his way to securing the championship.

“Alright boys and girls, Salt Lake is done and dusted and what a fairy tale ending it was for me and the team,” said Roczen back at the rig beside his championship-winning RM-Z450. “It took so much work to get here. Today wasn’t easy, [there were] just a lot of nerves going on. When it counted the most in the main event we got a great start, made a pass happen, had an insane main event, and then just had a little bit of peace and quiet toward the end to bring it home. What a dreamy ending. We won the championship tonight. This is so huge. I can’t wait to really process everything. I’ve already had an incredible time celebrating with the team — 2026 Supercross Champ!”

“Never had a doubt,” stated Dustin Pipes, Team Principal for Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance. “Thank you to all the team members and partners that make nights like these possible. Ken earned this championship.”

“Emotionally, I think we’re all just on a high right now,” said Team Manager Larry Brooks during a post-race interview. “I am so proud of the team. When I was unplugged after the second round while going through (my) cancer treatments, they picked up the ball and ran with it. Everyone stepped up under an incredible amount of pressure and never stopped believing. I couldn’t be more proud.”

At a time when much of the industry had written off the RM-Z450 platform, Suzuki and Pipes Motorsports Group doubled down on what they believed mattered most: a motorcycle with proven race-winning DNA, predictable handling, exceptional balance, and the ability to win at the highest level when placed in the right hands.

For Suzuki, the moment represented far more than a championship. It was validation that consistency, balance, rider confidence, and purposeful engineering still matter. In an era of constant change and escalating complexity, Suzuki remained committed to building a machine designed to excel at its intended purpose: winning races.

Suzuki’s racing heritage has always been built on challenging convention and doing things differently. From motocross to road racing, Suzuki motorcycles have earned championships by focusing on performance where it matters most — on the racetrack.

Now, the RM-Z450 adds another defining chapter to that legacy.

The 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will forever be remembered as the season the yellow bike shocked the sport and reminded the entire industry what Suzuki is capable of.

With this title, Roczen adds the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship to an already legendary résumé that includes two World Supercross Championships (2022, 2023), two AMA Pro Motocross Championships (2014, 2016), the 2013 250SX West Championship, and the 2011 MX2 World Championship. Three of Roczen’s seven professional championships have now been earned aboard Suzuki RM-Z machinery.

For latest news about the 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Championship winners please visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Motocross or pipesmotorsportsgroup.com.

Cole Davies Wins East-West Showdown at Supercross Season Finale

With both 250SX titles already secured early by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan and Cole Davies, one thing remained – bragging rights as to who was best in the East and West. The stage was set for an epic showdown at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season finale inside Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, and it did not disappoint.

After qualifying third in his division and finishing second in the 250SX East Heat Race, Davies got a strong start in the Dave Combs Sr. East-West Showdown, slotting into third. He passed Max Anstie five laps in and began closing in on Deegan with around 10 minutes on the clock. What followed was one of those battles fans will look back on. Two champions. One track. Zero backing down.

At the halfway mark, Davies made the pass, with the pair making contact and Deegan nearly going down, losing some time. With plenty of time still on the clock, the anticipated rematch quickly materialized as Deegan charged back to his teammate. On Lap 13, Deegan made his move, but the two came together again, and Deegan went down. From there, Davies rode on to secure his sixth win of the year, completing a standout sophomore season that included his first 250SX title.

“That was a crazy race,” said Davies. “I didn’t get off to a great start, but I made it happen. The pressure was off with the championship wrapped up, so I could come out and ride with nothing to lose. It was really fun racing like that with Haiden – back and forth, cat-and-mouse. Coming back to Salt Lake City and winning the shootout after what happened here last year feels like redemption.”

Deegan also entered the night with no pressure, putting together a dominant final season aboard the YZ250F to add to his already storied 250 career. On track for another perfect day at the season finale, the back-to-back 250SX West champ was the fastest qualifier in his division and won his heat race. In the showdown, he grabbed the holeshot, and although Anstie briefly took over the lead, Deegan reclaimed it on Lap 2. In the end, after the incident with his teammate, he crashed again in the sand and rejoined in fourth, where he would finish.

“I’ve got to give it up to Cole – that was a dogfight,” Deegan said. “We were giving the fans the best show possible. We were hitting each other… man, that was awesome! Even though I came out fourth, that was one of the funnest races I’ve had, besides battling Levi (Kitchen). That was sick. I hope you fans enjoyed that.”

“Today was solid,” said Deegan about the day as a whole. “I had a good qualifying, went undefeated in heat races, which was awesome. And then we had a pretty rowdy main event. Cole and I went at it, and I ended up going down. I made my way back up to him, then got impatient and slid out in the sand. So, I kind of threw the win away. It was a solid 250 career, and now onto the 450s.”

Max Anstie had a challenging start to the night show. He found himself 10th off the gate and worked his way forward to finish seventh in the 250SX West Heat Race. Then, in the Showdown, the British rider turned it around. Anstie got a great start and quickly claimed the lead. Although he was passed by his teammates in the first five laps, he continued to run a strong pace and moved back into second after Deegan went down. He was later passed by Levi Kitchen and rode on to secure third to return to the podium and finish third in the 250SX West Championship.

“Man, what great way to finish off the season,” said Anstie. “It was a tricky day, the track was tough, but the bike worked well. The whole Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team has done an awesome job this season. We had started off great, with a win at Anaheim 1, but it’s been up and down. It’s been tough. I’ve had a lot of random things off the bike, like having my appendix taken out, and then little things from all of that that have kind of slowed things down. So to be able to bring it all together and get back on the podium in the last race and have a great start was a good way to finish it off. I’m definitely looking forward to the outdoors. I’m looking forward to regrouping, pulling it all together, and being a step better next year, and hopefully fighting for this title.”

Rookie Landen Gordon continued to impress with great starts and a strong heat race. He grabbed the holeshot and led the first five laps of the 250SX East Heat Race. The rookie found himself under pressure from Seth Hammaker, but put in a good fight, holding him off until Lap 6. He was passed by his teammate on the following lap, finishing third. In the main event, he got another great start, slotting into fourth behind his teammates, but was shuffled back to eighth in the opening laps. He kept fighting but ultimately finished ninth.

“Overall, it was a good day in Salt Lake City to finish out the Supercross season,” said Gordon. “I was feeling pretty beat up from a crash on Friday for press day. All things considered, I was very happy with my heat race and got to lead a few laps, and then finished ninth in the main event. I’m excited for the outdoors!”

Kayden Minear had a solid outing in just his second pro Supercross round. He got a great start to the 250SX West Heat Race and quickly claimed the runner-up spot, where he rode the first half of the race before being passed by McAdoo on Lap 6, and then on the following lap by Kitchen, finishing fourth. In the main event, a bad start had him towards the back of the field on the opening lap, but he put his head down and fought his way through to finish 12th.

“Last round of the season is done and dusted,” said Minear. “I had a good heat race, which I was happy about. In the main event, I didn’t execute my start and had to make my way back from 20th. I felt good. I can’t wait for outdoors.”

Nate Thrasher had a good start to the day, qualifying second in the east, but didn’t get the start he was looking for and fought his way back from eighth to finish fourth in the 250SX East Heat Race. In the showdown, he was 10th on the opening lap, but kept pushing and made his way into the top five after the halfway mark. Unfortunately, a technical issue late in the race would have him scoring 18th. It was a roller coaster season for the Tennessee rider, but he continued to push on, bringing his career win total to seven and finishing fifth in the 250SX East standings.

“I was riding well all day,” said Thrasher. “So I’m super bummed with how the Supercross season ended, but that’s part of it. I’m ready to turn the page to the outdoors.”

When you look back at the season, it was a remarkable campaign for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing – both 250SX titles and 16 race wins, which surpassed the single-season win record for a team and manufacturer by two. Five riders contributed to that tally, with Max Anstie and Pierce Brown winning their respective divisional openers, Nate Thrasher leading a Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing podium sweep in Cleveland, and Haiden Deegan and Cole Davies delivering the bulk of the victories.

Davies heads into the outdoor season with a 51-point lead in the combined 250SMX points, with Deegan set to make his 450MX debut. The 20-year-old heads into the premier class with six 250 titles, 32 wins (14 wins in both 250SX and 250MX and four in 250SMX), and an impressive number of stats. In addition to his seven wins and eight podiums this season, Deegan had six perfect rounds and won all of his heat races and the Triple Crown in Houston.

The team also saw three amateur riders make strong debuts, with Caden Dudney named 250SX Rookie of the Year, Landen Gordon scoring a runner-up finish in Cleveland, and Kayden Minear securing a top-five in his debut. Yamaha also earned the 2026 Manufacturers Cup by a commanding 121-point margin.

“A lot went into it,” said Wil Hahn, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 250 Team General Manager. “It’s just really cool. It’s a massive team effort to go through all this. All the wins this season, all the podiums, the records, and a lot of firsts for guys – it’s just a really special year for us. So yeah, we’re stoked. It’s really a credit to all these guys behind the scenes who don’t always get enough recognition.”

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing now shifts its focus outdoors, preparing for the 2026 Pro Motocross season, which kicks off May 30 at Fox Raceway in Pala, California.

Justin Cooper Returns to the Podium in Dramatic Salt Lake City Finale

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross season came to an exciting close last Saturday inside Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. It wasn’t the night Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing had drawn up with poor starts from both riders in the final 450SX Main Event of the year, but they fought to finish. Justin Cooper and Cooper Webb charged through the field to be in position for a dramatic late-race battle for the podium, with Cooper finishing runner-up and Webb just shy of the box in fourth.

After qualifying sixth, Cooper got a good start to the heat race in third, and while he closed in on Jorge Prado in the final laps, he would finish there. In the main event, the New Yorker did not get off the gate as he had hoped and found himself back in eighth. He steadily worked his way into fourth and continued charging as the battle for the podium tightened. It turned into an intense four-rider battle for the podium, with his teammate Webb right behind. With two laps to go, Cooper made the pass on Ken Roczen and Prado in succession, claiming the runner-up spot and returning to the podium for the fourth time this season.

“My main event was solid, I just didn’t get off the gate great,” said Cooper. “I was able to work my way through the field pretty well. People got tired, and Kenny was drifting back with no one really there. So, it got a little bit crazy. Everyone bunched up. We made a two-for-one pass before the finish, and suddenly we were in second with a couple laps to go. We almost got up there and made something happen. A better start definitely would’ve helped, but it was still an awesome way to cap off a great season.”

Cooper Webb felt good heading into the finale. The 2025 450SX Champion qualified fifth, but had to charge back from 10th to fifth in his heat race. In the main event, another bad start put him 13th on the opening lap. In true Webb fashion, he immediately went to work to make it into the top five. As the race tightened up at the end, Webb closed in on the riders ahead and made the pass on Roczen after his teammate made his way through, claiming fourth. He made a run at third but finished just shy in the end.

“Honestly, it was just a horrible start, which was unfortunate because I was feeling really good all day,” said Webb. “I started way too far back, so it turned into a hard charge all race long. J Coop and I were coming through the pack together, and there at the end it got pretty close. It was a challenging season and not where we want to be. We were able to get third overall in the points, but we expect more. We’ll get back to work and get ready for outdoors.”

“The day went fairly well,” said Rich Simmons, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 450 Team Manager. “We qualified fifth and sixth, then the heat races were okay. I’d say we lacked in starts tonight; that’s what really hurt us. Justin got on the podium, which was good, but a little bit of a lost opportunity for his first win there. Cooper was right there for a podium at the end, and it would have been nice to get both guys up there. Overall, I think it was a good season. It’s not what we all strive for, especially coming off a championship, but I’m really proud of the team and proud of the riders. We’re moving on to outdoors and looking forward to it with all three guys, as Haiden moves up to the 450 class with us.”

Together with the efforts of the team in the 250 class, it was a standout season for Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, which earned the 2026 Manufacturers Cup by a commanding 121-point margin. Cooper Webb finished third in the 450SX Championship with a win and eight podiums, with Justin Cooper ending the year with a top-five overall finish with his four podiums.

The 2026 Pro Motocross season kicks off in two weeks’ time, which is also Round 18 of the Monster Energy SuperMotocross World Championship, at Fox Raceway in Pala, California, on May 30.

Hunter Lawrence Ends Hard-Fought ’26 AMA Supercross Championship Second in the Series Standings

The 2026 AMA Supercross season came down to a thrilling showdown in Salt Lake City, where Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence entered the final round just one point behind championship leader Ken Roczen in one of the closest title fights ever. The best efforts of the Australian and his Honda HRC Progressive team weren’t quite enough this time and, although he was battling for the win early, a seventh-place result meant they had to settle for a runner-up showing in the final tally.

The highly anticipated main event delivered immediate excitement, as Lawrence grabbed the holeshot aboard his CRF450RWE, with Roczen quickly moving into the lead. A tense, mano-a-mano battle unfolded during the first part of the race, with Lawrence maintaining touch and occasionally applying pressure while also holding off Jorge Prado in third. Unfortunately, a pair of miscues—the first sending him briefly off the track, the second resulting in a fall—meant Lawrence found himself in seventh place with just over half the race remaining. That’s where he would eventually finish, and with Roczen posting a fifth-place result, Lawrence concluded the series second in the final standings, just three points shy of the title.

Throughout the 2026 series, Lawrence demonstrated impressive speed, consistency and progress. Everyone at Honda HRC Progressive and American Honda is proud of Hunter for the effort, professionalism and growth he displayed while battling for the championship until the final checkered flag.

Quad Lock Honda riders Joey Savatgy, Christian Craig, Shane McElrath, and Dean Wilson concluded the season in eighth, 12^th, 13^th and 21^st, respectively, a solid effort by the satellite team.

NOTES

On Friday, Hunter Lawrence participated in a formal press conference organized by Feld ahead of the 2026 Supercross finale. He later took part in riding sessions, in which invited riders were able to ride the full track.
A pair of local dealerships—Honda World and Young Honda Powerhouse—enhanced the fan experience in the Honda HRC Progressive pit area through an interactive pop-up booth. Staff engaged directly with fans and customers at the display, which featured a CRF450RX, two CRF125F models, and a CRF110F.
Jett Lawrence attended the event in support of his brother, and they both participated in an autograph session during FanFest.
Race Day Live aired a feature on Hunter Lawrence’s life and career progression.
Motocross Hall of Famer Johnny O’Mara was interviewed about his career and transition into training Hunter and Jett Lawrence.
In 250SX combined qualifying—featuring both East and West Divisions—participating Red Riders included Phoenix Racing Honda’s Gavin Towers in 21^st, SLR Honda’s Justin Rodbell in 25^th, Storm Lake’s Luke Neese in 26^th, Next Level’s Hunter Schlosser in 38^th, Lasting Impressions’ Ronnie Orres in 44^th, and TiLube Honda’s Ryder Floyd in 50^th.
Rodbell and Towers qualified by finishing third and fourth in the LCQ, and they finished 16^th and 17^th in the 250 East-West Showdown.
Lawrence had the third-fastest time in 450SX qualifying. Quad Lock Honda riders Christian Craig, Shane McElrath and Dean Wilson qualified in 12^th, 13^th and 14^th, respectively. Jeremy Hand (Valley Motorsports) was 26^th, John Short IV (Short Racing) was 28^th, privateer Red Rider Zack Williams (McGinley Clinic) qualified 33^rd, and Western Honda Racing’s Ty Freehill was 41^st.
Lawrence won the first heat race from holeshot to checkered flag, while Wilson (sixth), Craig (seventh), and McElrath (eighth) also advanced directly to the main event.
Honda HRC Progressive now heads into a two-week break before opening the AMA Pro Motocross season in Pala, California, on May 30. The team is expected to field a full roster: Hunter and Jett Lawrence in the 450 class, and Jo Shimoda and Chance Hymas in the 250 division.

CHASE SEXTON TAKES THE WIN AT SEASON FINALE IN SALT LAKE CITY

Ryder DiFrancesco earns top-five finish in Salt Lake City 250SX Showdown

Both 250SX riders DiFrancesco and Daxton Bennick were in action for the third East/West Showdown of the year, with Bennick qualifying sixth overall on combined times, as DiFrancesco set the ninth-fastest time.

Equipped with the Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition, DiFrancesco endured a difficult Heat Race to finish 11th, forcing him into the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ), which he would go on to win and transfer to the Main Event.

Starting outside the top 10, the 21-year-old pieced together a strong ride throughout the 15-minute plus one-lap Main Event, charging to fifth position in an impressive performance at the 2026 season finale.

Following 10 rounds of competition, Ryder D completed the 250SX West Championship in fourth overall, recording three podium finishes alongside four additional top-five results in his first season with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. “Salt Lake was a bit of a struggle all day,”commented DiFrancesco. “I just didn’t have the raw speed that I really wanted – it came a little tougher for me this weekend. The Heat Race didn’t go well, and then of course, we were off to the LCQ, which wasn’t ideal. The Main Event was a bit of a turnaround, after I rode well in that one and now we’ll get ready for outdoors.”

Bennick also had a tough Heat Race in 250SX East, finishing 12th and transferring to the LCQ. He would go on to claim eighth position, unfortunately missing out on the night’s 250SX East/West Showdown Main Event.

Still, the 20-year-old completed the Supercross season with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing third overall in the 250SX East standings, achieving two podium finishes – including a season-best P2 result in Philadelphia – alongside four additional top-five scores.

Stewart qualified seventh on the combined 450SX timesheets aboard his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition at Salt Lake City, achieving a 49.511s lap-time on the dry, technical track layout.

The 33-year-old carried that momentum into his Heat Race, riding to a convincing P3 finish and strong gate selection for the Main Event. Stewart then posted a measured P8 result in the Main Event, concluding the series seventh in the standings. He took a podium finish in Detroit, as well as two additional top-fives during the season. “The fans are always awesome in Salt Lake!” said Stewart. “Usually, I ride pretty well at this track, but this year I kind of struggled a little bit. But at the end of the day, every time I come through for opening ceremonies and hear those fans, it brings back some awesome memories. Tonight may not have gone exactly as we’d planned, but that’s racing, and I’m happy to be leaving Supercross healthy with attention now shifting to Pro Motocross.”

Next Race: May 30 – Pala, California

Results 450SX Class – Salt Lake City1. Chase Sexton (Kawasaki)2. Justin Cooper (Yamaha)3. Jorge Prado (KTM)6. Justin Hill (KTM)8. Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)17. Grant Harlan (KTM)

Standings 450SX Class 2026 after 17 of 17 rounds1. Ken Roczen, 349 points2. Hunter Lawrence, 3463. Cooper Webb, 315

Eli Tomac, 2757. Malcolm Stewart, 2039. Jorge Prado, 18916. Aaron Plessinger, 9923. RJ Hampshire, 38

Results 250SX East/West Showdown – Salt Lake City1. Cole Davies (Yamaha)2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki)3. Max Anstie (Yamaha)5. Ryder DiFrancesco (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)

Standings 250SX East Class 2026 after 10 of 10 rounds1. Cole Davies, 231 points2. Seth Hammaker, 1803. Daxton Bennick, 160

Standings 250SX West Class 2026 after 10 of 10 rounds1. Haiden Deegan, 233 points2. Levi Kitchen, 1773. Max Anstie, 1684. Ryder DiFrancesco, 164

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING’S JORGE PRADO LANDS 450SX PODIUM IN SALT LAKE CITY

The four-time world champion set the eighth-fastest qualifying time onboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION at Rice-Eccles Stadium, before capturing the holeshot and racing to a second-place finish in his Heat Race.

Prado then completed the opening lap of the Main Event in third position, running at the front of the field as the 450SX title contenders battled directly ahead. Remaining patient throughout the race’s duration, the 25-year-old climbed as high as P2 before securing a third-place finish.

The Spaniard pieced together a standout first season teamed with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in Supercross, collecting two podium finishes alongside seven additional top-10 results, and ninth in the point-standings. Attention now turns to the Pro Motocross component of the SMX World Championship, which will commence in Pala, California, on May 30.

Jorge Prado:“It has been a pretty cool Supercross season for me! I’m very happy to have made it to the end, and then obviously starting A1 with a podium, my expectations were high all year long, but I knew it was a learning curve. We had some good and bad moments, but at the end of the day, we got here to the last round and put ourselves back on the box with a great ride. So, I am very proud of myself and the work I put in every day, but also the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. They have been putting a lot of work in as well at the test track, improving the bike with me. We learned so much this year – to be honest, I thought the change coming from MXGP to Supercross was going to be a little bit easier, but Supercross is a whole different world.”

Two-time premier class champion Eli Tomac entered Salt Lake City with momentum after a return to the podium last time out in Denver, powering his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to P1 in qualifying with a 49.065s lap-time.

An untimely crash just moments into 450SX Heat 2, however, saw the 33-year-old unfortunately withdraw from the event, with the team confirming the decision as a precaution following a heavy impact to his stomach/hip in the incident.

Tomac’s maiden AMA Supercross campaign with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing began in spectacular fashion, claiming victory on debut at Anaheim 1 before backing it up with another win the following weekend in San Diego. He added further victories in Seattle and Daytona – alongside five additional podium finishes – to claim fourth overall in the final 450SX standings.

Next Race: May 30 – Pala, California

Results 450SX Class – Salt Lake City

Chase Sexton (Kawasaki)
Justin Cooper (Yamaha)
Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
Justin Hill (KTM)
Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna)
Grant Harlan (KTM)

Standings 450SX Class 2026 after 17 of 17 rounds

Ken Roczen, 349 points
Hunter Lawrence, 346
Cooper Webb, 315
Eli Tomac, 275
Malcolm Stewart, 203
Jorge Prado, 189
Aaron Plessinger, 99
RJ Hampshire, 38

Dunlop Riders Sweep 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championships for 17th Consecutive Year

The 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship season reached a historic conclusion in Salt Lake City, where Dunlop riders once again delivered championship-winning performance at the highest level of the sport. For the seventeenth consecutive year, Dunlop-equipped athletes swept all three Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championships, with Ken Roczen claiming the 450SX title, Haiden Deegan securing the 250SX West Championship, and Cole Davies earning the 250SX East Championship.

The sweep brings Dunlop’s unmatched total to 191 combined AMA Pro Supercross and Motocross Championships, further reinforcing the brand’s position as the industry benchmark in motocross and supercross competition.

The premier 450SX class delivered one of the most dramatic championship battles in recent history, with Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen entering the Salt Lake City finale locked in a winner-take-all showdown with Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence. After a season defined by consistency, resilience, and elite-level speed, Roczen secured the 2026 450SX Championship, earning his first premier-class Supercross title and adding another milestone to Dunlop’s championship legacy.

In the 250SX West division, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan continued to prove why he is one of the sport’s brightest young stars. Deegan’s speed and race craft carried him through a dominant West Coast campaign, ultimately securing the championship before the final round and adding another professional title to his growing résumé prior to moving up to the premier 450 class.

The 250SX East Championship marked a breakout season for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies. After a year filled with pressure, progression, and high-intensity racing, Davies rose to the occasion and claimed the East title, giving Dunlop a complete sweep across all three Supercross championships.

Across the 17-round season, Dunlop riders continued to set the standard in every class, competing for wins, podiums, and championships in a wide range of track conditions. From hard-packed technical layouts to rutted, deteriorating main-event surfaces, Dunlop’s Supercross program once again demonstrated the performance, consistency, and development strength that have made the brand the choice of the sport’s top athletes and teams.

“For the seventeenth consecutive year, Dunlop riders have swept all three Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championships, and that is something everyone within our company takes tremendous pride in,” said Broc Glover, Senior Manager, Off-Road Motorcycles at Dunlop. “Winning at this level year after year is never easy. It requires world-class riders, dedicated race teams, strong technical support, and products that can perform under the most demanding conditions in the sport. Ken Roczen, Haiden Deegan, and Cole Davies each delivered incredible championship seasons, and we are proud to have played a role in their success. We are grateful to every team and rider who chooses Dunlop, and we look forward to carrying this momentum into Pro Motocross and the SuperMotocross World Championship.”

Dunlop’s continued success in Monster Energy AMA Supercross reflects a long-standing commitment to racing, product development, and technical support. The same championship-proven approach that supports the world’s best professional riders continues to influence Dunlop’s Geomax line of motocross tires available to riders across the country.

With the 2026 Supercross season complete, Dunlop now turns its focus to the upcoming AMA Pro Motocross Championship and SuperMotocross World Championship, where the brand will continue chasing race wins, championships, and further milestones in its unmatched off-road racing legacy.

Historic Supercross Campaign Sets Tone for Most Highly Anticipated Pro Motocross Championship Season this Summer

One of the closest and most captivating seasons of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship resulted in a historic breakthrough for one of the sport’s most popular and high-profile athletes as German native Ken Roczen captured his first title in the discipline in his 13th attempt, cementing a decorated career that also includes a pair of Pro Motocross crowns. The long-awaited championship for the 32-year-old also made the Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki pilot the oldest champion in Supercross history, as he overcame a 31-point deficit to Australian rival Hunter Lawrence over the final seven weeks of the season. Given Roczen’s revered legacy overcoming adversity, it became one of the most popular championship efforts of the sport’s five decades of existence. The captivating 17-race campaign provided a truly memorable first half of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship and has set the tone for one of the most highly anticipated seasons of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, where the second half of the regular season will feature 11 races and a combined 44 motos for a grueling summer-long test of man and machine from the most storied venues in off-road motorcycle racing.

“The excitement, compelling drama, and unpredictability of Monster Energy Supercross was at its peak this season, with a historic title fight between two international superstars – one officially cementing himself as a perennial contender for years to come, the other finally breaking through in the twilight of his career with the one accolade that had always eluded him. You couldn’t script a better storyline than the one provided by Ken Roczen and Hunter Lawrence, but their battle was certainly cinematic,” said Davey Coombs, President, MX Sports Pro Racing. “As always, we commend and celebrate our SMX League partners at Feld Motor Sports for one of the most memorable title fights of all time, one that will forever be enshrined in the sport’s legacy. From sellout crowds at multiple stadiums to continued broadcast growth on Peacock, NBC, and the SMX Video Pass, Monster Energy Supercross continues to captivate audiences across the globe. Now it’s our turn to take it outside and open things up with 40-rider gates, legendary racetracks, and the most passionate fans in motorsports. We’re eager to keep the momentum rolling with what is poised to be a summer to remember in the Pro Motocross Championship.”

260514 Ken Roczen, the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship

After a memorable first half produced a historic season of Monster Energy Supercross and a breakthrough first championship for Ken Roczen, the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship now heads outdoors for the summer with a highly anticipated 11 races for the Pro Motocross Championship.

Headlining the impending start of the summer campaign is the formation of a new rivalry that will carry the sport into its next era – Jett Lawrence versus Haiden Deegan. Having already amassed every major championship in SMX by the time he was 20 years old, Lawrence is the reigning Pro Motocross champion and the proverbial face of the sport, possessing generational talent on the motorcycle and crossover appeal away from the track. Deegan, meanwhile, is a second-generation homegrown talent who possesses the same brash charisma, unwavering confidence, and killer instinct that made his father a freestyle motocross icon. He’s the sport’s first true social media star and has just completed one of the most prolific 250SMX Class careers of all time. For the first time, Lawrence will pilot his Honda HRC Progressive machine against Deegan’s Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing ride for the official start of what many believe will be a contentious clash between two young titans that will carry the sport for years to come. Adding to the intrigue of their impending showdown is Lawrence’s 2026 racing debut, as the reigning champion will line up for the first time since he underwent surgery to repair a broken ankle and foot suffered in the offseason. No one knows what to expect from Lawrence, but he’s proven over and over again to never count him out or underestimate what he’s capable of.

260514 All eyes this summer will be on Jett Lawrence [left] and Haiden Deegan [right]

All eyes this summer will be on Jett Lawrence [left] and Haiden Deegan [right], last year’s Pro Motocross champions who will square off for the first time in the 450SMX Class.

Given the massive attention generated by the anticipated first meeting between Lawrence and Deegan, it has allowed for an exceptionally talented and decorated field of fellow contenders to fly under the radar entering the summer. Perhaps none more so than four-time Pro Motocross Champion Eli Tomac, the winningest active rider in the sport. An offseason move to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has rejuvenated the 33-year-old and while the end of his Supercross season was littered with adversity, he’s hungrier than ever to once again stake his claim in the discipline where “Beast Mode” was born. He’ll be flanked by two additional past champions in Chase Sexton and Dylan Ferrandis. Like Tomac, both Sexton and Ferrandis joined new teams for the 2026 season, with Sexton heading to Monster Energy Kawasaki and Ferrandis becoming one half of the maiden lineup for Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing. Both riders finished the Supercross season on an upswing, with Sexton claiming victory at the finale.

Still in search of his first premier class title, Hunter Lawrence will no doubt carry the momentum from an incredible Supercross season to be a contender for the Pro Motocross title as well. With back-to-back runner-up finishes his first two seasons in the 450SMX Class, the elder Lawrence is arguably the most proven racer without a championship to his name and could ultimately be the one who sets the tone to begin the summer. There will also be a watchful eye on Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado. The Spaniard is a two-time FIM World Champion who enters his second year on U.S. soil determined to redeem his hardships from a year ago by rejoining the manufacturer that carried him to all his overseas success. It’s paid off so far with a pair of Supercross podiums, while his true forte of motocross awaits. Also sure to be a factor is the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing duo of Justin Cooper, perhaps the most consistent racer in the sport, and Cooper Webb, who has compiled an immensely successful career off the motivation of being overlooked. While their rookie teammate grabs all the attention, Cooper and Webb will be there contending for podiums, week in and week out.

260514 Hunter Lawrence [96] will lead a deep field of challengers that also includes the likes of Justin Cooper [32]

Fresh off a runner-up finish in Supercross where he came just three points shy of the title, Hunter Lawrence [96] will lead a deep field of challengers that also includes the likes of Justin Cooper [32].

Complementing the elite talent of the 450SMX Class is one of the most wide open 250SMX Class fields in history. Deegan’s graduation has created a vacancy atop the division that a large contingent of challengers hope to fill. Early favorites to step up are the Honda HRC Progressive tandem of Chance Hymas and Jo Shimoda, alongside Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen. These three racers are the most proven in the smaller displacement, with each possessing multiple race wins. However, given the dominance he showcased in what became a championship-winning breakout season in Supercross, young New Zealander Cole Davies will look to prove he can win both indoors and outdoors and will do so with the support of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, who have won the past two Pro Motocross titles with Deegan. Not to be outdone, another Star Racing rider will enter the summer with one key advantage his counterparts do not have, a wealth of experience. At 33 years of age, Englishman Max Anstieis giving up nearly a decade to his fellow racers, but with that are years of competing at the highest level in both Europe and the United States. He joined Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing for the opportunity to win his first career title and is no doubt the wild card in an already unpredictable division.

260514 Chance Hymas [10] and Jo Shimoda [30]

Teenage upstart Cole Davies will look to carry the momentum of a breakthrough Supercross season that netted him his first pro title into Pro Motocross where established veterans like Chance Hymas [10] and Jo Shimoda [30] will headline a wide-open 250SMX Class field.

The 2026 Pro Motocross Championship will continue the Monster Energy SMX World Championship regular season with 11 rounds of captivating summer competition from the most famous racetracks in America, with many boasting legacies that span upwards of five decades. The season will get underway on Saturday, May 30, from Southern California’s Fox Raceway, and will traverse the country, across every time zone, before concluding in the motorsports mecca of the greater Indianapolis area from Indiana’s Ironman Raceway on August 29.

For information about the Pro Motocross Championship, please visit ProMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the Pro Motocross social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:

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