In a landmark moment at the Daytona International Speedway during Round 8 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship, Eli Tomac secured his eighth Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship victory, surpassing NASCAR icon Richard Petty’s longstanding record of seven Daytona 500 wins. The Colorado native’s achievement establishes him as the most successful competitor in the speedway’s 67-year history, elevating his status among racing’s elite.
Tomac’s Dominance in the 450SMX Main Event
Tomac, representing Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, delivered a commanding performance in the 450SMX Class, showcasing skill and determination across the challenging Daytona track. Reflecting on his victory, Tomac expressed a mix of disbelief and satisfaction:
“[The wins] are all awesome, but somehow, I’ve won eight of these. I don’t want to think about how old I am. I just go out there and roost the berms like I’m at my home track [in Colorado]. I love this dirt and just love how this track develops. Of course, I had to work for it there and went through all my main competition. I just had a great time on my motorcycle and happy to make up points this weekend.”
– Eli Tomac, 1st Place, 450SMX Class
Second place went to Hunter Lawrence, who battled through the demanding track conditions but ultimately fell short of overtaking Tomac. Lawrence noted the difficulty of adapting to the track’s nuances during the Main Event:
“It was a tough [Main Event] on a really tough track. I was figuring out where to compensate with the bike and it just took me too long to do that. In the end I was kind of making it work, but it was too late and Eli [Tomac] got his eighth win here. I really wanted to stop that tonight, but I couldn’t make up the difference.”
– Hunter Lawrence, 2nd Place, 450SMX Class
Ken Roczen completed the podium in third place after a solid performance that saw him lead segments before being overtaken by faster riders. He acknowledged the complications presented by the slick track and lapped riders:
“I gave it my best out there and led for a bunch. I had a really good start too and in the Main Event that really counts. I was searching a little bit in the beginning, it was a tricky track and a lot faster than what we’ve seen the past few years here. Once I got passed, I knew those guys were maybe a little bit faster, so I tried to hang on and follow some lines. I was right there until the end and just got messed up by some lappers and those guys got away a little bit. I just wasn’t the best tonight, but I’m happy with a podium.”
– Ken Roczen, 3rd Place, 450SMX Class
Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class Battle Intensifies
The Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class saw Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker emerge victorious despite physical setbacks from a hard crash during qualifying. Displaying resilience, Hammaker seized the holeshot and maintained his lead throughout the main event to capture his fourth career win, ending Star Yamaha’s winning streak this season. This result catapulted him to second place in the Eastern Divisional standings, just two points behind leader Pierce Brown, who slipped to third after finishing third in the event. Jo Shimoda also fell in the rankings, now five points off the lead.
Hammaker reflected on the emotional and mental challenges he overcame to succeed at Daytona:
“It feels unreal [to win at Daytona]. I had a big crash in qualifying, and I feel like it really tests you mentally how you come back from that. I’m proud of the effort tonight and the team crushed it. It’s super cool to get a win at Daytona. It’s an unreal feeling. Really good to get this win and keep the momentum rolling.”
– Seth Hammaker, 1st Place, Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class
Cole Davies, finishing second after struggling for traction at the start, commented on his recovery during the race:
“They didn’t prep the gates all day, so I didn’t get good traction out the gate and was buried off the start. It was a good comeback. I did what I could. I wanted that win, but still a good ride.”
– Cole Davies, 2nd Place, Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class
Third-place finisher Pierce Brown described the strategic challenges he faced at the gate and the race’s demanding nature:
“It was a battle. Not the best start. I took a gamble with my gate, and we chose the wrong one. It happens. We battled and were there late when other riders made mistakes to salvage a third. I can’t be too mad about it. We’re in good shape [in points] and will keep doing our thing.”
– Pierce Brown, 3rd Place, Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class
Emerging Talent Shines in SMX Next Supercross Competition
The third round of SMX Next – Supercross featured a competitive field of 22 top amateur prospects. The race witnessed its third distinct winner, as Triumph Racing’s Deacon Denno claimed victory after battling Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Kade Johnson for the lead. Denno, a 17-year-old Texan, initially grabbed the holeshot and demonstrated resolve by reclaiming first place after a brief setback. This marked Denno’s inaugural SMX Next triumph as well as an important milestone for the Triumph amateur program.
Denno recounted his race experience and the progress since the previous year at Daytona:
“I got the start but then jumped the whoops for the first time after skimming all day and lost the lead. It was a dumb move by me, but I made the pass back. Last year here in Daytona I finished 14th. There’s a lot that’s been done since then and just proves that if you work your butt off you can be up here like I am. I knew I could do it and I put the track together. I’m so stoked.”
– Deacon Denno, 1st Place, SMX Next – Supercross
Young riders Landen Gordon from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing and Vincent Wey from Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green completed the podium in second and third place, respectively, signaling strong competition and a promising future for these emerging talents.
Standings and Season Implications After Daytona
Following the intense competition at Daytona International Speedway, the championship standings in both the 450SMX and Eastern Divisional 250SMX classes reflect tightening contests among top riders. Eli Tomac’s historic eighth victory not only boosts his championship points but sets a new standard for excellence in the sport. Similarly, Seth Hammaker’s win places him within striking distance of the 250SMX lead, promising an exciting battle in upcoming rounds. The progress of rising stars like Deacon Denno indicates sustained depth in motocross talent that could influence future championship outcomes.
Looking Ahead in the Monster Energy SMX World Championship
As the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship progresses beyond Daytona, focus will intensify on key rivalries and emerging challengers. Eli Tomac’s daunting performance has raised the bar for competitors, while close point margins in the 250SMX divisions guarantee an unpredictable and fiercely contested season. With fresh talent breaking through and veterans maintaining strong form, the championship is poised for high-stakes drama in subsequent rounds at The World Center of Racing.
