Eli Tomac set the tone for the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship with an electrifying victory in Anaheim, making a statement in front of a packed crowd at Angel Stadium. The Eli Tomac Supercross victory was not only a personal milestone but also highlighted a dominant team showing for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing as the season kicked off in California.
A Night of High Speed and Team Success
Racing under the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing banner, Tomac showcased both skill and determination, capturing the 450SX Main Event at Anaheim 1. His win was supported by a third-place finish from teammate Jorge Prado, delivering a dream result for the team with two riders on the podium. This achievement brought a wave of excitement to Anaheim 1, as Tomac led his squad into the new season with flair and determination.
The Colorado native made his intentions clear early in the event by posting the fastest lap in Qualifying 1. In combined qualifying sessions, he recorded the second-best time while piloting his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Tomac continued his strong form in the 450SX Heat, where he secured a second-place finish, earning his spot in the Main Event comfortably.
When the 450SX Main Event started, Tomac, already a two-time 450SX Champion, quickly surged into the lead following a restart on the opening lap. He rode with relentless focus, maintaining his advantage throughout the event. Crossing the finish line 1.470 seconds ahead of his rivals, Tomac celebrated his 54th career win in the premier class, adding another milestone to his already illustrious résumé.
“Leading from the get-go like that is tough, because you need to really maintain focus the whole time, but my motorcycle was the best it was all day in the Main Event after a slight adjustment from the Heat Race. We went in the right direction, and this is the perfect way to start a new season and with my new team in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.”
– Eli Tomac, Champion
Jorge Prado Impresses in Anaheim Debut
Jorge Prado, a renowned MXGP World Champion and newcomer to the Supercross scene, made a memorable impact during his first appearance with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. After qualifying in sixth place, Prado surged ahead to claim the holeshot and win his first Heat Race, narrowly outpacing Tomac in a display of calculated aggression.
The Main Event saw Prado maintain his form with a steady ride that earned him his first Supercross podium, finishing third behind Tomac and Ken Roczen. Prado’s strong performance in his debut night left a strong impression among fans and competitors alike.
“This is really ahead of my expectations,”
– Jorge Prado, MXGP World Champion
“The goal for this weekend was to just get through each session and do the best that I can. I had a great preparation leading into this year, but I am still so new to Supercross. Getting the Heat Race win was awesome, but I am really happy with my Main Event and to be on the podium. Hard work always pays off!”
– Jorge Prado, MXGP World Champion
Aaron Plessinger Makes a Determined Comeback
Aaron Plessinger returned to Supercross competition with resilience at Anaheim 1. After an incident in his Heat Race that threatened to derail his night, Plessinger regrouped and fought back through the Last Chance Qualifier, ultimately earning a berth in the Main Event. He pushed through to capture a respectable 10th place finish, an encouraging sign for his season ahead.
“Obviously, this wasn’t the Anaheim 1 that I wanted,”
– Aaron Plessinger, Rider
“It started well, but it happens. Good to get the Round 1 jitters out, and I had a few good starts today actually. I thought it was a good way to rebound.”
– Aaron Plessinger, Rider
450SX Main Event Results and Early Standings
The Anaheim 1 results solidify Eli Tomac as the early leader in the 450SX class, with 25 points after his commanding win. Ken Roczen riding for Suzuki finished second, adding excitement to the championship battle, while Jorge Prado’s third-place performance marked a promising start to his Supercross journey. Aaron Plessinger rounded out the top ten, showing tenacity after overcoming his earlier setback. Other finishers included Justin Hill (14th), RJ Hampshire (18th), and Malcolm Stewart (22nd).
After the first round, the top seven in the 2026 450SX standings are:
1. Eli Tomac – 25 points
2. Ken Roczen – 22 points
3. Jorge Prado – 17 points
4. Aaron Plessinger – 12 points
5. Justin Hill – 8 points
6. RJ Hampshire – 4 points
7. Malcolm Stewart – 0 points
The Season Ahead: Rivalries and Anticipation
The stage is set for a dramatic championship race, with Tomac’s assertive Anaheim 1 performance making him the rider to watch as the series moves to San Diego on January 17. With early rivalries brewing among Tomac, Roczen, and Prado, and strong teams like Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Suzuki vying for glory, fans are anticipating further intense battles throughout the season.
As the energy and momentum from Anaheim 1 carry forward, all eyes remain on the athletes and teams. With the Eli Tomac Supercross victory at Anaheim marking only the beginning, the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship promises more high-speed action, unexpected twists, and moments of brilliance from champions and newcomers alike.
