The 2026 AMA Supercross opener at Angel Stadium in Anaheim saw Eli Tomac secure a hard-fought victory following a red flag incident that changed the dynamics of the race. Tomac’s performance at this season starter sets an intense tone for the championship, highlighting the unpredictability and competition that define Supercross.
Tense Start Leads to Early Incident at Angel Stadium
The inaugural round began with Eli Tomac grabbing the holeshot in the 450SX Main Event, only to lose the lead early as Cooper Webb overtook him in the second corner. Webb’s moment in front was cut short by a shocking crash at the close of the second rhythm section, halting the race almost immediately. The collision involved several competitors, most notably Malcolm Stewart and Justin Barcia.
Stewart was forced to stop near the end of the rhythm due to a converging trajectory with Ken Roczen, while Barcia, having already committed to jumping the triple, could not avoid Stewart. Barcia landed atop Stewart and was then thrown from his bike, tumbling toward the bowl turn, with his machine cartwheeling behind him. Justin Barcia was reported to be conscious after the accident and was transferred from the stadium’s medical unit to a local medical center for further assessment, while Stewart also received medical attention at the venue.
Restart Brings New Leaders and Strategic Shifts
After a complete stoppage, the race resumed, this time with Jorge Prado, making his Supercross debut, taking the initial lead. The Spaniard’s stint in front was brief, as Tomac reclaimed top position before the end of the opening lap, soon followed by Ken Roczen moving past Prado into second. Roczen applied pressure but never closed to within two seconds of Tomac, ensuring Tomac’s control throughout the remainder of the race.
This win marked Tomac’s second career victory at Anaheim 1, echoing his previous triumph in 2023, another race affected by an early incident. Tomac, now with 54 career wins, has solidified his position as a Supercross great. His previous title run in 2023 was cut short by an untimely Achilles injury at his home race in Denver, but the strong start in 2026 suggests he remains a prime contender.
Top Finishers Shape Early Championship Standings
Ken Roczen finished a steady second, having won his heat race earlier in the night, and ended over 20 seconds ahead of Jorge Prado, who maintained third position for his first 450SX podium in just his third start. Roczen’s strong showing as a veteran rider signals his intent to contend seriously for this year’s championship. Prado, returning to KTM after a turbulent split from Kawasaki, showed maturity and consistency, battling high expectations after multiple MXGP titles in Europe.
Meanwhile, Hunter Lawrence managed a comeback-filled ride to fourth, benefitting from a late-race pass on Jason Anderson. Lawrence, the sole HRC rider in the absence of Jett Lawrence due to injury, proved resilient but was unable to close the gap to Prado before the checkered flag. Anderson, on his debut ride for HEP Suzuki, finished fifth, leading a cluster that included Justin Cooper and Cooper Webb—both representing Star Racing Yamaha. Webb, who struggled with two uncharacteristic crashes during the night, ended in seventh place, a challenging opening for the reigning and three-time champion.
Crashes and Team Changes Dominate Narratives
Cooper Webb’s evening was marked by incidents, beginning with a collision with Aaron Plessinger in the heat race and another tumble while battling Hunter Lawrence for position in the Main Event. These missteps set Webb on the back foot, highlighting the unpredictable nature of opening rounds. Aaron Plessinger, after his own incident, qualified through the LCQ and finished tenth.
Chase Sexton, having switched from KTM to Kawasaki during the off-season, started the day with the best qualifying time but was unable to translate that pace due to a heat race crash and further errors in the Main Event. Sexton ended behind Webb, while his teammate Garrett Marchbanks missed the Main entirely due to an LCQ crash, casting early doubts on Kawasaki’s season strategy.
The debut of Ducati on the Supercross scene provided a highlight, with Dylan Ferrandis securing a top-ten finish for Troy Lee Designs Ducati, much needed after Barcia’s mishap.
Key Riders and Team Storylines Emerge
Jett Lawrence’s preseason injury left Hunter Lawrence as Honda HRC’s lone representative. Hunter’s determined ride reinforced his relevance, though time constraints limited further progression up the leaderboard. Jason Anderson’s move to HEP Suzuki and Jorge Prado’s high-profile shift back to KTM were both put to the test in Anaheim, with each making their marks in a high-pressure environment. The American veteran Ken Roczen and Spaniard Jorge Prado, both familiar with the intensity of the world stage, demonstrated their adaptability and championship ambitions.
250SX Class: Max Anstie Secures Commanding Win
In the 250SX division, the atmosphere was less chaotic but no less competitive, with Max Anstie delivering a clinical ride. Ryder DiFrancesco achieved the holeshot for Rockstar Husqvarna, initially holding off Chance Hymas and Anstie. However, it was Anstie who moved assertively through the field, overtaking both leaders within the first half and taking his second consecutive win in a 250SX regional season opener, following his East Coast success last season.
Chance Hymas advanced to second before the finish, earning his first dry-weather Supercross podium after previous success in muddy conditions. DiFrancesco, challenged late by Haiden Deegan, managed to hold onto third, as Deegan recovered from a poor start but ultimately could not climb higher than fourth.
The much-anticipated rivalry between Deegan and Levi Kitchen did not fully materialize in this race. Kitchen, who set the fastest qualifying time, crashed in the first turn of the Main and battled from behind to finish sixth, just behind Michael Mosiman.
250SX Race Drama and New Talent Spotlight
Cameron McAdoo’s return for Kawasaki was short-lived; he crashed mid-air after colliding with Deegan and, although he continued, finished a lap down, another difficult chapter after recent injuries. Max Vohland faded to seventh after being overtaken by both Deegan and Kitchen. Rounding out the top ten were Hunter Yoder, Avery Long, and Dilan Schwartz.
The 250SX opener, while less fraught with crashes than the 450 class, still set the stage for an intense championship with notable performances from established names and new contenders.
What This Dramatic Opener Means for the Season Ahead
The 2026 AMA Supercross opener at Anaheim revealed several key stories and unresolved battles that will shape the narrative moving forward. Eli Tomac’s milestone win, Jorge Prado’s strong KTM return, Ken Roczen’s persistent challenge, and the emergence of Max Anstie in the 250SX all signal a fiercely contested season. Injuries, team changes, and unpredictable incidents underlined the charged environment that competitors must navigate in their pursuit of Supercross glory. As the championship continues, all eyes will be on how these initial dramas impact the momentum of title favorites and emerging stars alike.
