After a thrilling Round 5 in Tampa that saw Malcolm Stewart capture his first career 450SX victory, the SMX Championship heads to the Motor City for Round 6 at Ford Field. The historic Detroit market, which has hosted supercross events since 1976, continues its rich motorsports tradition as the series arrives at a pivotal point in the championship.

Stewart’s Breakthrough Victory Makes History

Tampa’s main event marked a career-defining moment for Malcolm “Mookie” Stewart, who became the 69th different winner in 450SX Class history. At 32 years old, Stewart joins an elite group as the fifth-oldest supercross winner ever and gave Husqvarna their first victory since Zach Osborne in 2020. The win came in Stewart’s 109th career 450SX start, marking the second-longest wait for a first victory behind Justin Brayton’s 131 races.

Championship Battle Intensifies

The title fight remains tight heading into Detroit, with points leader Chase Sexton holding just a five-point advantage over Cooper Webb. Webb, who reached a career milestone in Tampa by tying Jeff Ward for 10th all-time in 450SX Class podiums (66), has shown mixed results at Ford Field throughout his career. Despite two runner-up finishes at the venue, Webb’s average finish of eighth place in five starts suggests the Detroit round could be pivotal in the championship chase.

Detroit’s Rich Supercross Legacy

Ford Field marks the 57th supercross event in the Detroit market, building on a legacy that began at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1976. While the Silverdome hosted 46 rounds before its demolition in 2018, Ford Field has become the new home for Detroit supercross since 2006. Notably, the last three Detroit winners – Jett Lawrence (2024), Chase Sexton (2023), and Eli Tomac (2022) – all went on to win the championship, though historically, Detroit winners have only captured the title 47% of the time.

250 Class: Anstie Leads Eastern Regional Championship

In the 250 class, Max Anstie carries the red plate into Detroit following his impressive victory in Tampa. The British rider made history by becoming the 35th different athlete to win on a Yamaha in the 250SX Class, and the 15th rider to win on two different brands. Defending Eastern Regional champion RJ Hampshire looks to bounce back after a difficult Tampa round, while rookie sensation Daxton Bennick aims to build on his remarkable start to the season.

The Detroit round marks the 41st 250SX event in the market’s history, with Ford Field hosting its 12th race since taking over from the Silverdome. With both championships hanging in the balance, this weekend’s racing promises to add another thrilling chapter to Detroit’s storied supercross history.