The 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship continued its electric start Saturday night as another sold-out crowd packed Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego for Round 2 of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship. In the tight, high-energy confines of the venue, Eli Tomac once again proved why he remains one of the sport’s defining figures, charging to a hard-fought victory to open the season with back-to-back wins in the 450SMX Class.

One week removed from a memorable season-opening triumph, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider added win number 55 of his Supercross career, and 87th SMX victory overall, after outlasting Ken Roczen and Hunter Lawrence in a tense, three-rider showdown that kept fans on edge until the final lap.

Tomac Survives Late Charge in 450SMX Thriller

The 450SMX Main Event exploded off the gate with Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence grabbing the holeshot, trailed closely by Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen and Tomac. The trio immediately separated from the rest of the field, setting up a strategic and physical battle that unfolded over the duration of the race.

Lawrence showed early composure under pressure, fending off repeated challenges from Roczen. As the pace intensified, Tomac entered the fray, and with just over 14 minutes remaining Roczen finally slipped past Lawrence to take control of the lead. What followed was a back-and-forth exchange at the front, as Tomac briefly took the lead before Roczen countered and controlled much of the race’s middle portion.

With six minutes to go, Tomac made his decisive move, reclaiming the top spot and building just enough separation to fend off a late surge from Lawrence, who capitalized when Roczen’s pace dipped. Lawrence closed rapidly in the final laps, but Tomac remained composed, holding on to secure the victory by just 1.3 seconds.

The win tied Tomac with Jeremy McGrath for second on the all-time SMX wins list, further cementing his place among the sport’s legends. Lawrence’s runner-up finish matched the best Supercross result of his career, while Roczen’s third-place effort marked his second podium in as many rounds to start the season.

Just off the podium, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Chase Sexton delivered an impressive comeback in fourth after a poor start that left him near the back of the pack. Defending champion Cooper Webb endured a difficult night, going down after contact with Sexton and ultimately salvaging an eighth-place finish aboard his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine.

After two rounds, Tomac now holds an eight-point advantage over Roczen in the 450SMX standings, with Lawrence jumping to third and sitting 10 points behind the championship leader.

Deegan Breaks Through in Western Divisional 250SMX Class

The Western Divisional 250SMX Main Event delivered its own drama, headlined by a fierce intra-team battle between Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing teammates Haiden Deegan and Max Anstie. Entering the night as the points leader, Anstie grabbed the holeshot and immediately found himself under heavy pressure from the defending Western Division Champion.

The pair resumed their rivalry from earlier in the evening, trading lines and momentum as Deegan searched relentlessly for a way past the veteran. With just over nine minutes remaining, Deegan made an aggressive move in a bowl turn, cutting underneath Anstie to take the lead. As the two exited the corner, contact between Deegan’s rear wheel and Anstie’s front wheel sent Anstie to the ground.

While Anstie worked his way back through the field, Deegan sprinted clear at the front, opening a commanding gap. The focus shifted to a spirited fight for the remaining podium spots, where Cameron McAdoo mounted an impressive charge after his disastrous Anaheim opener. The Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider passed Chance Hymas for second, with Michael Mosiman following through shortly thereafter.

Deegan cruised to the checkered flag for his first win of the season and eighth career 250SMX victory, crossing the line 7.6 seconds ahead of McAdoo. Mosiman completed the podium in third, while Anstie recovered to finish fifth.

The result vaulted Deegan from fourth to first in the Western Divisional standings, edging Anstie by a single point after two rounds. Hymas now sits third, five points off the lead.

Championship Momentum Builds

With two rounds complete, the 2026 Supercross season is already delivering the intensity and unpredictability fans expect. Tomac’s early dominance has set the tone in the 450SMX Class, but challengers are close and pressure is mounting. Meanwhile, the Western Divisional 250SMX title fight is wide open, with Deegan’s breakthrough win reshuffling the standings and adding another layer of intrigue to an already compelling championship.

As the series moves forward, both title battles promise plenty more fireworks in the weeks to come.