The sold-out Angel Stadium was electric with energy and anticipation as the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship roared into action, marking the beginning of the 17-round series, which is part of the SMX World Championship™. Fans were treated to thrilling performances, with Chase Sexton taking a commanding victory in the 450SX Class and Jo Shimoda dominating the 250SX Western Regional Class.
450SX Class: Sexton’s Triumph and Roczen’s Solid Start
Red Bull KTM Racing‘s Chase Sexton put on a masterful display in the 20-minute-plus-one-lap Main Event, claiming his first-ever season opener win. Despite a mid-race stall, Sexton maintained his lead after taking charge just four minutes into the race. His victory set the tone for a season brimming with promise.
“It feels amazing to start the season with a win. The team worked so hard in the off-season to get me comfortable, and it paid off. This is just the beginning; we have 16 more rounds to go, but tonight was special.”
– Chase Sexton
Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen showcased resilience, overcoming a slow start in qualifying to claim second place. Roczen locked handlebars with several riders in the chaotic first turn but rode a calculated and consistent race to secure his spot on the podium.
“Second place was exactly what I wanted tonight. The bike felt great, and I executed a solid Main Event. It’s a perfect starting point for the season.”
– Ken Roczen
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson rounded out the podium in third place. Anderson avoided the first-turn chaos and battled fiercely with Sexton and Roczen, demonstrating his readiness for the long season ahead.
“The first corner was wild, but I managed to hold it together. We’ve been working hard as a team, and it’s great to kick off the season with a podium finish.”
– Jason Anderson
Defending champion Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing‘s Eli Tomac suffered a dramatic crash while leading on the opening lap but recovered to finish fifth. Meanwhile, Team Honda HRC Progressive‘s Jett Lawrence, after two early mistakes, finished a disappointing 12th.
250SX Class: Shimoda’s Perfect Start
In the 250SX Western Regional Class, Honda HRC Progressive‘s Jo Shimoda delivered a flawless performance, leading every lap of the 15-minute-plus-one-lap Main Event to secure his first-ever opening round podium finish.
“This is the start I’ve always dreamed of. I stayed consistent, and my team gave me the perfect setup. I couldn’t be happier.”
– Jo Shimoda
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing‘s Julien Beaumer impressed with his speed, qualifying fastest and winning his heat race before finishing second. Beaumer kept close to Shimoda throughout the race but couldn’t make a pass.
“I proved to myself tonight that I can compete for wins. It’s time to keep building and aim for the top step.”
– Julien Beaumer
Triumph Racing Factory Team’s Jordon Smith overcame a tip-over to claim third place, earning Triumph their first-ever Supercross podium.
“It’s incredible to give Triumph this result. The team has been working tirelessly, and tonight’s podium is just the beginning.” – Jordon Smith
Looking Ahead
The Anaheim Opener awarded critical points for both the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season and the SMX World Championship™. The series moves to Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego for Round 2, promising another night of intense competition.
Fans can follow the action, watch race highlights, and purchase tickets for upcoming events at SupercrossLIVE.com.
The 2025 season is off to a thrilling start, with Sexton and Shimoda proving their dominance early. As the series progresses, the battles for championship glory are bound to intensify. Stay tuned for more high-octane action as the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship continues.
