After a two-week break, the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship returned with a thrilling night of racing at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton delivered an impressive performance, securing the overall win with (1-1-2) finishes in the third and final Triple Crown-format event of the season.
Sexton’s victory not only earned him the Triple Crown Championship—thanks to his consistent performances in Glendale, Arlington, and Birmingham—but also moved him within just 8 points of the title chase.
450SX Class Highlights
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing‘s Malcolm Stewart showed grit and determination despite suffering a painful hip injury during qualifying. He pushed through the night, finishing with (3-2-3) results, earning second overall. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing‘s Aaron Plessinger rounded out the podium in third with (2-3-5) finishes.
“Triple Crowns are tough because even if you win the first two Races, something can go wrong in the first turn. Thank God my starts were good tonight. This is my favorite part of the season, these last seven or eight rounds. It seems like it’s where I really shine.”
Reflecting on his win, Sexton said:
“I just made a mistake in practice and caught Justin Hill’s front wheel in mid-air. I hit my hip pretty good. Huge shout out to Doctor G for getting me back in shape to go out there and do these three Races… I’m so blessed to get back up on the podium.”
Malcolm Stewart, despite his injury, remained in high spirits:
“I feel like I’m on a roll, like I’ve found another gear. The Baker’s Factory is a riot right now; we’re going off. It was a good night, and we’re going to keep pushing.”
Aaron Plessinger also reflected on his night:
Cooper Webb, who finished fourth overall (7-4-1), had a tough start but ended on a high note by winning Race 3.
250SX East Class: Nate Thrasher Becomes Fifth Winner in Five Rounds
The 250SX East class continued to deliver unpredictable results, with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher becoming the fifth different winner in five rounds. Thrasher secured the victory with consistent (3-3-2) finishes.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing‘s RJ Hampshire (1-2-5) was in contention for the win but got caught up in a crash at the start of Race 3, finishing fifth and missing out on the overall victory. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle (2-5-3) secured third place, extending his championship lead due to a DNS from Max Anstie, who crashed out in qualifying.
“I really felt coming into this season that this was going to be my year. We’re not out of the championship yet!”
Thrasher was thrilled to finally claim a win:
“I just didn’t have the spark tonight. My starts were saving me in the first two races, but I butchered the last one. We’ll regroup and come back swinging.”
Hampshire acknowledged his struggles:
SMX Next Class Delivers Exciting Racing
The night also featured the SMX Next class, where amateur riders competed on a professional Supercross track. Team Green Kawasaki’s Enzo Temmerman claimed victory after a chaotic race that saw multiple leaders crash. Orange Brigade KTM’s Luke Fauser and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Tiger Wood rounded out the podium.
“I didn’t think this would be the night I won. I struggled all day in practice, but I just let the race come to me and was in the right spot at the right time.”
Temmerman was surprised by his win:
What’s Next?
The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship heads to Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, for Round 11 on 29th March. The season is heating up, and with the title race tightening, fans can expect more intense battles ahead.
