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Supercross Anaheim 2 recap: Chase Sexton secures his first Kawasaki win in the 450SMX Class, while Haiden Deegan claims back-to-back Western Divisional 250SMX victories at Round 3 of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.
Chase Sexton Captures Maiden Kawasaki Victory Following Impressive Performance in Anaheim, Haiden Deegan Claims Back-to-Back Western Divisional 250SMX Wins
The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship continued its electric start to the 2026 season with a third consecutive sold-out crowd, as Round 3 of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship returned to the iconic Angel Stadium for Anaheim 2 on 24 January 2026.
All eyes were on Chase Sexton following his high-profile offseason move to Monster Energy Kawasaki, and the 450SMX Class Main Event delivered in dramatic fashion. Jason Anderson of Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance launched out front with the holeshot, with Sexton right alongside. Anderson held the early lead as Hunter Lawrence (Honda HRC Progressive), Sexton, and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac—winner of the opening two rounds and championship points leader—settled into pursuit.
Sexton soon found his rhythm, reclaiming second place from Lawrence before closing in on Anderson. A brief but intense battle for the lead followed, with both riders trading passes before Sexton asserted control. Just before the halfway point, Sexton broke away, opening a multi-second advantage that he would maintain to the checkered flag.
Eli Tomac settled for third at A2 but still increased his points lead.
Behind the leader, Tomac moved past Lawrence into third and pressured Anderson, but the Suzuki rider initially held firm. Moments later, both Lawrence and Tomac made successful moves on Anderson, with Tomac forcing Anderson off track during the exchange. The top three remained unchanged through the closing laps, as Sexton claimed his 17th career victory and his first win aboard Kawasaki, crossing the line 3.3 seconds clear of the field. The result marked Kawasaki’s first Supercross win since the 2022 season.
Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, and Hunter Lawrence
Tomac’s third-place finish kept his remarkable consistency intact, making him the only rider to podium in all three rounds so far. With two wins and a third, he now holds an eight-point advantage in the 450SMX standings over Hunter Lawrence, who sits second after back-to-back runner-up finishes. Sexton’s breakthrough victory elevated him to third overall, 13 points behind Tomac. Ken Roczen dropped to fourth in the standings, 14 points back, despite a determined ride from 21st on the opening lap to finish eighth—his first race off the podium this season.
450SMX Class Podium Reactions
“It’s been a long few months, going back to the crash at the Vegas SMX finale. It’s hard to get back here, honestly. It’s been a journey. I just went out there, rode solid, and more within myself. I can’t say enough about the team. It’s good to put Kawi back on top.”
Chase Sexton – 1st Place
“I need a little more consistency throughout the day. We made changes every time I went on track, so I was always adapting. I was slow to get going, but I picked it up toward the end.”
Hunter Lawrence – 2nd Place
“The big picture is great. That race had a lot of offense and defense. Defending that podium spot was important, and overall I’m happy with the finish.”
Eli Tomac – 3rd Place
Western Divisional 250SMX Class: Deegan Goes Back-to-Back
The Western Divisional 250SMX Class once again delivered a thrilling showdown between Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing teammates Michael Mosiman and Haiden Deegan. Mosiman grabbed the holeshot and controlled the early laps, ahead of Cameron McAdoo (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki), Max Vohland (ClubMX Yamaha), and Deegan.
Deegan quickly charged into second and locked onto Mosiman’s rear wheel. The duo broke away from the field, pacing each other through most of the 15-minute-plus-one-lap Main Event. With just over three minutes remaining, Deegan made his move, executing a decisive pass for the lead. Once out front, he wasted no time stretching his advantage, pulling more than five seconds clear to secure his second straight victory.
Deegan’s ninth career win came by a commanding 8.5-second margin over Mosiman. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco completed the podium after edging McAdoo in a tight battle, earning his second career podium and second at Anaheim this season.
In the standings, Deegan now leads the Western Division by nine points over Mosiman. Max Anstie slipped from second to third overall, 10 points off the lead, following his toughest outing of the season in sixth.
Western Divisional 250SMX Class Podium Reactions
“That was amazing. Solid ride. I’ve got to give credit to Mosiman—he’s always putting in the extra work, and that’s what makes him such a tough competitor.”
Haiden Deegan – 1st Place
Michael Mosiman, Haiden Deegan, and Ryder DiFrancesco
“It feels great to be on the podium. When you look up and see all the fans, it makes you appreciate the moment. The holeshot made a huge difference tonight.”
Michael Mosiman – 2nd Place
“I knew if I could keep McAdoo close, I could wear him down. Anaheim feels like my place—it’s close to home.”
Ryder DiFrancesco – 3rd Place
With Anaheim 2 in the books, the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship continues to build momentum, setting the stage for an intense title fight as the series heads to its next stop.