Ken Roczen Captures Maiden Supercross Championship in Historic Salt Lake City Finale, Chase Sexton Wins Again in Salt Lake City as Cole Davies Triumphs in East/West Showdown
The 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship concluded in unforgettable fashion at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, where a packed crowd witnessed one of the closest and most emotional title battles in Supercross history.
With only a single point separating Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki’s Ken Roczen and Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence entering the final round, the 450SMX Class Main Event delivered everything fans could have hoped for. In the end, Roczen etched his name into the history books by capturing his first premier class championship at 32 years old, becoming the oldest Supercross champion ever.
450SMX Class: Roczen’s Dream Finally Becomes Reality
The winner-take-all 20-minute-plus-one-lap Main Event began with Hunter Lawrence securing the holeshot while Roczen immediately challenged for the lead. The pair quickly established themselves at the front as Jorge Prado and Chase Sexton battled behind them.
Roczen soon took over the lead, setting a controlled pace while Lawrence shadowed him closely. As the race progressed, Prado closed in on the championship contenders, increasing the pressure on Lawrence.
The defining moment came when Lawrence briefly went off track before suffering a costly crash that dropped him down the order and effectively ended his title hopes. Roczen remained calm and focused despite the pressure from behind.
While Roczen managed the championship situation, Chase Sexton came alive late in the race. The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider surged past Prado and then tracked down Roczen to take over the lead in the closing laps.
Sexton powered to his second victory of the season and fourth consecutive Salt Lake City win, while Roczen smartly settled into fifth place—more than enough to secure the championship by just three points over Lawrence.
Justin Cooper charged late to claim second, matching the best finish of his career, while Prado completed the podium in third.
The title marked a career-defining achievement for Roczen after 13 seasons competing at the highest level, completing one of the sport’s most inspiring journeys.
450SMX Class Reactions
“I was an emotional wreck today. I’ve dreamed of this since I was a little kid. This championship proves you should never give up, no matter your age or the pressure you feel.”
Ken Roczen – 450SMX Champion
“I’m really proud of Kenny. Hunter was incredible all year too. Once things opened up in the race, I just focused on riding my best and getting the win.”
Chase Sexton – 1st Place
“I had to work through the pack and trust my pace. It got intense at the end, but I’m happy with how it turned out.”
Justin Cooper – 2nd Place
Justin Cooper, Chase Sexton, and Jorge Prado
“My goal was to get a good start and stay smart. I didn’t want to interfere with the championship battle, and overall it was a great race for me.”
Jorge Prado – 3rd Place
250SMX East/West Showdown: Cole Davies Finishes Season in Style
The prestigious Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Showdown brought together the best 250SMX riders for one final showdown, highlighted by the battle between newly crowned East Champion Cole Davies and West Champion Haiden Deegan.
Deegan grabbed the holeshot early before Max Anstie briefly took over the lead. Davies soon joined the fight, creating an intense battle between the two championship-winning teammates.
The pair traded positions multiple times in a thrilling duel, with Davies using his exceptional speed through the whoops to pressure Deegan. Eventually, the New Zealander made an aggressive pass for the lead midway through the race.
Deegan attempted to retaliate but crashed after making contact with Davies and later went down again in the sand section, ending his hopes of victory in his final 250SMX race.
Davies stayed composed and cruised to his sixth win of the season, capping off a remarkable breakthrough campaign in dominant fashion.
Levi Kitchen fought through the chaos to secure second, while Max Anstie completed the podium. Deegan finished fourth in what he described as one of the most enjoyable races of his career before officially preparing for the move to the 450 Class.
250SMX East/West Showdown Reactions
“That was such a fun race. The pressure was off after winning the championship, so I could just go all out and enjoy battling with Haiden.”
Cole Davies – Winner
“It was chaos out there, but I stayed aggressive and kept pushing. I’m stoked to finish on the podium.”
Levi Kitchen – 2nd Place
“It’s been a difficult season, but the team has been incredible. Hopefully we’ll be back fighting for championships again next year.”
Max Anstie – 3rd Place
Levi Kitchen, Cole Davies, and Max Anstie
“That was one of the funnest races I’ve ever had. Cole and I were going at it hard and putting on a show. It’s bittersweet leaving the 250 class, but I’m excited for the next chapter.”
Haiden Deegan – 4th Place
The curtain closes on one of the most memorable Supercross seasons ever, with Ken Roczen finally achieving championship glory and a new generation of stars like Cole Davies and Haiden Deegan shaping the future of the sport.
