We’ve often said that the lifeblood of MotoAmerica is the riders. We advocate for their safety. They are our greatest assets. Plain and simple, without our riders, we literally would not have a race series.
There is a saying within the management at MotoAmerica. It’s a phrase that is attributed to MotoAmerica president Wayne Rainey.
“How bad do you want it?”
No one wanted to race and wanted it more than Wayne. It drove him to win two AMA Superbike Championships and three consecutive 500cc Grand Prix World Championships.
It also drove him to save motorcycle road racing in America by creating, with the support of his three partners Chuck Aksland, Richard Varner, and Terry Karges, the AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship, otherwise known as MotoAmerica.
We see frequent manifestations of “how bad do you want it?” in our paddock. Riders whose day jobs primarily fund their race programs, riders who sleep in their cars because virtually all of their money is spent on racing motorcycles and they cannot afford better places to live. Riders who train incessantly in an effort to achieve and maintain maximum fitness.
It is in this spirit that the MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Privateer Support Program was created.
A charitable subset of the VIP Superfan Experience, the Privateer Support Program began as an idea leading into the opening round of the 2026 season at Daytona International Speedway.
Block holds up the check for $2,525 that he received from the sale of commemorative hats purchased by the very generous VIP Superfans at Daytona. Photo courtesy MotoAmerica.
Ron Heben, “the man in the red jacket” who runs the VIP Superfan Experience, is also the man who created the Privateer Support Program. He purchased a collection of custom-embroidered hats resplendent in MotoAmerica and VIP Superfan logos, as well as Privateer Support Program lettering.
He sold the hats to the VIP Superfans who attended Daytona, and he randomly chose one rider out of the hundreds who make up our paddock.
The rider chosen was Eli Block.
MotoAmerica’s VIP Superfans are truly super fans, and they bought every single hat that was available. As a result, the VIP Superfans presented Twins Cup rider Block with a check (and cash) in the amount of $2,525.00! It was an incredibly generous gesture of support for him, and he really appreciated it.
“I was so caught off guard,” Block said. “It was an amazing experience. I didn’t even have a clue what was going on, and being picked was obviously a highlight of Daytona for me and my race program.”
Thank you to all our Daytona VIP Superfans for embracing the new program. And, to Eli Block, best of luck with your racing endeavors. We’re excited to see how the other rounds shape up as the word gets out and additional program supporters come on board. And, by the way, Ron is making sure we have enough VIP Superfan Privateer Support Program hats at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
Suzuki Dealerships and Customers Will Benefit from New Financing Options
and Award-Winning Digital Tools.
Brea, CA – Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.), the fintech company unlocking the power of financial products for retailers and consumers, and Suzuki Motor USA, LLC, (Suzuki) announced today that they have partnered to extend competitive finance offers to prime customers in the United States.
Effective April 1, Suzuki dealers and its customers will have access to full-spectrum financing offers on its line of motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs, through Octane’s in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial, Inc. Additionally, Suzuki’s dealers will continue to benefit from Octane’s innovative, industry-leading dealer platform and digital tools for fast, easy prequalification, acquisition, and closing. Octane’s award-winning customer service team will service the loans through Roadrunner Account Services, LLC.
“For nearly ten years, Suzuki has been a strong partner for Octane. We’re excited to build on that relationship by launching a full-spectrum finance agreement,” said Jon Vestal, EVP and General Manager of Recreational Lending at Octane. “Together, we’re supporting Suzuki dealers and customers by unlocking the power of financial products with our seamless buying experience.”
“We’re excited to build on an already strong, long term relationship with Octane that will ultimately lead to more Suzuki motorcycle and ATV sales,” said Chris Coons, Suzuki’s Director of National Sales Planning and Administration. “This expansion to full-spectrum lending allows us to offer more flexible and unique financing solutions, so more riders can experience the thrill and freedom of Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs.”
Since its founding in 2014, Octane has originated more than $8 billion in loans, issued more than $4.7 billion in asset-backed securities, and has sold or committed to sell $3.3 billion of secured consumer loans through whole-loan sales or forward-flow transactions. The Company grew originations by 29% in 2025, grew adjusted EBITDA by 23% year-over-year to $80 million, and was GAAP net income profitable for the third year in a row. Octane works with 50 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners and serves seven secured lending markets with its innovative technology solutions and fast, easy financing experience.
About Octane:
Octane® is revolutionizing financing by delivering a seamless, end-to-end digital buying experience. We unlock the power of financial products for retailers and consumers by combining cutting-edge technology and innovative risk strategies, helping businesses finance more creditworthy customers to make automotive and lifestyle purchases — like powersports vehicles, RVs, marine, and outdoor power equipment — fast, easy, and accessible. Octane adds value throughout the buying journey: connecting dealers and buyers with customer acquisitions tools, instantly prequalifying consumers for financing online, providing technology to make the closing process faster and easier, and supporting customers throughout their loan with superior loan servicing. Founded in 2014, we have 50 OEM partners and more than 4,000 dealer partners, and a team of over 600. Visit Octane.co. Octane® and Roadrunner Financial® are registered service marks of Octane Lending, Inc.
As It Celebrates “50 Years Of Superbike Racing,” North America’s Premier Motorcycle Road Racing Championship Will Air Live on VICE TV Kicking Off April 18 & 19.
IRVINE, CA (April 8, 2026) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing championship, and V10 Entertainment have partnered to bring Superbike racing to VICE TV for the 2026 season and in celebration of “50 Years Of Superbike Racing.” Coverage kicks off live on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19.
The partnership brings the pinnacle of American motorcycle road racing to VICE TV’s bold, culture-driven audience. The collaboration will deliver nine Superbike rounds from across the United States, showcasing elite international talent, intense head-to-head rivalries, and high-stakes competition—all within an environment that celebrates five decades of racing history.
“MotoAmerica Superbike competition is pure racing — authentic and uncompromising,” said Chuck Aksland, Chief Operating Officer of MotoAmerica. “Celebrating “50 Years of Superbike Racing,” we’re excited to bring our premier class to VICE TV, a platform known for dynamic and edgy sports programming, and reflecting the same raw energy that defines our series.”
Superbike represents the peak of MotoAmerica competition, featuring some of the world’s best motorcycle road racers aboard production-based motorcycles capable of exceeding 200 mph. MotoAmerica riders compete for national championships at some of the most iconic racetracks in the country. Each round guarantees new storylines as these elite riders push the limits of lap times and each other, in an awesome display of technical ability and mechanical performance that follows the championship all season long.
MotoAmerica Superbike Heads To VICE TV For 2026 Season In Partnership with V10 Entertainment. Illustration courtesy MotoAmerica.
“Live competition is at the core of VICE TV’s expanding sports strategy,” said Pete Gaffney, President of VICE TV. “MotoAmerica Superbike embodies everything we look for—speed, intensity, elite athletes, and real stakes. In its milestone 50th year, this championship brings a level of authenticity and adrenaline that aligns perfectly with our audience.”
The 2026 season marks “50 Years Of Superbike Racing.” By broadcasting North America’s premier class to VICE TV’s fanbase of thrill-seekers, MotoAmerica and V10 Entertainment are marking this a historic year with a level of authenticity and adrenaline that honors five decades of racing heritage.
The 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike season on VICE TV delivers the complete race calendar, totaling 20 races across nine rounds with access to over 40 million U.S. households via major cable and satellite outlets, bringing new and existing fans closer to the speed, intensity, and action of Superbike in its golden anniversary year.
For more information about MotoAmerica and the 2026 Superbike season, visit MotoAmerica.com
About VICE TV:
VICE TV delivers a powerful mix of culture-defining originals, bold entertainment, and live alternative sports across television and digital. The Emmy®-winning international television network from VICE Media, in partnership with A+E, is available in 40 million U.S. cable, telco, and satellite homes and to multiple licensees worldwide. To cater to the growing global demand for sports content, in 2025 the network launched a slate of live event programming (Professional Fighters League, Legacy Fighting Alliance, MotoAmerica Road Racing, BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, Major League Volleyball, AF1 Arena Football One) and sports-focused docuseries and specials. Current and previous programs include: The Verdict, with host Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo; VICE Studios’ Dark Side of the Cage, Dark Side of the Ring, Hells Angels, Out of Bounds and United Gangs of America; from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Chasing Speed; Don’t Call it a Comeback with host Noah Eagle, from Front Office Sports Studios, Skydance Sports, and NFL Films; NFL Classics: After Further Review, with host Kyle Brandt, from Omaha Productions in association with NFL Films; as well as Pitino: Red Storm Rising and Calipari: Razor’s Edge.
For more information, visit VICETV.com, follow VICE TV on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X), and find viewing and streaming options here.
About MotoAmerica:
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, the Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
I’ve released a new video on my YouTube channel. This latest video is part 2 of a two-part series on a wrap-up of the CVMA round 6 race weekend. In the video, I provide an overview of the weekend and interview several racers.
America’s premier flat track racing event opens registration on April 7.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has officially opened pre-registration for the 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing, which will run July 5-10 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill.
“Each year, we look forward to hosting the Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship and celebrating all of the outstanding competitors that make our sport great,” AMA Membership Development and Activity Director Joe Bromley said. “There are plenty of advantages of pre-registering for this event, including a per-class discount. We recommend that all racers pre-register ahead of this year’s event to ensure their spot in the competition.”
Racers who register early for the Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing will save $20 per class compared to the price of general registration, unless it is a 50cc class. Entry for 50cc classes will be $25 at this year’s event.
Pre-registered racers also receive expedited check-in at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds prior to the start of competition. Riders who pre-register before June 12 will also get their name on a commemorative 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing T-shirt.
Racers can purchase wristbands for gate entry for $25 per day or $75 for the entire week and pit vehicle passes are $40. Pit vehicles may only be operated by persons 21 years or older with a valid state operator’s license. All passes will be available for purchase online prior to the event.
AMA National No. 1 plates will be on the line in Du Quoin, as well as several special awards. The Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award — which honors the racer most primed for success at the professional level — will be presented at the conclusion of the event, while the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award, the AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year and the AMA Youth Racer of the Year will also be awarded.
In addition to the special awards, racers will compete for national championships in each individual event at this year’s event. The AMA will also present Grand Championships in each class, which will take into account the entire week of competition.
Dan Bromley Joins American Motorcyclist Association as Assistant Track Racing Manager
Professional flat tracker to play instrumental role in AMA’s track racing efforts
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has hired Dan Bromley as Assistant Track Racing Manager, where he will assist in the AMA’s track racing efforts across a number of disciplines, including flat track, road racing, speedway, ice racing and much more.
Bromley spent much of his youth competing as an amateur flat track racer, during which he earned 38 amateur national championships and the 2011 AMA Flat Track Horizon Award. Bromley began his professional career in 2012, going on to win the 2015 GNC2 Singles, 2018 American Flat Track Singles and 2025 AFT AdventureTrackers National Championships.
“Dan Bromley has dedicated his life to the sport of flat track, competing with great success as an amateur at the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship and as a professional in American Flat Track,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “We look forward to adding Dan’s expertise to the AMA staff, and we have full confidence in his abilities to help foster a thriving track racing community in the United States.”
In this role, Bromley will report to AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant.
“I’ve been around racing my whole life as a third-generation racer. I’ve seen the good and the bad and I’m excited to be involved in a different way,” Bromley said. “For the last 26 years I’ve been racing, so to be able to have the opportunity to work in the same sport is a dream. Working under Ken is surreal since I’ve known him for so long. I’m looking forward to this new chapter.”
Bromley will support the AMA racing team in the administration, coordination and promotion of AMA track racing activities nationwide. He will also assist with the implementation of rules, regulations, programs, and operational initiatives within the AMA’s racing department while ensuring consistent service to members, organizers and partners.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 7, 2026) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, has named Brad Sweet as Grand Marshal of the Silver Dollar Short Track at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, on May 2, 2026.
A Grass Valley, California native, Sweet won five consecutive World of Outlaws championships from 2019 to 2023 and ranks among the series’ all-time winningest drivers. His resume includes victories in marquee events such as the Knoxville Nationals and multiple Kings Royal wins.
Sweet is also the co-founder of High Limit Racing, where he claimed the series championship in 2024 before stepping away from full-time competition following the 2025 season.
The event carries added significance as Sweet is a co-owner of Silver Dollar Speedway alongside Kyle Larson and Colby Copeland. He will take part in pre-race ceremonies as Progressive American Flat Track returns to one of the West Coast’s premier dirt track venues.
Fans will also be treated to high-flying action from the Trashed Kids FMX stunt show, along with bar-banging racing from the Mission AFT SuperTwins class. Reigning KICKER AFT Singles winner and Northern California native Kage Tadman is set to return in search of a repeat victory.
For those that can’t catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.
FS1:
FOX Sports will provide in-depth coverage of select Progressive American Flat Track events, featuring rider features and onboard cameras. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding premiere airdates on FS1 and re-airs on FS2. The full listing of American Flat Track’s television premieres will be posted to https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.
Indy Superbikes Completes Major Expansion, Doubling Shop Footprint in Carmel, Indiana
Central Indiana’s Premier Sportbike Service and Gear Destination Now Operating from 6,000 Square Foot Facility
Indy Superbikes (Indy Motorsports LLC), Central Indiana’s dedicated sportbike service center and gear retailer, has announced completion of a major facility expansion at its Carmel, Indiana location, more than doubling the shop’s footprint to approximately 6,000 square feet. The expanded space includes a full-service motorcycle service department, a newly built gear showroom, and a dedicated changing room — delivering a comprehensive resource for street riders, track day enthusiasts, and club racers across the region.
The expansion marks a significant milestone for the shop, which was founded by co-owners Adam Eckerle and Chuck Hamerin with a mission to fill a void in Central Indiana’s motorcycle community: A service-first shop built specifically around the needs of sportbike and performance motorcycle riders. Unlike traditional powersports dealerships, Indy Superbikes focuses exclusively on the sportbike segment — providing specialized technical expertise, premium gear from top brands, and deep ties to the local and regional track day and racing community.
The service department at Indy Superbikes.
New customers should note that while the Indy Superbikes name carries history in the Indianapolis area — a predecessor retailer operated under the same name before closing in 2014 — today’s Indy Superbikes is an entirely new and independent business, unaffiliated with that earlier operation. Where the original brand focused on retail and online sales, the current shop was built from the ground up around in-shop service and personal relationships with riders.
“We built this shop because we’re riders ourselves — we race, we do track days, and we understand what it takes to keep a performance bike working at its best,” said Adam Eckerle, Co-Owner of Indy Superbikes. “This expansion lets us serve our customers the way they deserve to be served, with the space, the inventory, and the expertise all under one roof. Chuck and I are incredibly proud of what we’ve built here, and we’re just getting started heading into the 2026 race season.”
Service and bike storage at Indy Superbikes.An overview of the service department at Indy Superbikes.
“This has been a long time coming,” added Co-Owner Chuck Hamerin. “We quickly outgrew our old space because the demand from the sportbike and track community in Indiana is real. Now we finally have a home that matches what we want to offer.”
Indy Superbikes owners Chuck Hamerin (left) Adam Eckerle (right) in front of the expanded shop. Indy Superbikes photo.
Indy Superbikes is located at 9700 Lakeshore Dr. E, Suite 2, Carmel, Indiana, and serves riders across the greater Indianapolis metro area and beyond. The shop offers full motorcycle service and repair, track day and race prep, performance parts and accessories, and an in-store gear selection from leading brands. More information is available at www.indysbk.com.
The showroom at Indy Superbikes.
About Indy Superbikes
Indy Superbikes (Indy Motorsports LLC) is Central Indiana’s dedicated sportbike service center and gear destination, located at 9700 Lakeshore Dr E, Suite 2, Carmel, Indiana. Founded by co-owners Adam Eckerle and Chuck Hamerin — both active motorcycle racers — the shop specializes in sportbike service and repair, track day and race preparation, and premium riding gear and accessories. Indy Superbikes serves street riders, track day enthusiasts, and club racers across the Indianapolis metro area and the broader Midwest motorsports community.
When not writing descriptions for episodes of the Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast, I love to spend time on games. And I mean games in every format, from ancient boardgames to weird videogames and, of course, racing. It’s not just about playing them, but also about appreciating the design behind them; the way every little aspect has been tweaked just so, in order to make it fun and meaningful.
So trust me when I say: making a game flow right is so, so much harder than you’d think.
Why am I telling you this? Because I need you to understand how horrifyingly titanic a task it would be if someone walked up to you and asked you to build a multimillion dollar racing track…that feels good. Yet that is exactly the task that our guest of today specializes in. Everyone, give a round of applause for Bob Barnard!
Funny fact: he made a track called Phillip Island.
(We miss it dearly!)
Anyway, we decided to give Bob a call and see if we could get him to tell us the juicy truths of track design. Luckily for us, he picked up – and here’s the chat. Bob, it’s been an honor!
Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
Oh, and a quick word in regards to sponsors:
If you’re interested in connecting with a really unique MotoGP audience — we’re working with Smash Brand Group out of Sydney to manage partnerships. Curious? Just head to smashbrandgroup.com.au and get in touch!
ST. LOUIS – The return of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship to the “Gateway City” was headlined by the annual Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross honoring the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the fight against childhood cancer. With specially decorated race bikes and gear that will be auctioned off for fundraising, an already special race turned into a championship celebration inside The Dome at America’s Center as the Monster Energy SMX World Championship returned to St. Louis for the 12th race of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan came into St. Louis with a shot at securing a second straight Western Divisional 250SMX Class Championship and did so by dominating against a full field of the class’ top talent during the East/West Showdown.
Ken Roczen Goes Back-to-Back in 450SMX Class to Tighten Title Fight.
The 20 Minutes + 1 Lap 450SMX Class Main Event began with Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrance out front with the holeshot ahead of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, last weekend’s winner. Behind them, points leader and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Eli Tomac started ninth. Prado went on the attack and briefly got by Lawrence for the lead, only for the Australian to fight back and regain the top spot. Roczen, meanwhile, took advantage of this and made it a three-rider battle for the race lead, as the German native made his way by Prado and then leaned on Lawrence to grab the lead. Prado slotted into second as Lawrence regrouped in third.
Roczen’s intense pace early on allowed him to establish a multi-second lead over the field, which left Prado and Lawrence to battle for second. Prado proceeded to strengthen his hold of the position as Lawrence soon lost third to Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper. The leaders settled in through the middle of the race, with Roczen continuing to add to his lead, before the battle for second picked up between Prado, Cooper, and Lawrence. Cooper was persistent and made the move around the Spaniard for second, while Lawrence soon followed through into third.
Back out front, Roczen was in a class of his own for the second consecutive weekend and took the checkered flag by 13.2 seconds over Cooper, who equaled his career-best result. Lawrence rebounded from his worst outing of the season one week ago with his ninth podium of the year in third. Roczen’s back-to-back triumph is his first since the 2021 season and gives him three wins on the year.
Roczen’s victory, Lawrence’s podium, and a sixth-place finish from Tomac, who never factored into the race, has dramatically tightened the battle for the championship. Lawrence has regained a share of the points lead with Tomac, while Roczen has moved to within five points of the lead with five races to go.
Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki’s Ken Roczen has moved within five points of the championship lead following back-to-back victories. Photo courtesy SMX.
Ken Roczen – 1st Place – 450SMX Class:
“I honestly still can’t believe it. That track was absolutely brutal and on top of that, it was just extremely busy. It was a brutal Main Event. Even when I had that gap, you just don’t want to make any silly mistakes that allow them to get closer and make it tight at the end. I just can’t believe I pulled off this back-to-back win. I just never stop believing. We’ve got the ball rolling. We’re going to hunker down and keep hammering.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper equaled the best finish of his career with a runner-up effort. Photo courtesy SMX.
Justin Cooper – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class:
“Three fourth places in-a-row has been a little bit frustrating, so it’s nice to get back on the box here. I think it was the toughest [race] of the year. It was challenging all day, but our setup worked. There was a little bit of cat and mouse in the beginning with Hunter [Lawrence] and Jorge [Prado], and I didn’t do myself any favors there. I couldn’t see Kenny [once into second] but I feel like my pace was really good and we brought it home.”
Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence bounced back for a podium finish to reclaim a share of the points lead. Photo courtesy SMX.
Hunter Lawrence – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class:
“I’m pretty happy. My wrist is still really sore from the crash last weekend so I’m happy to still be in the fight. This track was so freaking gnarly and probably the worst conditions for having a sore wrist. We got in and out in one piece and got the red plate back; or sharing it. How good is this title fight narrowing down to the end? I’m looking forward to this.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right): Justin Cooper, Ken Roczen, and Hunter Lawrence. Photo courtesy SMX.
Points leader Eli Tomac recorded a sixth-place finish aboard his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine. Photo courtesy SMX.
Haiden Deegan Clinches Back-to-Back Monster Energy Supercross Western Divisional Championships in St. Louis.
With a win, Deegan needed a finish of sixth or worse from teammate Max Anstie to secure the title. As the second 15 Minutes + 1 Lap Showdown Main Event in three weeks got underway, it was fellow Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing teammate Cole Davies, the Eastern Divisional points leader, who grabbed the holeshot and seized control of the early lead over the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki duo of Seth Hammaker and Nick Romano. Deegan started sixth but wasted little time making his move to the front, as he quickly stormed into second place just a few minutes into the race. Just over three seconds separated the Yamaha pair, but Deegan took chunks out of his deficit and soon made a quick pass on Davies to grab the lead with just over nine minutes to go.
Deegan proceeded to open a margin of more than 15 seconds over the field and cruised to his sixth win of the season by 15.6 seconds over Davies, who was never challenged in second. Hammaker rode to a quiet fifth consecutive podium finish in third.
The most dominant win of the season for Deegan, combined with a 15th-place finish for Anstie, was more than enough to wrap up the Western Divisional Championship. It’s the sixth career title for Deegan and puts a finishing touch on one of the most decorated 250SMX Class careers of all time. Davies, meanwhile, added to his lead over Hammaker in the Eastern Divisional title fight, with 11 points now separating the pair with four races remaining.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan captured a second straight Western Divisional title with a dominant victory in the East/West Showdown. Photo courtesy SMX.
Haiden Deegan – 1st Place – 250SMX Class East/West Showdown:
“I’m so grateful. This 250 career has been insane. As a kid I wanted to win one championship, that’s every kid’s dream. This is number six. We’re going to keep digging. I ain’t done yet. I’m not done ticking [championships] off and we’re coming to the 450 Class swinging.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies added to his lead in the Eastern Divisional Championship with a runner-up finish. Photo courtesy SMX.
Cole Davies – 2nd Place – 250SMX Class East/West Showdown:
“I’m happy with tonight. That track was gnarly. I just rode it home. I’m happy I gained points [in the Eastern Divisional Championship], because there was no need to push it in those conditions. Congrats to Haiden [Deegan].”
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker rounded out the overall podium to minimize the damage in the Eastern Divisional title fight. Photo courtesy SMX
Seth Hammaker – 3rd Place – 250SMX Class East/West Showdown:
“We’re coming to the closing stretch here [in the championship], so it’s going to be time to take a little more risk and leave a little bit more out there. I try my hardest each and every race. I try to be smart and try to be consistent, but Cole [Davies] has been riding super well. One of the gnarliest tracks I’ve ever ridden tonight, so I’m glad to get through it and get another podium. Four races left. We’ve got to get some more wins and attack.”
250SMX Class East/West Showdown Podium (left to right): Cole Davies, Haiden Deegan, and Seth Hammaker. Photo courtesy SMX
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday, April 11, with Round 13 from Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Live broadcast coverage will be highlighted by a network showcase on NBC at 3 p.m. ET, in addition to comprehensive coverage on Peacock, beginning at 9 a.m. ET with Race Day Live, followed by the Gate Drop at 3 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Peacock while international viewers can choose from dedicated English, French, and Spanish broadcasts via SMX Video Pass (www.SMXVideoPass.com).
All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final are now on sale at Supermotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.
For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
Twins Cup rider Eli Block was the first beneficiary of the Privateer Support Program that is a subset of the VIP Superfan Experience. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
From Sean Bice/ MotoAmerica:
We’ve often said that the lifeblood of MotoAmerica is the riders. We advocate for their safety. They are our greatest assets. Plain and simple, without our riders, we literally would not have a race series.
There is a saying within the management at MotoAmerica. It’s a phrase that is attributed to MotoAmerica president Wayne Rainey.
“How bad do you want it?”
No one wanted to race and wanted it more than Wayne. It drove him to win two AMA Superbike Championships and three consecutive 500cc Grand Prix World Championships.
It also drove him to save motorcycle road racing in America by creating, with the support of his three partners Chuck Aksland, Richard Varner, and Terry Karges, the AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship, otherwise known as MotoAmerica.
We see frequent manifestations of “how bad do you want it?” in our paddock. Riders whose day jobs primarily fund their race programs, riders who sleep in their cars because virtually all of their money is spent on racing motorcycles and they cannot afford better places to live. Riders who train incessantly in an effort to achieve and maintain maximum fitness.
It is in this spirit that the MotoAmerica VIP Superfan Privateer Support Program was created.
A charitable subset of the VIP Superfan Experience, the Privateer Support Program began as an idea leading into the opening round of the 2026 season at Daytona International Speedway.
Block holds up the check for $2,525 that he received from the sale of commemorative hats purchased by the very generous VIP Superfans at Daytona. Photo courtesy MotoAmerica.
Ron Heben, “the man in the red jacket” who runs the VIP Superfan Experience, is also the man who created the Privateer Support Program. He purchased a collection of custom-embroidered hats resplendent in MotoAmerica and VIP Superfan logos, as well as Privateer Support Program lettering.
He sold the hats to the VIP Superfans who attended Daytona, and he randomly chose one rider out of the hundreds who make up our paddock.
The rider chosen was Eli Block.
MotoAmerica’s VIP Superfans are truly super fans, and they bought every single hat that was available. As a result, the VIP Superfans presented Twins Cup rider Block with a check (and cash) in the amount of $2,525.00! It was an incredibly generous gesture of support for him, and he really appreciated it.
“I was so caught off guard,” Block said. “It was an amazing experience. I didn’t even have a clue what was going on, and being picked was obviously a highlight of Daytona for me and my race program.”
Thank you to all our Daytona VIP Superfans for embracing the new program. And, to Eli Block, best of luck with your racing endeavors. We’re excited to see how the other rounds shape up as the word gets out and additional program supporters come on board. And, by the way, Ron is making sure we have enough VIP Superfan Privateer Support Program hats at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
Buyers and dealers will now have more financing options on new Suzukis like this 2026 GSX-S1000GX+. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA
Suzuki Dealerships and Customers Will Benefit from New Financing Options
and Award-Winning Digital Tools.
Brea, CA – Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.), the fintech company unlocking the power of financial products for retailers and consumers, and Suzuki Motor USA, LLC, (Suzuki) announced today that they have partnered to extend competitive finance offers to prime customers in the United States.
Effective April 1, Suzuki dealers and its customers will have access to full-spectrum financing offers on its line of motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs, through Octane’s in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial, Inc. Additionally, Suzuki’s dealers will continue to benefit from Octane’s innovative, industry-leading dealer platform and digital tools for fast, easy prequalification, acquisition, and closing. Octane’s award-winning customer service team will service the loans through Roadrunner Account Services, LLC.
“For nearly ten years, Suzuki has been a strong partner for Octane. We’re excited to build on that relationship by launching a full-spectrum finance agreement,” said Jon Vestal, EVP and General Manager of Recreational Lending at Octane. “Together, we’re supporting Suzuki dealers and customers by unlocking the power of financial products with our seamless buying experience.”
“We’re excited to build on an already strong, long term relationship with Octane that will ultimately lead to more Suzuki motorcycle and ATV sales,” said Chris Coons, Suzuki’s Director of National Sales Planning and Administration. “This expansion to full-spectrum lending allows us to offer more flexible and unique financing solutions, so more riders can experience the thrill and freedom of Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs.”
Since its founding in 2014, Octane has originated more than $8 billion in loans, issued more than $4.7 billion in asset-backed securities, and has sold or committed to sell $3.3 billion of secured consumer loans through whole-loan sales or forward-flow transactions. The Company grew originations by 29% in 2025, grew adjusted EBITDA by 23% year-over-year to $80 million, and was GAAP net income profitable for the third year in a row. Octane works with 50 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners and serves seven secured lending markets with its innovative technology solutions and fast, easy financing experience.
About Octane:
Octane® is revolutionizing financing by delivering a seamless, end-to-end digital buying experience. We unlock the power of financial products for retailers and consumers by combining cutting-edge technology and innovative risk strategies, helping businesses finance more creditworthy customers to make automotive and lifestyle purchases — like powersports vehicles, RVs, marine, and outdoor power equipment — fast, easy, and accessible. Octane adds value throughout the buying journey: connecting dealers and buyers with customer acquisitions tools, instantly prequalifying consumers for financing online, providing technology to make the closing process faster and easier, and supporting customers throughout their loan with superior loan servicing. Founded in 2014, we have 50 OEM partners and more than 4,000 dealer partners, and a team of over 600. Visit Octane.co. Octane® and Roadrunner Financial® are registered service marks of Octane Lending, Inc.
Cameron Beaubier (#6) leads Bobby Fong (#50) in Superbike race two at Michelin Raceway Road
Atlanta, last year. Beaubier returns to defend his 2025 title on VICE TV this summer. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
As It Celebrates “50 Years Of Superbike Racing,” North America’s Premier Motorcycle Road Racing Championship Will Air Live on VICE TV Kicking Off April 18 & 19.
IRVINE, CA (April 8, 2026) – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing championship, and V10 Entertainment have partnered to bring Superbike racing to VICE TV for the 2026 season and in celebration of “50 Years Of Superbike Racing.” Coverage kicks off live on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19.
The partnership brings the pinnacle of American motorcycle road racing to VICE TV’s bold, culture-driven audience. The collaboration will deliver nine Superbike rounds from across the United States, showcasing elite international talent, intense head-to-head rivalries, and high-stakes competition—all within an environment that celebrates five decades of racing history.
“MotoAmerica Superbike competition is pure racing — authentic and uncompromising,” said Chuck Aksland, Chief Operating Officer of MotoAmerica. “Celebrating “50 Years of Superbike Racing,” we’re excited to bring our premier class to VICE TV, a platform known for dynamic and edgy sports programming, and reflecting the same raw energy that defines our series.”
Superbike represents the peak of MotoAmerica competition, featuring some of the world’s best motorcycle road racers aboard production-based motorcycles capable of exceeding 200 mph. MotoAmerica riders compete for national championships at some of the most iconic racetracks in the country. Each round guarantees new storylines as these elite riders push the limits of lap times and each other, in an awesome display of technical ability and mechanical performance that follows the championship all season long.
MotoAmerica Superbike Heads To VICE TV For 2026 Season In Partnership with V10 Entertainment. Illustration courtesy MotoAmerica.
“Live competition is at the core of VICE TV’s expanding sports strategy,” said Pete Gaffney, President of VICE TV. “MotoAmerica Superbike embodies everything we look for—speed, intensity, elite athletes, and real stakes. In its milestone 50th year, this championship brings a level of authenticity and adrenaline that aligns perfectly with our audience.”
The 2026 season marks “50 Years Of Superbike Racing.” By broadcasting North America’s premier class to VICE TV’s fanbase of thrill-seekers, MotoAmerica and V10 Entertainment are marking this a historic year with a level of authenticity and adrenaline that honors five decades of racing heritage.
The 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike season on VICE TV delivers the complete race calendar, totaling 20 races across nine rounds with access to over 40 million U.S. households via major cable and satellite outlets, bringing new and existing fans closer to the speed, intensity, and action of Superbike in its golden anniversary year.
For more information about MotoAmerica and the 2026 Superbike season, visit MotoAmerica.com
About VICE TV:
VICE TV delivers a powerful mix of culture-defining originals, bold entertainment, and live alternative sports across television and digital. The Emmy®-winning international television network from VICE Media, in partnership with A+E, is available in 40 million U.S. cable, telco, and satellite homes and to multiple licensees worldwide. To cater to the growing global demand for sports content, in 2025 the network launched a slate of live event programming (Professional Fighters League, Legacy Fighting Alliance, MotoAmerica Road Racing, BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, Major League Volleyball, AF1 Arena Football One) and sports-focused docuseries and specials. Current and previous programs include: The Verdict, with host Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo; VICE Studios’ Dark Side of the Cage, Dark Side of the Ring, Hells Angels, Out of Bounds and United Gangs of America; from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Chasing Speed; Don’t Call it a Comeback with host Noah Eagle, from Front Office Sports Studios, Skydance Sports, and NFL Films; NFL Classics: After Further Review, with host Kyle Brandt, from Omaha Productions in association with NFL Films; as well as Pitino: Red Storm Rising and Calipari: Razor’s Edge.
For more information, visit VICETV.com, follow VICE TV on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X), and find viewing and streaming options here.
About MotoAmerica:
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, the Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
Nathan Garvelle (210) and Sawyer Lafayette (616) in the Ultra Lightweight Shootout. Photo Credit to Caliphotography.
By Stuart Smith:
I’ve released a new video on my YouTube channel. This latest video is part 2 of a two-part series on a wrap-up of the CVMA round 6 race weekend. In the video, I provide an overview of the weekend and interview several racers.
Pre-Registration Now Open for the 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship Presented by All Balls Racing. Photo courtesy AMA.
America’s premier flat track racing event opens registration on April 7.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has officially opened pre-registration for the 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing, which will run July 5-10 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill.
“Each year, we look forward to hosting the Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship and celebrating all of the outstanding competitors that make our sport great,” AMA Membership Development and Activity Director Joe Bromley said. “There are plenty of advantages of pre-registering for this event, including a per-class discount. We recommend that all racers pre-register ahead of this year’s event to ensure their spot in the competition.”
Racers who register early for the Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing will save $20 per class compared to the price of general registration, unless it is a 50cc class. Entry for 50cc classes will be $25 at this year’s event.
Pre-registered racers also receive expedited check-in at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds prior to the start of competition. Riders who pre-register before June 12 will also get their name on a commemorative 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing T-shirt.
Racers can purchase wristbands for gate entry for $25 per day or $75 for the entire week and pit vehicle passes are $40. Pit vehicles may only be operated by persons 21 years or older with a valid state operator’s license. All passes will be available for purchase online prior to the event.
AMA National No. 1 plates will be on the line in Du Quoin, as well as several special awards. The Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award — which honors the racer most primed for success at the professional level — will be presented at the conclusion of the event, while the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award, the AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year and the AMA Youth Racer of the Year will also be awarded.
In addition to the special awards, racers will compete for national championships in each individual event at this year’s event. The AMA will also present Grand Championships in each class, which will take into account the entire week of competition.
Dan Bromley is the new AMA Assistant Track Racing Manager. Photo by Kristin Lassen/AMA,
Dan Bromley Joins American Motorcyclist Association as Assistant Track Racing Manager
Professional flat tracker to play instrumental role in AMA’s track racing efforts
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has hired Dan Bromley as Assistant Track Racing Manager, where he will assist in the AMA’s track racing efforts across a number of disciplines, including flat track, road racing, speedway, ice racing and much more.
Bromley spent much of his youth competing as an amateur flat track racer, during which he earned 38 amateur national championships and the 2011 AMA Flat Track Horizon Award. Bromley began his professional career in 2012, going on to win the 2015 GNC2 Singles, 2018 American Flat Track Singles and 2025 AFT AdventureTrackers National Championships.
“Dan Bromley has dedicated his life to the sport of flat track, competing with great success as an amateur at the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship and as a professional in American Flat Track,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “We look forward to adding Dan’s expertise to the AMA staff, and we have full confidence in his abilities to help foster a thriving track racing community in the United States.”
In this role, Bromley will report to AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant.
“I’ve been around racing my whole life as a third-generation racer. I’ve seen the good and the bad and I’m excited to be involved in a different way,” Bromley said. “For the last 26 years I’ve been racing, so to be able to have the opportunity to work in the same sport is a dream. Working under Ken is surreal since I’ve known him for so long. I’m looking forward to this new chapter.”
Bromley will support the AMA racing team in the administration, coordination and promotion of AMA track racing activities nationwide. He will also assist with the implementation of rules, regulations, programs, and operational initiatives within the AMA’s racing department while ensuring consistent service to members, organizers and partners.
Brad Sweet (right) with his wife Rachel Sweet. Photo courtesy AFT.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 7, 2026) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, has named Brad Sweet as Grand Marshal of the Silver Dollar Short Track at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, on May 2, 2026.
A Grass Valley, California native, Sweet won five consecutive World of Outlaws championships from 2019 to 2023 and ranks among the series’ all-time winningest drivers. His resume includes victories in marquee events such as the Knoxville Nationals and multiple Kings Royal wins.
Sweet is also the co-founder of High Limit Racing, where he claimed the series championship in 2024 before stepping away from full-time competition following the 2025 season.
The event carries added significance as Sweet is a co-owner of Silver Dollar Speedway alongside Kyle Larson and Colby Copeland. He will take part in pre-race ceremonies as Progressive American Flat Track returns to one of the West Coast’s premier dirt track venues.
Fans will also be treated to high-flying action from the Trashed Kids FMX stunt show, along with bar-banging racing from the Mission AFT SuperTwins class. Reigning KICKER AFT Singles winner and Northern California native Kage Tadman is set to return in search of a repeat victory.
For those that can’t catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.
FS1:
FOX Sports will provide in-depth coverage of select Progressive American Flat Track events, featuring rider features and onboard cameras. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding premiere airdates on FS1 and re-airs on FS2. The full listing of American Flat Track’s television premieres will be posted to https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.
On Track: Indy Superbikes General Manager Ray Shaw on a GSX-R1000 leads company owner Adam Eckerle on his Aprilia RS660. Indy Superbikes photo.
Indy Superbikes Completes Major Expansion, Doubling Shop Footprint in Carmel, Indiana
Central Indiana’s Premier Sportbike Service and Gear Destination Now Operating from 6,000 Square Foot Facility
Indy Superbikes (Indy Motorsports LLC), Central Indiana’s dedicated sportbike service center and gear retailer, has announced completion of a major facility expansion at its Carmel, Indiana location, more than doubling the shop’s footprint to approximately 6,000 square feet. The expanded space includes a full-service motorcycle service department, a newly built gear showroom, and a dedicated changing room — delivering a comprehensive resource for street riders, track day enthusiasts, and club racers across the region.
The expansion marks a significant milestone for the shop, which was founded by co-owners Adam Eckerle and Chuck Hamerin with a mission to fill a void in Central Indiana’s motorcycle community: A service-first shop built specifically around the needs of sportbike and performance motorcycle riders. Unlike traditional powersports dealerships, Indy Superbikes focuses exclusively on the sportbike segment — providing specialized technical expertise, premium gear from top brands, and deep ties to the local and regional track day and racing community.
The service department at Indy Superbikes.
New customers should note that while the Indy Superbikes name carries history in the Indianapolis area — a predecessor retailer operated under the same name before closing in 2014 — today’s Indy Superbikes is an entirely new and independent business, unaffiliated with that earlier operation. Where the original brand focused on retail and online sales, the current shop was built from the ground up around in-shop service and personal relationships with riders.
“We built this shop because we’re riders ourselves — we race, we do track days, and we understand what it takes to keep a performance bike working at its best,” said Adam Eckerle, Co-Owner of Indy Superbikes. “This expansion lets us serve our customers the way they deserve to be served, with the space, the inventory, and the expertise all under one roof. Chuck and I are incredibly proud of what we’ve built here, and we’re just getting started heading into the 2026 race season.”
Service and bike storage at Indy Superbikes.An overview of the service department at Indy Superbikes.
“This has been a long time coming,” added Co-Owner Chuck Hamerin. “We quickly outgrew our old space because the demand from the sportbike and track community in Indiana is real. Now we finally have a home that matches what we want to offer.”
Indy Superbikes owners Chuck Hamerin (left) Adam Eckerle (right) in front of the expanded shop. Indy Superbikes photo.
Indy Superbikes is located at 9700 Lakeshore Dr. E, Suite 2, Carmel, Indiana, and serves riders across the greater Indianapolis metro area and beyond. The shop offers full motorcycle service and repair, track day and race prep, performance parts and accessories, and an in-store gear selection from leading brands. More information is available at www.indysbk.com.
The showroom at Indy Superbikes.
About Indy Superbikes
Indy Superbikes (Indy Motorsports LLC) is Central Indiana’s dedicated sportbike service center and gear destination, located at 9700 Lakeshore Dr E, Suite 2, Carmel, Indiana. Founded by co-owners Adam Eckerle and Chuck Hamerin — both active motorcycle racers — the shop specializes in sportbike service and repair, track day and race preparation, and premium riding gear and accessories. Indy Superbikes serves street riders, track day enthusiasts, and club racers across the Indianapolis metro area and the broader Midwest motorsports community.
Bob Barnard, the visionary behind Phillip Island — pictured here during its construction. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
When not writing descriptions for episodes of the Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast, I love to spend time on games. And I mean games in every format, from ancient boardgames to weird videogames and, of course, racing. It’s not just about playing them, but also about appreciating the design behind them; the way every little aspect has been tweaked just so, in order to make it fun and meaningful.
So trust me when I say: making a game flow right is so, so much harder than you’d think.
Why am I telling you this? Because I need you to understand how horrifyingly titanic a task it would be if someone walked up to you and asked you to build a multimillion dollar racing track…that feels good. Yet that is exactly the task that our guest of today specializes in. Everyone, give a round of applause for Bob Barnard!
Funny fact: he made a track called Phillip Island.
(We miss it dearly!)
Anyway, we decided to give Bob a call and see if we could get him to tell us the juicy truths of track design. Luckily for us, he picked up – and here’s the chat. Bob, it’s been an honor!
Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
Oh, and a quick word in regards to sponsors:
If you’re interested in connecting with a really unique MotoGP audience — we’re working with Smash Brand Group out of Sydney to manage partnerships. Curious? Just head to smashbrandgroup.com.au and get in touch!
St. Louis' The Dome at America's Center hosted the annual Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross in honor of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Photo courtesy SMX.
ST. LOUIS – The return of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship to the “Gateway City” was headlined by the annual Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross honoring the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the fight against childhood cancer. With specially decorated race bikes and gear that will be auctioned off for fundraising, an already special race turned into a championship celebration inside The Dome at America’s Center as the Monster Energy SMX World Championship returned to St. Louis for the 12th race of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan came into St. Louis with a shot at securing a second straight Western Divisional 250SMX Class Championship and did so by dominating against a full field of the class’ top talent during the East/West Showdown.
Ken Roczen Goes Back-to-Back in 450SMX Class to Tighten Title Fight.
The 20 Minutes + 1 Lap 450SMX Class Main Event began with Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrance out front with the holeshot ahead of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, last weekend’s winner. Behind them, points leader and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Eli Tomac started ninth. Prado went on the attack and briefly got by Lawrence for the lead, only for the Australian to fight back and regain the top spot. Roczen, meanwhile, took advantage of this and made it a three-rider battle for the race lead, as the German native made his way by Prado and then leaned on Lawrence to grab the lead. Prado slotted into second as Lawrence regrouped in third.
Roczen’s intense pace early on allowed him to establish a multi-second lead over the field, which left Prado and Lawrence to battle for second. Prado proceeded to strengthen his hold of the position as Lawrence soon lost third to Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper. The leaders settled in through the middle of the race, with Roczen continuing to add to his lead, before the battle for second picked up between Prado, Cooper, and Lawrence. Cooper was persistent and made the move around the Spaniard for second, while Lawrence soon followed through into third.
Back out front, Roczen was in a class of his own for the second consecutive weekend and took the checkered flag by 13.2 seconds over Cooper, who equaled his career-best result. Lawrence rebounded from his worst outing of the season one week ago with his ninth podium of the year in third. Roczen’s back-to-back triumph is his first since the 2021 season and gives him three wins on the year.
Roczen’s victory, Lawrence’s podium, and a sixth-place finish from Tomac, who never factored into the race, has dramatically tightened the battle for the championship. Lawrence has regained a share of the points lead with Tomac, while Roczen has moved to within five points of the lead with five races to go.
Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki’s Ken Roczen has moved within five points of the championship lead following back-to-back victories. Photo courtesy SMX.
Ken Roczen – 1st Place – 450SMX Class:
“I honestly still can’t believe it. That track was absolutely brutal and on top of that, it was just extremely busy. It was a brutal Main Event. Even when I had that gap, you just don’t want to make any silly mistakes that allow them to get closer and make it tight at the end. I just can’t believe I pulled off this back-to-back win. I just never stop believing. We’ve got the ball rolling. We’re going to hunker down and keep hammering.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper equaled the best finish of his career with a runner-up effort. Photo courtesy SMX.
Justin Cooper – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class:
“Three fourth places in-a-row has been a little bit frustrating, so it’s nice to get back on the box here. I think it was the toughest [race] of the year. It was challenging all day, but our setup worked. There was a little bit of cat and mouse in the beginning with Hunter [Lawrence] and Jorge [Prado], and I didn’t do myself any favors there. I couldn’t see Kenny [once into second] but I feel like my pace was really good and we brought it home.”
Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence bounced back for a podium finish to reclaim a share of the points lead. Photo courtesy SMX.
Hunter Lawrence – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class:
“I’m pretty happy. My wrist is still really sore from the crash last weekend so I’m happy to still be in the fight. This track was so freaking gnarly and probably the worst conditions for having a sore wrist. We got in and out in one piece and got the red plate back; or sharing it. How good is this title fight narrowing down to the end? I’m looking forward to this.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right): Justin Cooper, Ken Roczen, and Hunter Lawrence. Photo courtesy SMX.
Points leader Eli Tomac recorded a sixth-place finish aboard his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine. Photo courtesy SMX.
Haiden Deegan Clinches Back-to-Back Monster Energy Supercross Western Divisional Championships in St. Louis.
With a win, Deegan needed a finish of sixth or worse from teammate Max Anstie to secure the title. As the second 15 Minutes + 1 Lap Showdown Main Event in three weeks got underway, it was fellow Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing teammate Cole Davies, the Eastern Divisional points leader, who grabbed the holeshot and seized control of the early lead over the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki duo of Seth Hammaker and Nick Romano. Deegan started sixth but wasted little time making his move to the front, as he quickly stormed into second place just a few minutes into the race. Just over three seconds separated the Yamaha pair, but Deegan took chunks out of his deficit and soon made a quick pass on Davies to grab the lead with just over nine minutes to go.
Deegan proceeded to open a margin of more than 15 seconds over the field and cruised to his sixth win of the season by 15.6 seconds over Davies, who was never challenged in second. Hammaker rode to a quiet fifth consecutive podium finish in third.
The most dominant win of the season for Deegan, combined with a 15th-place finish for Anstie, was more than enough to wrap up the Western Divisional Championship. It’s the sixth career title for Deegan and puts a finishing touch on one of the most decorated 250SMX Class careers of all time. Davies, meanwhile, added to his lead over Hammaker in the Eastern Divisional title fight, with 11 points now separating the pair with four races remaining.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan captured a second straight Western Divisional title with a dominant victory in the East/West Showdown. Photo courtesy SMX.
Haiden Deegan – 1st Place – 250SMX Class East/West Showdown:
“I’m so grateful. This 250 career has been insane. As a kid I wanted to win one championship, that’s every kid’s dream. This is number six. We’re going to keep digging. I ain’t done yet. I’m not done ticking [championships] off and we’re coming to the 450 Class swinging.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies added to his lead in the Eastern Divisional Championship with a runner-up finish. Photo courtesy SMX.
Cole Davies – 2nd Place – 250SMX Class East/West Showdown:
“I’m happy with tonight. That track was gnarly. I just rode it home. I’m happy I gained points [in the Eastern Divisional Championship], because there was no need to push it in those conditions. Congrats to Haiden [Deegan].”
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker rounded out the overall podium to minimize the damage in the Eastern Divisional title fight. Photo courtesy SMX
Seth Hammaker – 3rd Place – 250SMX Class East/West Showdown:
“We’re coming to the closing stretch here [in the championship], so it’s going to be time to take a little more risk and leave a little bit more out there. I try my hardest each and every race. I try to be smart and try to be consistent, but Cole [Davies] has been riding super well. One of the gnarliest tracks I’ve ever ridden tonight, so I’m glad to get through it and get another podium. Four races left. We’ve got to get some more wins and attack.”
250SMX Class East/West Showdown Podium (left to right): Cole Davies, Haiden Deegan, and Seth Hammaker. Photo courtesy SMX
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday, April 11, with Round 13 from Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Live broadcast coverage will be highlighted by a network showcase on NBC at 3 p.m. ET, in addition to comprehensive coverage on Peacock, beginning at 9 a.m. ET with Race Day Live, followed by the Gate Drop at 3 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Peacock while international viewers can choose from dedicated English, French, and Spanish broadcasts via SMX Video Pass (www.SMXVideoPass.com).
All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final are now on sale at Supermotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.
For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
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To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
