Anaheim Awaits: The Season Opener We’ve All Been Counting Down To
The week the entire motocross world circles on the calendar has finally arrived. In just a few days, all eyes will lock onto Angel Stadium — sitting just a stone’s throw from Disneyland — as Anaheim, California once again hosts the opening round of the Monster Energy Supercross Series. Whether you were in the stands back in the early 1980s or you’re tuning in for 2026, Anaheim 1 has always carried a magic that’s impossible to replicate.
The energy.
The nerves.
The roar inside Angel Stadium on opening night.
There’s simply nothing like it in our sport. So whether you’re reading this from Canada or anywhere else around the globe, get ready — the biggest race weekend of the year is here.
The Weather: Sunshine for Supercross
After weeks of unpredictable rain sweeping through Southern California, the forecast has finally turned in our favour. Saturday is shaping up to deliver sunshine and mild temperatures — exactly what fans and riders want for Round 1.
A dry track means a fair fight, consistent conditions, and the kind of racing everyone hopes for at the opener. If you’re heading to Anaheim, pack a tee for the afternoon, but don’t forget a jacket. Once the sun dips behind the stadium, the temperature drops fast.
The Track: Technical, Busy, and Built for Battles
Historically, Anaheim 1 tracks have been a little conservative — challenging, but not overly technical as riders ease into the season. Not this year.
The 2026 layout looks busy from the moment the gate drops. Two rhythm lanes right out of the start, a long and unforgiving whoop section, and a jump lane stretching along the third-base line all set the tone for a demanding night.
Add in an over/under bridge after the finish line — always a fan favourite — and you’ve got a track designed for action. Expect plenty of passing in the two turns following the finish double, and watch the whoops closely. They’ll be a difference-maker all evening.
The Riders: Pressure, Opportunity, and a Whole Lot to Prove
Of course, once the gate drops, all the weather reports and track maps fade away. Anaheim 1 is where riders set the tone — or survive it.
For the 250SX West and 450SX contenders, Round 1 is a balancing act. Everyone dreams of winning A1, but the true title threats know that a solid top five finish is more than enough to start the season on the right foot.
250SX West: A Deep Field and Canadian Talent in the Mix
Max Anstie enters Anaheim with momentum few can match. Fresh off a dominant WSX Championship and more off season gate drops than anyone in his class, he’s primed for a strong start. He’ll need it, too — especially with teammate Haiden Deegan looking to make a statement of his own.
Keep an eye on the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki duo of Levi Kitchen and Cameron McAdoo. Both riders have something to prove in 2026, and Anaheim is the perfect place to send a message.
And for Canadian fans, there’s even more reason to tune in. Tyler Gibbs, Blake Davies, and Preston Masciangelo will all be fighting to qualify for the first main event of the year. Each of them has the speed to get it done — but as always at A1, it will take sharp qualifying laps, strong starts, and a little luck.
450SX: Who Will Draw First Blood?
If predicting the 450SX winner feels impossible, that’s because it is. Hunter Lawrence, Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, Cooper Webb, and Ken Roczen all look ready to come out swinging.
Jason Anderson, Justin Cooper, and Aaron Plessinger also enter 2026 with renewed confidence — whether from brand changes, improved health, or strong 2025 performances.
With a long, likely hard packed whoop section on the schedule, riders who excel in the whoops will have the edge. That may put Justin Cooper and Cooper Webb at a slight disadvantage, but for Tomac, Lawrence, and Roczen, this layout plays right into their strengths. If I had to pick three riders with the best shot at the win, those are the names I’d circle.
Time to Drop the Gate
So — are you ready? Anaheim 1 is set to deliver everything we love about Supercross: intensity, unpredictability, and the start of a brand new SMX season. The weather looks perfect. The track looks spicy. And aside from Jett Lawrence, the field is healthy and hungry.
If you’re watching from outside the USA, head to www.supermotocross.com and grab the SMX Video Pass. You’ll get every round of Monster Energy Supercross, Pro Motocross, and the SMX Playoffs in September.
Round 1 is here.
The season starts now.
Let’s go racing.
