Years ago, the Pontiac Supercross at the infamous Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, was a must-attend event for Canadian fans and riders. With its proximity to the Ontario border, as well as the timing of when it was on the Supercross Schedule (usually in early April), it was an exciting race to watch. The first time I attended the Pontiac SX was in 1988 when my family and I travelled there to not only watch the two-day event but also to compete in the then very popular Silverdome Series Amateur event. During the 1980s, the ‘Silverdome Series’ was a five-race series that took place at various tracks in Michigan in the weeks leading up to the big SX in Pontiac. This gave amateur riders a chance to qualify and compete in the grand finale that took place in conjunction with the race inside the Silverdome. It was an amazing event, and looking back, I’m glad I was able to experience it. Fast forward to 1993, and the Pontiac SX was my first-ever USA SX event as I raced both nights in the 125 East Class. Unfortunately, I didn’t finish very well, but it was still a cool experience to once again race inside the Silverdome, but as a professional this time. After that, I competed in the Pontiac SX in 1994, 1996, 1997, and finally in 1998. I loved every moment of lining up for that race and taking in another weekend in the Pontiac area, and that is why, in the early 2000s (after I was done racing), I still made the drive each year to watch as an enthusiastic SX fan.
Sadly, the Pontiac SX is no more, and all we have are some unforgettable memories of that event. Thankfully though, Southeastern Michigan didn’t lose a round in the Monster Energy Supercross Series, as it’s now moved about 30 minutes south of Pontiac to Ford Field in downtown Detroit. Other than not being the Pontiac Silverdome with a massive parking lot and large floor, Ford Field is a great venue for Supercross, and riders love going there. Also, in past years, it hasn’t mattered whether the race has taken place in February, March, or even April, the dirt is always good, and the racing is exciting every year. So, if you want to attend a round of the 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Series and you don’t live too far from Detroit, then this is a perfect race to travel to, and I highly recommend going. In the past, I’ve stayed at a hotel north of downtown Detroit and then driven in and parked right beside Ford Field. It worked out okay, but sometimes it takes a while to leave as traffic is busy. I found the best option to be staying in Windsor, close to the Windsor-Detroit tunnel, and then taking a cab or Uber from the hotel right to the front gate of Ford Field. It was really easy, and crossing the border in a taxi was pretty seamless. It was also quite a bit cheaper to stay on the Canadian side, as hotels in downtown Detroit are very expensive. Even though there are only a few days until the gate drops inside Ford Field, there are still tickets available. If you want to go to and watch riders like Hunter Lawrence, Eli Tomac, and local Canadian legend Cole Thompson, now is your chance. Here is the link for tickets and all of the information you will need. Detroit, MI Tickets | Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Detroit Supercross Notes:
Monster Energy Supercross SuperMotocross World Championship
Round 12: Detroit, Michigan
Ford Field
The Beginning
-The first Premier Class (450SX Class) round held in the Detroit Market was on March 26-27, 1976, in the Pontiac Silverdome.
-The late Marty Smith, one of the sport’s earliest stars, won the overall. The format was much different in 1976, as 2 races were held on Friday and 2 on Saturday. The results would be added up and the lowest score won. Smith’s 4-1-2-1 (8 pts) bested Jimmy Weinert’s 2-4-4-6 (16 pts). Weinert was another early star in the sport.
-Weinert eventually won the 1976 Championship, the 3rd season of Supercross action.
-250SX Class action did not begin until 1985, coincidentally the only season the series skipped the Silverdome.
In 1986, Kawasaki’s Ron Tichenor scored the 1st 250SX Class victory in the market.
On the Timeline
-The Silverdome opened only 7 months before the 1 st Supercross in the dome. The Lions played a pre-season game in a 95% completed Silverdome vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Previously, the Lions had competed in Tiger Stadium since 1941.
-In 1976 the Detroit Tigers were led by Centerfielder Ron LeFore and Rookie of the Year pitcher Mark Fidrych. On March 26th , the Tigers would have been late in Spring Training in Lakeland, Florida.
Present Day
-Pontiac hosted Supercross in the historic Silverdome almost every season from 1976-2005, sans 1985.
-Multiple rounds were held each season from 1977-1993 and 2000 which gave the Silverdome 46 Premier Class rounds. The last remnants of the Silverdome were brought down in 2018, but it stands as holding the third most Premier Class rounds behind Angel Stadium and Daytona International Speedway.
-Ford Field in Detroit was built in 2002 and took over hosting Supercross in 2006, with hall-of-fame athlete James Stewart taking the first victory. 2026 will be the 13 th time Ford Field hosts a Premier Class round and the 58th time between the Silverdome and Ford Field.
-Last year, Cooper Webb (Yamaha) won his 1st race of the season en-route to clinching his 3rd Championship. In the 250SX Class, Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki) scored the victory but was hurt shortly there after, missing the rest of the season.
Manufacturer Detroit Market Wins/Ford Field Wins (Last Win) (Premier Class)
Honda: 21/4 (2024)
Yamaha: 21/2 (2025)
Kawasaki: 11/4 (2019)
Suzuki: 4/1 (2014)
Husqvarna: 1/1 (2016)
Manufacturer Detroit Wins/Ford Field Wins (Last Win) (250SX Class)
Honda: 13/5 (2023)
Suzuki: 9/1 (2007)
Kawasaki: 9/4 (2025)
Yamaha: 8/0 (2003)
KTM: 2/1 (2017)
450SX Class Past Winners in Ford Field
2006: James Stewart, Kawasaki
2007: James Stewart, Kawasaki
2008: Davi Millsaps, Honda
2014: James Stewart, Suzuki
2015: Eli Tomac, Honda
2016: Jason Anderson, Husqvarna
2017: Eli Tomac, Kawasaki
2019: Eli Tomac, Kawasaki
2022: Eli Tomac, Yamaha
2023: Chase Sexton, Honda
2024: Jett Lawrence, Honda
250SX Class Past Winners in Ford Field
2006: Josh Grant, Honda
2007: Ryan Dungey, Suzuki
2008: Ryan Villopoto, Kawasaki
2014: Adam Cianciarulo, Kawasaki
2015: Justin Bogle, Honda
2016: Malcolm Stewart, Honda
2017: Jordon Smith, KTM
2019: Austin Forkner, Kawasaki
2022: Jett Lawrence, Honda
2023: Hunter Lawrence, Honda
2024: Austin Forkner, Kawasaki
Who are the Stars?
450SX Class:
Eli Tomac: 2 time Supercross Champion, 2nd Most 450SX Class wins of all-time
Cooper Webb: 3 time Supercross Champion
Hunter Lawrence: Just earned his 1st 450SX Class victory in Arlington, brother of injured Champion Jett Lawrence. Looking to become 1st brother duo with 450SX Class titles
Chase Sexton: 2024 Supercross Champion
Jorge Prado: World Motocross Champion who transitioned to the states in 2025
Aaron Plessinger: Fan favorite “Cowboy”, teammate of Tomac and Prado
Malcolm Stewart: Brother of 3rd winningest Supercross athlete James Stewart. Fan favourite earned his 1st win in Tampa 2025.
Ken Roczen: German athlete who has been stateside since he was a teenager. Has won titles in Motocross and plenty of races in Supercross, but seeks first- 450SX Class title
250SX Class:
(note- Detroit will be an Eastern Divisional round, so Western Divisional athletes such as
Haiden Deegan are not included in this list)
Jo Shimoda: The first of the Eastern Divisional athletes on this list, he is the defending SuperMotocross Playoff World Champion. Also was honored with the “Fighting Spirit” award in Japan, one of the top athletic honours in the country.
Cole Davies: Australian teenager has proven to be one of the fastest up and coming athletes in the world, predicted to battle for Championships over the next decade.
Seth Hammaker: Was 1 turn short of a Championship in 2025. Looking for redemption in 2026.
Nate Thrasher: Inconsistent but extremely fast 250SX Class veteran, with 6 career wins.
