Last weekend in San Diego, we had three talented Canadian riders lining up in the 250SX West class. Of those three, only Preston Masciangleo was able to qualify for the main event. It was Preston’s first 250SX West main event of 2026, and we caught up with him this week to asked five important questions!
MXP: Congrats on making the 250SX West Class main event in San Diego. Were you feeling better this past weekend than you were at Anaheim 1?
Thanks, Chris! Honestly, I felt more comfortable at Anaheim 1; I just gelled with the track a little more in San Diego. Unfortunately, it didn’t show. In San Diego, I was able to put myself in a much better position with some awesome starts all day long. That’s what ultimately made my night the way it was.
MXP: Your speed in qualifying has been excellent in the opening two rounds. Is this something you’ve worked on specifically?
Yes, I’ve worked on sprint speed a lot. However, a lot of it has come from gaining more experience and feeling more confident, having now been in the role for a year. I just feel more comfortable with the tracks early on in the day. So instead of taking all day to dial in a track, it’s coming to me more naturally by the end of first qualifying, which is an awesome feeling.
MXP: That is a great feeling when that happens. You came close to making the main event at A1, and this past weekend, you accomplished that goal and qualified. What is the next goal?
My goal this year was to qualify for as many main events as possible and give myself an opportunity to learn and grow from some of the riders at the top. However, the next step for me is a Top 15 finish. I think I’m more than capable of that, so hopefully, we can get it done this weekend.
MXP: So far in the opening two rounds, we’ve seen some interesting track layouts. How have they been to ride and race on?
Very interesting for sure! For the most part, I’ve really liked them. The starts have been a little awkward, but overall the tracks have been good for racing and a lot of fun.
MXP: Have you changed anything in your program since last year? And what are your plans after SX?
I had a very similar off-season and program coming into the season as last year. I actually had less supercross prep than normal due to my shoulder injury in September. But I made the most of my pre-season at ClubMX, and was able to get some great training in with some fast riders. I also have a great group of people around me under the Next Level Racing Tent, and that has made for an awesome racing environment. My plan this summer is to race the entire Triple Crown Series, but I’m still ironing out some details. As of now though, those plans are looking good!
