Top 10 Insights from 2026 Anaheim 1 Supercross
The 2026 Anaheim 1 Supercross marked a significant start to the season, showcasing new talents and seasoned veterans alike. Key performances highlighted the competition across the 450SX and 250SX classes, emphasizing both triumphs and challenges faced by the riders.
Top 10 Insights from 2026 Anaheim 1 Supercross
1. Chase Sexton’s Rocky Start
Chase Sexton debuted for Monster Energy Kawasaki at Anaheim 1. He achieved the fastest qualifying time, finishing six-tenths of a second ahead of his competitors. However, his heat race ended with a crash that hindered his overall performance.
2. Disappointing Main Event Finish
Sexton struggled during the main event, starting in 14th place after a restart. Despite making progress through the field, crashes and off-track excursions resulted in an eighth-place finish. His teammate, Garrett Marchbanks, also faced disappointment, missing the main event in his 450SX debut.
3. Max Anstie’s Successful Championship Kickoff
Max Anstie, riding for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, won the 250SX division. His victory marks his fifth consecutive strong season start, having secured results of 2-2-1-1 in previous years. Anstie is now the oldest winner in the 125/250SX history of AMA Supercross.
4. Chance Hymas Returns Strong
Chance Hymas, fresh off an ACL injury, earned second place in the 250SX main event, marking his first dry podium in this category. His off-season training emphasis shifted from the Lawrence’s Dog Pound to Mesquite MX in Arizona, influencing his performance positively.
5. Rookie Success for Ryder DiFrancesco
Ryder DiFrancesco landed in the spotlight with a strong showing. He grabbed the Anaheim holeshot and led for six laps, ultimately finishing third. This was his first podium in a professional setting, riding for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna.
6. Competitive Landscape in 450SX
The landscape of the 450SX class continues to grow more competitive. With new riders entering and fewer veterans retiring, the depth of talent creates fierce competition for main event spots.
7. Non-Factory Riders Shine
This year also featured impressive performances from non-factory support riders, such as Vince Friese on ISRT Kawasaki and Mitchell Harrison on Partzilla/Blaster Power Kawasaki. Both riders successfully qualified for the main event, showcasing their skill against factory-backed competitors.
8. Close Call for Marchbanks
Garrett Marchbanks faced an unfortunate accident while vying for a transfer position, which ultimately left him out of the main event. This turn of events underscored the unpredictable nature of racing.
9. Rising Stars
Both Hymas and DiFrancesco aim to solidify their positions as serious contenders this season. Their performances at Anaheim 1 set a promising tone for their campaigns in the competitive supercross landscape.
10. Anticipating Future Rounds
As the season progresses, fans will be eager to observe whether Anstie can maintain his momentum through all ten rounds. The upcoming races will be crucial for riders like Sexton, Hymas, and DiFrancesco in their quest for championship glory.
Overall, the 2026 Anaheim 1 Supercross provided thrilling action and valuable insights into the potential trajectory of the riders’ seasons. With substantial challenges and unexpected successes, the race captivated fans and set the stage for an exhilarating supercross year ahead.
