An Incredible Start to the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship
The 2026 AMA Supercross Championship couldn’t have started in more spectacular fashion for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, with a commanding victory from Eli Tomac and a superb debut podium for Jorge Prado at the iconic Anaheim 1 Supercross.
As a KTM dealer, moments like this genuinely excite us. Watching the brand we proudly work alongside perform at the very highest level of the sport reminds us exactly why KTM continues to set the benchmark in motocross and Supercross worldwide.
Tomac Makes History in KTM SMX Debut
In his first SMX World Championship appearance with KTM, Tomac immediately showed his intent inside the legendary Angel Stadium. He topped Qualifying 1, then backed it up with second-fastest combined times aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.
A strong start in 450SX Heat 1 saw the two-time 450SX Champion from Cortez, Colorado, charge into second place and comfortably secure a direct transfer to the Main Event.
When the gate dropped for the Main Event, Tomac wasted no time. After an early restart, he surged to the front on the opening lap and never looked back, controlling the race with authority and composure. He crossed the line with a 1.470-second advantage to claim the season-opening victory — the 54th premier-class win of his career.
“This one feels good! Leading from the get-go like that is tough, because you need to really maintain focus the whole time,” said Tomac.
“My motorcycle was the best it was all day in the Main Event after a slight adjustment from the Heat Race. This is the perfect way to start a new season and with my new team in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.”
For us at Lings Powersports, this perfectly highlights KTM’s race-driven development. That relentless off-season testing and fine-tuning translates directly into the performance and confidence KTM riders experience on track — and on bikes available in our showroom.
Jorge Prado Shines with First Supercross Podium
Making his Supercross debut with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, multi-time MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado delivered one of the standout performances of the night.
Still adapting to Supercross and the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Prado qualified an impressive sixth before powering to the holeshot and Heat Race victory, holding off a fast-charging Tomac in the opening Heat of the season.
Another strong start in the Main Event saw Prado launch to yet another holeshot. Riding a smart, calculated race, the Spaniard claimed third place — his first-ever Supercross podium, and a crucial part of KTM’s double-podium result.
“This is really ahead of my expectations,” Prado said.
“I am still so new to Supercross, so to be on the podium feels incredible. All I can say is that hard work always pays off.”
Seeing a rider transition from MXGP to Supercross and achieve instant success speaks volumes about KTM’s versatility and engineering excellence.
Solid Return for Aaron Plessinger
It was also great to see Aaron Plessinger back on the gate at Anaheim 1. Although early contact in his Heat Race forced him into the LCQ, Plessinger bounced back in style by winning the Last Chance Qualifier.
Starting dead last in the Main Event, ‘The Cowboy’ charged through the field to finish 10th, earning valuable points to open his 2026 campaign.
“It was a decent ending to a tough start,” Plessinger commented.
“My setup is in the ballpark, and now we’ll go back and do some homework for next weekend.”
Anaheim 1 Results – 450SX
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Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
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Ken Roczen (Suzuki)
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Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
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Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
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Justin Hill (KTM)
Championship Standings After Round 1
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1st – Eli Tomac (25 points)
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4th – Jorge Prado (17 points)
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10th – Aaron Plessinger (12 points)
Proud to Stand with KTM
As a KTM dealer, we couldn’t be prouder to represent a brand delivering results like this on the world stage. From factory race wins to cutting-edge technology filtering into production bikes, Anaheim 1 showcased everything that makes KTM so special.
With Round 2 heading to San Diego on January 17, the season is only just getting started — and if this opening round is anything to go by, we’re in for an incredible year of racing.
From all of us at Lings Powersports, congratulations to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing on an outstanding start to the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship 🧡