The field is set for the 2026 Monster Energy SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs, with the world’s top 20 athletes confirmed to battle for the sport’s ultimate title across three postseason rounds. Hunter Lawrence enters as the top seed following his first premier class Pro Motocross Championship victory, whilst Ken Roczen overcame a 31-point deficit to claim the Monster Energy Supercross title in dramatic fashion.
The announcement comes alongside confirmation that six-time champion Eli Tomac will retire from professional off-road motorcycle racing following the SMX World Championship Final in Ridgedale, Missouri. Sixteen years and three months after winning the Hangtown Motocross Classic in his Pro Motocross debut, Tomac will bring down the curtain on one of the sport’s most dominant careers.
The 2026 postseason crowns a gruelling 28-round regular season that began in Anaheim, California in January and concluded on 29th August in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Roczen’s thrilling Supercross comeback saw him defeat Lawrence in a nail-biting finale in Salt Lake City, but Lawrence carried that momentum into the outdoor series to secure his first 450 title.
Defending 450 SMX World Champion Jett Lawrence will unfortunately miss the postseason due to required ankle surgery, whilst Jo Shimoda returns to defend his 250 SMX World Championship crown won last year. Jett Lawrence had become the first athlete to win three consecutive SMX titles in the premier class.
The SMX Playoffs open at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio – a venue situated at the heart of the Midwest’s passionate motorsports fanbase. The track will utilise the entire floor space with a unique layout incorporating a large sand section, elevated start gate, and integration with an existing stage built into the stands.
Playoff 2 heads to Dignity Health Sports Park in the greater Los Angeles area, marking only the second time the postseason has visited California. Sand will again feature prominently in the track design to create more natural terrain characteristics.
The championship culminates at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri – a stunning natural amphitheatre set within the Ozarks. The venue has already drawn rave reviews for its picturesque setting and jaw-dropping architecture that integrates seamlessly into the surrounding environment. The natural terrain will provide the most motocross-inspired track design of the postseason, with natural elevation changes and rough sections.
Fans can expect two-day FanFest experiences in Columbus and Ridgedale, featuring Friday press conferences, practice sessions, and the SMX Insiders Live show, with racing on Saturday. Los Angeles will host a one-day Saturday format. Travel packages including hotel and camping accommodations with various ticketing and VIP options are available at SuperMotocross.com.
Photo: SuperMotocross Media
