Jorge Prado has been crowned the 2026 SuperMotocross World Champion following a dominant performance at the SMX World Championship Final in Ridgedale, Missouri. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider secured the premier class title with a fifth-place finish in Moto 1 followed by a crucial race victory in Moto 2.
The 25-year-old Spaniard entered the season finale holding the 450SMX Championship leader’s red plate after qualifying third around the high-speed Thunder Ridge Nature Arena course layout. In a dramatic second moto, Prado captured a critical holeshot and delivered 17 spectacular laps to claim the race victory and clinch the 2026 450SMX title, finishing second overall on the night behind Haiden Deegan.
The championship adds to Prado’s already impressive résumé, which includes two MXGP World Championships (2023, 2024) and a pair of MX2 World Championships (2018, 2019). Originally from Lugo, Spain, Prado relocated to the United States for the 2025 SuperMotocross season before reuniting with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the 2026 campaign.
“One year ago I wasn’t even racing in the SMX post-season, but the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team did an awesome job preparing me all winter long, every single week, and I also prepared myself the best I could to bounce back,” said Prado. “That’s what champions do, right? They bounce back, so [I’m] super-happy about this title – it’s my first championship here in the States. I’m a four-time world champion for a reason, and I think I showed that in this last moto where it mattered the most!”
Prado’s path to the title was built on consistency across both disciplines. His AMA Supercross campaign featured two podiums, a pair of 450SX fastest qualifiers, and multiple Heat Race wins. In AMA Pro Motocross, he finished fourth overall in 450MX with five podium appearances, highlighted by a 1-1 sweep at the Ironman finale.
Entering the SMX post-season as the number two seed, Prado seized the points lead with a third-place result at Playoff 1 in Columbus, then extended his advantage with victory at Dignity Health Sports Park at Playoff 2. His 5-1 scorecard at the SMX World Championship Final was enough to secure the title with 158 points, seven clear of Deegan.
The night also marked the final race of Eli Tomac’s legendary career. The decorated champion posted the seventh-fastest qualifying time before finishing 12th overall in Missouri, drawing the curtain on a career spanning nearly two decades. “I’ve gotten to literally live the dream, and it’s sure been a ride,” Tomac reflected. “I’m so thankful for everyone, and I truly am grateful for the whole family of Supercross and Pro Motocross.”
Aaron Plessinger finished 10th overall for the round after recording seventh in Moto 1 and 15th in the final race, securing 10th in the 450SMX standings.
In the 250SMX class, Julien Beaumer topped qualifying with a 1:15.001 lap time but finished sixth overall on the night with 4-9 moto scores. The Arizona native secured fourth in the 250SMX series standings after a strong campaign that included two round wins and victory at Playoff 2 in Los Angeles. Beaumer will now represent Team USA at the FIM Motocross of Nations in France next weekend.
Photo: KTM Media
