Damon Bradshaw, set to be inducted into the American Motorcycle Association Hall of Fame on 10th September, will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Playoff 1 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, this Saturday, 12th September.
The honour comes just two days after Bradshaw’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which takes place at the Event Center at Violet Woods in Pickerington, Ohio—less than 30 minutes from the playoff venue. The induction ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, giving SuperMotocross fans an added incentive to arrive early for the first playoff round.
Bradshaw’s illustrious career began during the 1988 Pro Motocross Championship when he finished fourth in his debut race, barely one month after his 16th birthday. His impact on the sport was immediate and lasting.
In 1989, Bradshaw became the youngest competitor to win a Monster Energy Supercross race at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. He followed that victory with another win the following week in Atlanta, and on the strength of six victories, won the 125cc Eastern Divisional Championship in one of the tightest battles on record—beating Mike Kiedrowski by a single point.
That same year, Bradshaw won four rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship and finished second in the outdoor series. After moving quickly into the premier division, he continued his winning ways, scoring victories in his first two Supercross starts of 1990 in Anaheim, California, and Houston.
During his career, Bradshaw won 25 premier class races, placing him 17th on the all-time list. His 35 combined Supercross and Pro Motocross victories rank 21st all-time. He remains active in the industry as an ambassador for Yamaha.
FanFest for SMX World Championship Playoff 1 opens at 8:00 a.m., with opening ceremonies scheduled for 2:30 p.m. inside Historic Crew Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at Supermotocross.com.
Photo: Yamaha Media
