The 2026 SuperMotocross season kicked off with a bang in Anaheim, California, and the 250 heats delivered nothing short of thrilling action. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Haiden Deegan and Max Anstie dominated their respective heats, the real question is whether their early victories set the tone for the entire season—or if they’re just fleeting moments of glory. Let’s dive in.
In Heat 1, Haiden Deegan left no doubt about his intentions for the season. From the moment the gate dropped, he seized control, taking the lead in Turn 1 and never looking back. By the end of Lap 1, he had already built a 1.1-second lead over Maximus Vohland. And this is the part most people miss: while Deegan’s dominance was undeniable, the battle for second place between Vohland and Cameron McAdoo was equally intense. Carson Mumford joined the fray in fourth, adding another layer of competition. With one minute left, Deegan’s lead stretched to a staggering seven seconds, and he ultimately crossed the finish line with an 8.5-second advantage over McAdoo. ‘It’s the last 250 season, and this is the biggest crowd I’ve seen at A1,’ Deegan remarked post-race. ‘I’m stoked and just ready to put on a show for the crowd.’ Vohland held on for third, while Mumford and Ryder DiFrancesco rounded out the top five. Notably, Robbie Wageman, Lux Turner, Anthony Bourdon, and Brandon Ray also secured their spots in the Main.
Heat 2 told a different story. Max Anstie took the early lead on Lap 1, but the real drama unfolded behind him. Levi Kitchen struggled with a poor start, forcing him to fight his way back into contention. Hunter Yoder briefly chased Anstie, but Kitchen’s determination paid off as he reclaimed a podium position by the end of the first lap. Michael Mosiman’s crash on Lap 3 was a turning point, dropping him to 17th and eliminating his chance to advance directly into the Main. Kitchen’s comeback continued as he moved into second on Lap 4, securing a favorable gate pick. Chance Hymas followed suit, overtaking Yoder for third. Anstie, however, remained untouchable, securing a 3.5-second victory over Kitchen. ‘That was nice,’ Anstie said from the podium. ‘Obviously it was a heat race, but it’s nice to start off like that.’ Hymas, Yoder, and Dilan Schwartz completed the top five, while Avery Long, Joshua Varize, Justin Rodbell, and Parker Ross also advanced.
The Last Chance Qualifier saw Michael Mosiman redeem himself with an eight-second win over Crocket Myers. Denmark’s Matti Jorgensen and Lorenzo Camporese also earned their spots in the Main, proving that second chances can lead to triumph.
Here’s the bold question: Are Deegan and Anstie the riders to beat this season, or will the competition catch up as the rounds progress? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
