2025 Supercross Round 1: Anaheim
250SX West
The 250SX West division at Anaheim 1 delivered an electrifying season opener, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense championship battle. With a deep field of young talent and a mix of veterans looking to make their mark, the race had no shortage of chaos, speed, and aggressive riding.
1. Jo Shimoda Claims Victory
Honda HRC's Jo Shimoda entered the 2025 season as a strong title contender, and he wasted no time proving his potential by securing a commanding win at Anaheim 1. The Japanese rider got off to a strong start, battling for position in the early laps before making decisive moves to take control of the race. Shimoda’s smooth riding style and calculated aggression allowed him to maintain the lead and pull away from the competition.
Shimoda’s ability to handle pressure was evident, as he faced stiff challenges from the field throughout the night. He stayed composed, managed his lap times efficiently, and ultimately crossed the finish line in first place, securing valuable championship points in the process.
2. Julien Beaumer Impresses with a Podium Finish
Rookie sensation Julien Beaumer made an impressive Supercross debut, finishing second in his first-ever 250SX main event. The highly touted young rider, who signed with Red Bull KTM, showcased remarkable poise and speed, challenging the more experienced racers in the class.
Beaumer’s race began with a solid start, allowing him to position himself in the top five early on. He made a few key passes throughout the race, eventually settling into second place. While he couldn't close the gap to Shimoda for the win, his performance demonstrated that he has the skill and speed to be a serious contender in his rookie season.
3. Jordon Smith Overcomes Chaos for Third
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith secured the final podium spot after an intense battle with multiple riders throughout the race. Smith, known for his aggressive riding style, had to fight through a chaotic start and navigate through the pack to secure his third-place finish.
Smith’s experience in the class paid off, as he picked his way through the field with smart, calculated passes. Despite dealing with heavy pressure from riders like RJ Hampshire and Levi Kitchen, he held his ground and finished strong to put himself in a solid position for the championship standings.
Haiden Deegan Tough Night at Anaheim 1
Coming into the 2025 Supercross season, Haiden Deegan was one of the most highly anticipated riders in the 250SX West class. After an impressive rookie campaign in 2024 that saw him battle for wins and podiums, many expected him to be a top contender at Anaheim 1. However, things didn’t go according to plan for the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider, as he struggled throughout the night and finished well below expectations. You can't help but write extra on this kid... I mean if you've been watching him since he was 5, he's easily one of the biggest faces in the sport.
A Rough Start to the Main Event
Deegan’s troubles began with a poor start in the 250SX main event, forcing him into an early battle deep in the pack. With the talent level in the 250 class at an all-time high, a bad start meant he had to fight through a congested field of aggressive riders, making it difficult to gain momentum. Unlike last season, where he often found himself near the front, Deegan had to battle through traffic, which ultimately led to mistakes.
Crashes and Mistakes Cost Valuable Positions
As Deegan attempted to push forward, he encountered a series of mistakes that made his night even more frustrating. Early in the race, he got tangled up in a multi-rider incident while attempting a pass, losing several positions. Later in the race, he had another small tip-over in the whoops, which further set him back.
While Deegan has shown resilience and a never-give-up attitude in the past, the combination of bad starts, crashes, and tough track conditions made it nearly impossible for him to recover. Instead of fighting for a podium position as many expected, he found himself battling just to break into the top ten.
Post-Race Reflections: Staying Positive Despite the Setback
After the race, Deegan acknowledged that it was a frustrating night but remained positive about the season ahead. He admitted that Anaheim 1 is always a nerve-wracking race, and while he didn’t get the result he wanted, he is confident in his ability to bounce back.
“It wasn’t the night we were looking for, but it’s only round one,” Deegan said in a post-race interview. “I know we have the speed to be up front, so we’ll go back, work on some things, and come out swinging next weekend.”
Other Notable Performances and Incidents
- RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) had a rough night after being involved in early-race chaos. He was expected to be a frontrunner but had to settle for a mid-pack finish after struggling to recover.
- Levi Kitchen (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) showed flashes of speed but was unable to crack the podium, finishing just outside the top three.
- Max Vohland (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) had a promising ride but suffered a late crash that dropped him further down the order.
Looking Ahead in the 250SX West Championship
With Shimoda securing the early points lead, the battle for the 250SX West championship is officially underway. While Anaheim 1 provided a glimpse of who the top contenders might be, Supercross is an unpredictable sport where anything can happen from week to week. Riders like Beaumer, Smith, Hampshire, and Kitchen will be looking to bounce back and make a statement in the next round.
As the series moves forward, fans can expect more bar-to-bar racing, intense battles, and breakout performances as the young guns of the 250 class fight for supremacy in one of the most competitive divisions in Supercross.
450SX
The 450SX class at Anaheim 1 delivered a spectacular season opener, packed with high-speed battles, thrilling passes, and a few surprises that set the tone for what promises to be an incredible 2025 Supercross season. With a stacked lineup featuring former champions, rising stars, and a couple of intriguing debuts, all eyes were on Angel Stadium as the gate dropped on the main event. Let's check out the podium...
1. Chase Sexton Dominates and Claims Victory
Defending 450SX Champion Chase Sexton came into Anaheim 1 with a target on his back, as many questioned whether he could defend his crown in a field that included multiple former champions and aggressive newcomers. However, the Red Bull KTM rider answered those doubts emphatically with a stellar performance, taking the first win of the season in convincing fashion.
Sexton started the main event inside the top three and methodically worked his way into the lead, passing Ken Roczen just past the halfway mark. Once out front, Sexton’s smooth, calculated riding style allowed him to pull away, avoiding mistakes on the rough and rutted Anaheim track.
This win was a statement for Sexton, proving that his switch to KTM and the adjustments to his program were paying off. With one win already secured, he takes the early championship lead and cements himself as the rider to beat in 2025.
2. Ken Roczen Back in the Mix with a Strong Second Place
One of the biggest stories of the night was the return to form of Ken Roczen, who rode brilliantly to finish second place. The Progressive Ecstar Suzuki rider has faced his share of ups and downs over the years, but his Anaheim 1 performance showed that he still has the raw speed and talent to run up front.
Roczen grabbed the holeshot and led for much of the first half of the race, fending off early challenges from Sexton and Jason Anderson. However, once Sexton made his move, Roczen couldn’t quite respond, ultimately settling for a well-earned second place.
For Roczen, this podium finish is an encouraging sign that he is still a legitimate championship contender. If he can keep his momentum going and stay consistent throughout the season, he could be a dark horse in the 450SX title race.
3. Jason Anderson Lands on the Podium in Third
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson came into Anaheim 1 looking to build on his strong performances from the previous season, and he delivered with a third-place podium finish. While he didn’t have the pace to challenge Sexton for the win, Anderson rode smart and avoided costly mistakes, which ultimately put him on the box.
Anderson battled with Roczen early in the race but couldn’t quite find the extra speed to pass him for second. Despite this, a third-place finish to start the season is a solid result for the Kawasaki veteran, keeping him well within reach of the championship hunt.
Jett's Strong Start Turns into a Frustrating Night
Jett Lawrence’s 450SX main event started promisingly, as he got off the gate well and positioned himself inside the top five early in the race. He looked smooth and confident, keeping pace with riders like Ken Roczen and Chase Sexton. For a moment, it seemed like he might be able to fight for a podium finish in his first-ever 450SX race.
However, things quickly took a turn for the worse.
As the track deteriorated throughout the night, Lawrence began to struggle with mistakes in key rhythm sections, particularly in the whoops. The deep ruts and unpredictable track conditions seemed to catch him off guard, making it difficult for him to find a consistent flow.
Then came the biggest moment of the night—a mid-race crash in the whoops. While attempting to make up ground, Lawrence got off balance in the tough section and went down hard, costing him several positions. Though he was able to remount quickly, the damage had already been done. Instead of battling for a top-five or podium spot, he found himself fighting to stay in the top ten.
Notable Performances and Surprises in the 450 Class
Aside from the podium finishers, Anaheim 1 featured several key storylines that made for an exciting opening round.
- Cooper Webb (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) had a quiet but solid ride to finish in the top five. The two-time Supercross champion didn’t quite have the pace to challenge the top three, but he managed a fourth-place finish, which keeps him in the mix for the title early on.
- Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) struggled in his first race back from an Achilles injury, finishing outside the top 10. While it’s too early to count out the former champion, he may need a few more rounds to get back to his usual form.
- Jorge Prado (Monster Energy Kawasaki) made his highly anticipated Supercross debut after dominating in Europe. The Spanish rider got a holeshot and led early, but he faded as the race went on, eventually finishing 14th. Despite the tough result, his speed on the start proves he can be a factor with more experience.
Championship Outlook After Anaheim 1
With Chase Sexton securing the first win of the season, the 450SX championship picture is beginning to take shape. However, it’s far from decided, as the field remains incredibly deep, and multiple riders have the potential to challenge for race wins in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, Round 2 in San Diego will be a crucial race, as riders who struggled at Anaheim 1—such as Jett Lawrence and Eli Tomac—will be looking for redemption, while those who finished on the podium will aim to build on their strong starts.
One thing is certain: the 2025 Supercross season is off to an electrifying start, and with so much talent in the 450SX class, the championship battle is only just beginning.
Points Standings
- Chase Sexton – 25 points
- Ken Roczen – 22 points
- Jason Anderson – 20 points
- Cooper Webb – 18 points
- Eli Tomac – 17 points
In the 250SX West class, the top five standings are:
- Jo Shimoda – 25 points
- Julien Beaumer – 22 points
- Jordon Smith – 20 points
- Haiden Deegan – 18 points
- Cole Davies – 16 points