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Fifth round of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship captivates fans
The fifth round of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship took place in Glendale, Arizona, drawing an exceptional crowd at State Farm Stadium. This event not only represented a pivotal moment in racing history but also set the stage for significant changes in the 450SMX Class title race. Fans experienced an evening filled with exhilarating action, highlighted by Ken Roczen’s victory, making him the fourth different winner in the first five races of the season.
The race dynamics and key moments
The 450SMX Class Main Event began with Vince Friese from ISRT MX4Christ Kawasaki taking the holeshot. Shortly thereafter, Hunter Lawrence of Honda HRC Progressive assumed control of the race, establishing a lead while Ken Roczen and defending champion Cooper Webb closely pursued him. In a turn of events, Eli Tomac, the previous points leader and rider for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, experienced a collision with Christian Craig. This incident relegated him to the back of the pack, forcing him to fight back from a 22nd-place position.
Roczen’s ascent to victory
As the race progressed, Hunter Lawrence maintained his position at the front, but Ken Roczen’s relentless pace soon became evident. With approximately 16 minutes remaining, Roczen made his move, taking the lead and establishing a comfortable gap. He finished the race with a solid lead of 3.3 seconds, showcasing his commanding performance throughout. Lawrence secured second place, while Cooper Webb, despite his efforts, settled for third.
Emotional undertones and championship implications
This victory was significant for Roczen in terms of standings and carried emotional weight. It came shortly after the announcement that respected team manager Larry Brooks has been diagnosed with cancer, a situation that has deeply affected the team. Roczen dedicated his win to Brooks, emphasizing that the team is rallying behind him during this challenging time.
The shifting leaderboard
Lawrence’s second-place finish has positioned him at the top of the 450SMX Class standings, marking his first time holding the red plate. He currently leads Roczen by five points, while Tomac, facing difficulties, is in third place, trailing by eight points. The competition intensifies as racers prepare for upcoming challenges.
In post-race comments, Roczen discussed the track’s challenging nature, stating, “It was a long Main Event because the track was tricky. I knew I had to put a gap on the field, and I’m just really happy with this win.” Despite feeling slightly off his game, Lawrence recognized the significance of his new position atop the standings, adding, “It’s bittersweet… We’ve got a long season ahead.”
250SMX Class highlights
In the 250SMX Class, Haiden Deegan from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing continued to assert his dominance, achieving his fourth consecutive win of the season. Deegan’s performance was remarkable as he secured a convincing holeshot and established a significant lead, leaving competitors struggling to keep pace. His teammate, Michael Mosiman, and Cameron McAdoo from Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki fought for podium positions, but it was Levi Kitchen who stole the spotlight with an impressive climb from 19th to second place, demonstrating his racing skill.
Deegan’s wire-to-wire victory enhances his growing legacy, further extending his lead in the Western Divisional standings. He now holds a 27-point advantage over Mosiman, who finished fourth, while DiFrancesco claimed third. The competition remains intense as the season progresses, with the upcoming race in Seattle promising to deliver more thrilling action as riders prepare for another round of fierce competition.
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship continues its journey, with fans eagerly anticipating the next round. The excitement is set to unfold at Seattle’s Lumen Field, where live coverage will bring the action directly to viewers. This event marks a significant moment in the championship calendar, showcasing the talents of top riders as they compete for vital points in the standings.