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The Monster Energy SMX World Championship returned to Lumen Field with a charged atmosphere and one of the season’s most punishing circuits. Under soft, rutted conditions the 450SMX main event stretched to 20 Minutes + 1 Lap, testing endurance, line choice and bike setup. In that cauldron Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac produced a controlled, decisive performance to take his third victory of the 2026 campaign, while the Western Divisional 250SMX class delivered a headline-grabbing duel between Haiden Deegan and hometown favorite Levi Kitchen.
Off the track, motorsports technology took a step forward as the LapSnap telemetry analysis app was acquired by a new U.S. company, LapSnap Inc., promising expanded support for popular telemetry systems and the free release of professional-level data for track-day comparison.
450SMX: tomac breaks through amid brutal seattle conditions
The 450 main event began with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb grabbing the holeshot. Webb led early as Tomac and teammate Aaron Plessinger chased, with recent race winners Chase Sexton and Ken Roczen and championship leader Hunter Lawrence in pursuit. The track’s deep ruts and variable surfaces quickly separated the leaders from the field, creating a three-rider battle for control.
Tomac methodically reduced Webb’s advantage, finding alternative lines and cleaner rhythms where others struggled. Midrace he executed a precise overtake to assume the lead and gradually opened a gap. Lapped traffic briefly allowed Webb to re-close, but Tomac extended his margin and managed traffic better, eventually crossing the finish some 9.2 seconds ahead for his 56th career win.
Key incidents and podiums
Behind the front two, a collision in the sand section changed the podium picture. Lawrence — who had charged from seventh to challenge for third — made an aggressive move that collected Roczen, sending both down and allowing Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper to inherit the final podium spot. Cooper’s third marked his first top-three of the season; Lawrence remounted to finish fourth while Sexton claimed fifth.
The result tightened the championship fight: Lawrence retained the red plate but only by a single point over Tomac, while Roczen and Webb sit tied further back. Tomac described the ride as a matter of patience and line selection on a track many riders called “gnarly” and physically demanding.
250SMX west: deegan and kitchen produce an instant classic
The Western Divisional 250SMX main event was a dramatic, head-to-head chess match between Haiden Deegan and Levi Kitchen. Max Anstie initially took the holeshot but Deegan seized control early. Kitchen, fueled by the hometown crowd, climbed from midpack into contention and set up a series of lead exchanges that kept spectators on edge.
Over a series of laps the pair traded the lead four times, each forced to navigate increased lapped traffic and worsening track lines. Deegan showed patience, repeatedly probing inside lines before capitalizing on a small mistake from Kitchen to regain the lead with precious minutes remaining. Kitchen fought back briefly, but Deegan executed a final pass inside the last minute to secure his fifth straight win by a narrow margin.
Standings and momentum into the break
Deegan’s victory extended his points advantage significantly; he now sits comfortably ahead in the Western Divisional standings with a sizeable cushion going into the upcoming Eastern series. Kitchen’s runner-up performance continues a strong run of form and marked a major morale boost for the local fans. Anstie rounded out the podium, his first top-three since the season opener.
Lapsnap becomes u.s.-based and releases pro telemetry
Parallel to the on-track drama, LapSnap underwent a strategic shift: LapSnap Inc., a U.S.-incorporated company, completed the acquisition of the LapSnap telemetry analysis app. The relaunch centers on making data-driven improvement accessible to track-day riders and racers by converting complex telemetry streams into clear, actionable insight.
The mobile app ingests data from systems such as AiM, Racebox and GPS-enabled GoPros to visualize parameters like GPS speed, lean angle, RPM and brake/throttle application. By presenting that information in easy-to-compare formats, LapSnap helps users see exactly where lap time is won or lost and what lines or techniques faster riders use.
Pro data for learning
In a notable move to democratize elite telemetry, MotoAmerica racer Joel Ohman partnered with LapSnap to release his 2026 racing data through the app at no cost. That dataset gives track-day riders a direct benchmark against professional-level inputs, enabling precise side-by-side comparisons and a clearer pathway for improvement.
LapSnap Inc. says future development will broaden telemetry compatibility and refine analysis tools for riders of every level. The app is available on iOS and Android and aims to turn raw numbers into practical upgrades for lap times.
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship resumes at AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the next round, which will also open the Eastern Divisional 250SMX class. Live broadcast windows and additional event details remain available via official SMX channels.