The encore Anaheim round is up next, and I like to think of this one as the calmer, more reasonable sister to A1. The nerves will be manageable, and results are typically less enigmatic. The opener just has too much noise surrounding it to really be a fair representation of what we will see. If riders excel, that could be a good sign but for those that have a tough A1, I don’t read much into it. Now, if you’ve had a rough A1, San Diego, AND A2, we might want to look around for a panic button. No pressure, right? Let’s check out the track for round three.
The start is another split start but it’s wider and less inclined for disaster. The outside gates have a reasonable chance of getting a good start and one could even argue they are in better theoretic position for entering the first corner. The downside is that if you get a bad jump, you’re going to be pushed wide with no real recourse and will be near last.
The first straightway is a rhythm section and while it always depends on the angle of the build, I think riders will go two, over the tabletop, and triple into the corner. The main upside to that rhythm is they go from 3-footer to 3-footer entering the corner.
A bowl berm sends riders back the other direction and watch for chaos in this corner on the first lap. A standard supercross triple is the only obstacle on this short chute and immediately into another bowl berm.
The next rhythm section is going to be awkward and honestly, not a fan of this design. It bends to the right halfway down it and that typically cuts off any passing opportunity. The riders will either go 3-3 or 2-3 exiting the berm and remain on the left side but when they get to the pivot point, they will cut to the right in a diagonal motion. That swing to the right will pinch anyone trying to get alongside and if they press it, go ahead and get the red cross flag out. Riders will again try to triple into the corner and stay low on the 3 footers. The only possible way to make a move here is to play chicken with the lead rider approaching the bend and even then, I don’t know if it would give enough time to get there on a short run.
A netted bowl berm fires riders back toward the center of Angel Stadium and I expect riders to either go 3-3 to the outside of 3-2-1 to the inside. The option will be dictated by whether riders want to go 2-2 or 1-3 in the next section. Every choice in SX is dictated by setting up for something after or reacting to something before.
A tight 180 brings riders to the finish line jump and the only way for a pass here will be hard contact. If you’re in the final transfer spot, do not, and I repeat, do not, enter on the outside and try to cut down for a run at the finish line. You will be met with a front tire and fork tubes.
After landing the finish line, riders hit a rhythm section down the first base line of Angel Stadium. The fastest way will be to triple onto the tabletop, step off and triple into the next bowl berm. This will be a tough line for 250’s to pull but unequivocally the fastest. The only other possibility to one up it would be to get all the way over the tabletop and go 3-1 or possibly quad into the corner if we want to talk crazy.
Exiting the bowl berm, a small double leads into back-to-back whoop sections. Having the confidence to land the small double and accelerate hard into the whoops is where time is gained or lost in a section like this. It’s the clearest indication of who believes in their setup and who doesn’t. Watch for these whoops to be a huge factor all evening.
After exiting the second whoops section and trying to find oxygen, riders will make a long, awkward left hander that leads to a steep tunnel tabletop (think A1 2023). The inside line will dominate here, and riders will be simply following each other until they land and sprint back down the start straight for lap two.
Who’s Hot
Eli. Tomac. He’s won a race in 11 consecutive seasons and now has the red plates. You don’t have to like him (you should), you don’t have to cheer for him (you should), but, if you don’t respect him, you’ve lost your mind.
Jett Lawrence bounced back with a convincing heat race win and a fantastic battle with Tomac for the lead. 12-2 is not how he envisioned starting 2025 but he looked much better than he did at A1.
Cooper Webb has gone 4-3 and sits four points out of the lead. The West Coast rounds are not his forte so to be this close through two rounds is confidence inspiring for the #2.
Ken Roczen deserves a shout out for his 2-4 start to the season. Zero hype, no expectations, and here he sits.
JuJu Beaumer has been a revelation in 2025. We saw glimpses of this in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoffs but he has unveiled his best form in his second season. I would guarantee with absolute certainty that his agent is a busy man.
Cole Davies is making Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing look like geniuses. Personally, I felt it was too early, but he has proven otherwise. Great job from the Kiwi youngster.
Jo Shimoda is landing here because I respect his grit and effort. Seventh place isn’t exciting but racing through that pain and adversity is always going to get my respect. Every single time.
Who’s Not
Jason Anderson had a rough main event and later mentioned that he was ill. Tough points night after such a strong opener.
Aaron Plessinger had a big crash in the main event and was unable to continue. He will race Anaheim 2. Sore, but able to go.
Haiden Deegan was the most subdued I have ever seen him after the SD main event. He is going to be fine, but it was very apparent that going 5-3 is weighing on him. The starts are really the only holdup.
Avery Long, Ty Masterpool, and Talon Hawkins all had huge crashes and will be out varying time frames.
Bold Predictions
The A2 track has TWO sections with 10 whoops and the world explodes.
At risk of not having a rider under the tent at A2, Mitch Payton calls upon his long-time anchor Ryan Hughes to take the reins. The AMA scrambles to check the rule book for ayahuasca detection.
Steve Matthes misses track walk with two pulled hamstrings and a strained calf muscle. More on that tomorrow.
Jo Shimoda races A2 with the robotic arm from The Terminator.
My Picks
250
Haiden Deegan
JuJu Beaumer
Jordon Smith