Text by Lucky Foster

The opening round of EnduroCross in Prescott Valley was absolute mayhem—in the best possible way. Fans packed the Finley Toyota Center for one big night of chaos, carnage, and world-class racing that set the tone for the season.

For those new to the sport, EnduroCross is like Arenacross turned inside out: a twisting, brutal obstacle course where rhythm sections become log piles, whoops turn into jagged boulder fields, and riders dodge and dive through a maze built to test both body and machine. Think “Mad Max meets motocross.” Every lap demands grit, precision, and heart, and this weekend delivered all three in spades.

Storylines Coming In

The off-season tension was thick. Defending champion Trystan Hart (Red Bull FMF KTM) looked laser-focused and ready to defend his crown, but with a stacked field hungry for redemption, repeating wouldn’t come easy.

Among his fiercest rivals was Colton Haaker, the privateer Kawasaki rider and former champ with unfinished business after a runner-up finish last season.

“I still have the drive, and I’m ready to compete,” Haaker said before the gate drop. “This is my comeback year.”

His intensity throughout the weekend proved those weren’t empty words.

Then there’s Cody Webb, the legendary Rocky Mountain Yamaha racer whose résumé reads like a history book of EnduroCross dominance. Dubbed the GOAT for good reason, Webb’s presence alone raised the stakes. Add in British standout Jonny Walker, whose speed and race craft make him a constant threat, and you’ve got a championship picture wide open before the first lap even began.

Friday: Future Stars and Familiar Faces

The weekend kicked off with the Destry Abbott Amateur Practice and Training session. This is a rare opportunity for up-and-coming riders to learn from the best. The camaraderie and mentorship on display were inspiring, especially from young riders like Austin Mentzel on his 85cc machine. After a few tough spills, Mentzel’s persistence paid off, impressing both fans and coaches. The future of EnduroCross looks bright.