J
ust like that, we're back
at the races for the
fourth year of the Su-
perMotocross World Cham-
pionship Playoffs. With three
all-new venues and three-
time SMX champ Jett Law-
rence out with an injury, fans
and racers alike are eager to
see who will come out on top
in the 2026 postseason. Rain
brought chaos to Columbus as
the track became a test of sur-
vival for shortened main races
in both divisions. In the end,
Haiden Deegan scored his
first 450 win, while Levi
Kitchen came out on top in
the 250 class.
450SMX
Deegan might've saved his best
for last in the 2026 season. The
polarizing 450 rookie hadn't won
since his jump to the premier
class earlier this summer, but
he came out swinging in the
first round of the Playoffs. The
muddy conditions didn't seem
to faze Deegan as he led all but
ROUND 1 / SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
HISTORIC CREW STADIUM | COLUMBUS, OHIO
SUPERMOTOCROSS I MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERMOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
P64
BY RYAN NITZEN | PHOTOGRAPHY
