Let's see what do we have !
Lawrence brothers on an unchanged bike, nothing new to learn or change so expect them both to be up front a lot?
Sexton on the Kawasaki, new team, totally different to the KTM, may take a few rounds to gel/set it up.
Eli and Jorge on the KTM, totally new to Eli so like Sexton may take a few rounds but Jorge could be a dark horse here, until Eli gets a few rounds under the belt.
Justin on the Ducati, this is going to be interesting as I am not sure how the Duke will like being on the rev limiter 90% of the time, in terms of chassis and suspension reaction. I just doubt see him being a major factor.
Haiden on the Yammy, I am interested to see how this goes, Eli has shown the Yammy is fast when thrashed hard so perhaps Haiden may have the same approach (like his 250 riding), if Haiden rides the 450 differently then perhaps he could cause a few upsets. But the only thing here is I don't think Haiden (at this point) is a great SX rider compared to others around him.
Anderson on the Zook, in my eyes a well setup bike under Roczen (who will be in the mix too), so again could cause a few upsets!
Is this the biggest year for rider/team changes in a while ?
Could be a tricky year for virtual picks !
Tomac said it plain as day - he intends to win. I believe he'll be doing plenty of it.
Same old story every year for the last thirty years “most stacked field ever!!”
It’s tough because I’m curious to see how the switch works out for all these guys..
The problem is, arguably the best rider, Jett, has not changed teams and will likely be the most comfortable right out of the gate, so it’s gonna be real tough on Eli and Chase
Hard to see that circumstances won't favour Jett. Chase and Eli both on new bikes that have potential question marks over them.
Also you left Cooper Webb out of your summary - defending champ and on an unchanged bike.
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Yep. Specially this year was a bummer to me (probably not only to me), I don't think I was this excited for a season since 2014. Then Eli and Jett out early for SX. Then we probably had the most anticipated outdoor season in yeeears and we all had super high expectations with Jett (undefeated rookie season), Tomac (4x MX champ), Sexton (last years MX champ) and Prado (4x and specially last years MXGP champ). And we all know how that went. Sextons season was over at the first race, Tomac not really up to pace (except for some motos ofc) and Jorge had the weirdest season we have ever seen.
It seems like the moto gods are never with us when we overhype the whole "most stacked field ever". haha
I'm always super hyped for a new season of course, but this time I'm not gonna create any crazy scenarios in my head and just see how it plays out. I just hope most of the field stays healthy for once and we get some nice battles!
100% Spot on. Also add to that, that in the 250 class it seemed like every rider other than Deegan was trying to fuck up at least one moto each round. Not to take anything away from Deegan though, he definitely was the best rider. But damn it was unbelievable how inconsistent the other riders were
Good point about Webb!!!!
Feel like this season on paper favors Jett in a big way barring injury of course. Hunter second fiddle and after that is anybody’s guess. I usually tune out on SX with 3/4 rounds to go, may be earlier this season.
Not saying these guys are necessarily going to be better than Tomac, Jett, etc., etc., but what about MS27, KR94, Anderson, Hampshire, Justin H., etc?
And who are the guys that are on the cusp of making a main event, top 15, top 10 . . . . . .?
No mention of Justin Cooper? Dude was solid all of last year. Got stronger as SX went on. Another year of SX under his belt. He could win a race but I think he will consistently be in the top 5 mix
Are they not going to use the new model? The new 2026 model has undergone changes.
Letting that supermegamotocross pass automatic subscription renewal go through isn’t even a thought anymore. Cannot wait for 2026.
Wasn't 06 the "perfect storm" when Bubba went to 250 uh 450 class?
I'm interested to see if Webb will come back hungry and continue his 2025 performance, or if he'll be a bit flat after winning arguably his most impressive title yet. He seemed very relieved after winning last year, as if winning a 3rd title was the top of the mountain for him. If he manages to get to 4 SX titles before his career is over, that would tie him for 3rd all time with Villopoto and Dungey (missing anyone else?), which would undeniably put him in the all-time elites of SX riders (although I'd argue he's already in that realm).
2005 I believe. It was supposed to be epic but it turned out anticlimactic. Stewart broke his arm soon into the series and that was that.
There’s potential for sure. There is also reasonably high odds that Jett is untouched. Bike is dialed, he’s healthy, and few have ever been able to beat him straight up.
"what a year this might be".... No one ever said before..
Hunter has 2 podiums in sx yet I keep seeing everyone pencilling him in as a lock for 2nd behind Jett. Because of how well he rode this summer, I'm sure. Yeah, that was mx
Pit Row
Good point although last year was his first on the 450, I guess we shall see if he's better in 2026 or not
Fair point, I’ll amend my comment. “Jett then everyone else fighting over second” if Jett is healthy he will not be beaten for a championship at this stage in his career. I’m no Jett fan boy but he’s right where RC was back in the day. Every year everyone gets this pre A1 boner about all the guys that can win and almost every season ends up being a snoozer.
I'm not a huge Deegan fan, but I don't get this narrative about him nit being good at SX. His worst SX finish ever is 2nd place. That stacks up with any current 450 rider.
SX results in first 3 years
Haiden: 2, 2, 1
Jet: 10, 3, 1
Eli: 2, 1, 2
Chase: 5, 1 , 1
I said he wasn't great SX rider and I stand by that comment, that does not mean he isn't a good SX rider, but up against the other 450 riders ... then yeah
all the hypothetical bench racing predictions sounds good but let’s be real , baring injury , Jett got the game on lock 🔐
Agree. He's a good sx rider. I dont see that a 450 is going to make him a great one. And by great, I mean a serious title threat
This is his 3rd year in 450 SX
Is Deegan defending his title in 250 sx? Don’t see anyone beating Jett barring injury. But end of year podium positions will be damn good racing.
The only thing that will keep him from being a title threat is his starts. If they don't figure that out then he's in trouble. Otherwise, he'll be right there. Now, first year is always rough on rookies. So, if he goes 450SX this year, I think we'll see flashes of speed mixed with some big get offs. But, if he goes 450 outdoors then 450 in 2027 SX, I think he'll be in the mix right away.
Please do not jinx what could be next years potential. We over did it last year and all main competition was out within 5 rounds..
Unfortunately, I see Jett being most consistent while the stacked field behind him dices it up, it won't allow for any one of them to gain enough points.
Not sure why you're getting downvoted, the 26 is all new, isn't it?
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