ClubMX focused on A2 and keeping the positive momentum rolling
Momentum Is Built, Not Given.
As the Western Regional series rolls into Anaheim 2, the championship picture is already beginning to take shape. Early rounds rarely tell the full story, but they do reveal patterns - execution, composure and how teams respond when variables change. For ClubMX Yamaha, San Diego delivered clear confirmation that the program is moving in the right direction. Words: Mike Bonacci of ClubMX
Not everything went according to plan. That’s racing. What mattered was how the team performed when it did.
San Diego Recap — A Milestone Night
San Diego marked a significant moment in ClubMX Yamaha history.
In the heat race, Max Vohland and Hunter Yoder finished 1–2, the first time the team has ever achieved that result at the Supercross level. The performance wasn’t circumstantial, it was earned. Clean starts, controlled pace and intelligent execution against a deep field made it clear the preparation was translating to race conditions.
The main event, however, reminded everyone how quickly things can change.
Hunter Yoder was caught in a first-turn incident involving Levi Kitchen, sustaining damage to his motorcycle that prevented him from continuing. While the result won’t appear in the standings the way the night began, the takeaway remains important: Hunter put himself in position early and showed the speed required to contend.
Max Vohland settled into fifth place during the main event before a tip-over forced him to reset. Rather than fading, he regrouped and fought his way back to an eighth-place finish, salvaging valuable points and reinforcing the importance of race-long composure.
San Diego wasn’t perfect - but it was productive.
Progress with Purpose
Two rounds into the season, the pattern is clear:
• Starts are on point
• Heat race execution is trending upward
• Race pace is increasingly consistent
• Confidence is being built through performance, not prediction
These are the ingredients that matter early in the season.
The ClubMX Yamaha Advantage
Preparation continues to be the cornerstone of the program. Training between rounds focused on start efficiency, early-lap decision-making, and managing race intensity across changing track conditions.
Both Max and Hunter stayed in California, but only Max is riding. He is putting in the work and fine-tuning his craft in a way that will remind people just who he is. It has been a long road back to the podium, and it certainly will not be the last time. Hunter is still resting his knee and giving it more time to heal. The strategy seems to be working.
Anaheim 2 demands precision. The preparation reflects that.
MAX VOHLAND
Max continues to build momentum through discipline and experience. His ability to reset after adversity in San Diego and fight forward underscores his growth as a complete racer.
Anaheim traditionally rewards riders who manage rhythm and restraint as much as aggression, qualities that align well with Max’s evolving approach. With two rounds of data behind him, expectations remain measured but confident.
HUNTER YODER
Hunter’s San Diego night ended earlier than planned, but the speed shown, particularly in the heat race - reinforced the progress made during the off-season.
The focus entering Anaheim 2 is simple: put himself back in clean air early and allow the race to unfold. His confidence remains intact, and the team expects him to respond accordingly.
Broadcast Acknowledgment
I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the broadcast team, Ricky Carmichael and Leigh Diffey, for their excellent coverage during the San Diego round. Their insight and awareness while our riders were running up front added meaningful context for fans and accurately reflected the execution and progress being made by the program. That level of professionalism does not go unnoticed. Thank you to the entire crew.
SMX NEXT — Building the Future
Anaheim 2 also marks the beginning of an important stretch for the next generation of ClubMX Yamaha talent.
The team will be represented in the SMX Next program by Ryder Malinoski and Jesson Turner. Both riders will compete back-to-back in Anaheim before heading to Houston, gaining valuable experience on some of the sport’s biggest stages. Both riders have changed their numbers in the off-season. Malinoski will be #9 and Turner #57.
The SMX Next platform continues to prove its value as a true bridge between amateur success and professional expectations, and both riders have positioned themselves well through their preparation at the ClubMX facility.
What to Watch at Anaheim 2
• First-lap execution following strong heat race starts in San Diego
• Bounce-back intensity from both 250SX riders
• SMX Next development through consecutive rounds
• Momentum management as the series begins to accelerate
Anaheim 2 is about refinement, not reinvention. ClubMX Yamaha arrives with clarity, confidence, and a program aligned from top to bottom.
The work continues.
Image: Empire Sports Photos
