ClubMX looking ahead to San Diego after a positive A1

The 2026 AMA Supercross Western Regional kicked off at Angel Stadium in Anaheim with a highly competitive opener. Both ClubMX Yamaha riders delivered credible rides against a deep and fast 250SX West field. Words: Mike Bonacci of ClubMX

In the main event, Max Vohland finished 7th and Hunter Yoder crossed 8th, marking solid top-10 results in a stacked class and setting a foundation to build from moving into San Diego.

The heat races at Anaheim provided further confidence. Max secured a 3rd-place heat finish, while Hunter detonated the holeshot and led laps before finishing 4th in his heat, showcasing early-race speed and racecraft against the region’s best.

These initial outings weren’t just about results — they reflected execution of preparation and composure in traffic, especially on a technical Anaheim layout where starts and rhythm are paramount.

MAX VOHLAND

The last time Max raced was the first round of the SMX Finale, where he collided with another rider and damaged his elbow. Since that time, he has recovered, completed boot camp, and resumed right where he left off – up front. For his first actual race back, it was pretty impressive. Expectations are higher than his seventh-place finish, but like they say: “You can’t win a championship in the first round, but you can sure lose it.”

HUNTER YODER

Hunter had an entirely different story. On the last day of boot camp he tweaked his knee, and it was unclear if he would even be able to race in Anaheim. The team went to work with our partner McGinley Clinic and implemented a series of planned procedures to bring him comfort. He skipped press day riding on Friday, still unsure if he could compete.

On Saturday, he was a new man and wanted to give it a try. With only two sessions on the track this season, it was important to learn the track in the first one and throw down some heaters in the second. He qualified fifteenth overall, and that was fine by us. In the second heat race, he blasted a holeshot and led the first three laps on his way to a fourth-place finish. Pretty amazing – all things considered.

The ClubMX Yamaha Advantage

Preparation for San Diego builds directly on what we learned at Anaheim 1. The team’s comprehensive performance ecosystem continues to pay dividends — from on-bike intensity to off-bike recovery and race-day readiness. The influence of Chad Reed, now serving as Director of Performance, remains a key part of that progression, helping shape mindset, durability, and execution strategies that show up in race results.

With data-backed training and real-world execution, the program is geared to turn competitive runs into consistent point hauls.

Looking Ahead — San Diego Expectations

While Anaheim provided a baseline, San Diego presents a fresh opportunity:

• Stronger starts — The team’s focus on launch execution showed promise; refinement here could vault both riders deeper into contention right off the gate.

• Heat race momentum — Hunter’s holeshot and lead laps highlight the pace that can translate into main-event leverage.

• Race-long intensity — With increased confidence and laps under their belt, both riders are poised to elevate their main event showings.

ClubMX Yamaha heads into San Diego with higher expectations grounded in real performance gains, not just optimism.

By The Numbers — Anaheim 1 Highlights

• Vohland: 3rd in heat, 7th in main

• Yoder: Holeshot + led laps, 4th in heat, 8th in main

• First time we had two Top-10 main event finishes in Round 1

• Demonstrated early race pace and composure on a technical track

These results point to not just potential, but actual execution against a competitive 250SX West entry list.

San Diego Focus Points

• Starts & First Laps: Continued emphasis here will be key — good positioning early sets up attack windows later in the race.

• Consistency: San Diego’s tight, rhythm-focused layout rewards riders who can ride mentally strong lines for the full distance.

• Momentum Carry-Over: Heat race confidence can translate to cleaner mains and increased podium contention.

San Diego is not just another weekend — it’s a chance to convert early promise into momentum that matters in the championship chase.

Image: Empire Sports Photos