Rider Reflections: 2026 Anaheim 1 Supercross
Get the latest reactions from a host of riders after an action-packed weekend at AMA Supercross in Anaheim (A1).
Eli Tomac: "This one feels good! Leading from the get-go like that is tough, because you need to really maintain focus the whole time, but my motorcycle was the best it was all day in the Main Event after a slight adjustment from the Heat Race. We went in the right direction, and this is the perfect way to start a new season with my new team in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. After a big off-season with both myself and the team testing and developing all over the place, it means a lot to achieve this early success together."
Ken Roczen: “We had an amazing race. Eli and I were just yo-yoing within one second. I would catch him a little bit, then I’d make a little mistake, and he’d gain a little bit. It was just tough. It was a very tricky and very busy track that I expected to be softer than it was. You had to be really patient on the throttle. Overall, I’m very excited with this second place, and I hope we have many more of those coming.”
Jorge Prado: "This is really ahead of my expectations – the goal for this weekend was to just get through each session and do the best that I can. I had a great preparation leading into this year, but I am still so new to Supercross. Getting the heat race win was awesome, but I am really happy with my main event and to be on the podium. I rode within my limits, and still don't have a lot of words to describe my feelings right now, but all I can say is that hard work always pays off! It's great to start the season this way, so now we'll keep learning and look forward to a new opportunity next week."
Hunter Lawrence: “That was my best A1 to date. I said to myself that I’d be content with a top-five finish. I really wanted to get the win, but we’re still working, chipping away. I think we’re in a great spot to make progress where we want to and hopefully get that worked out. But I’m okay with tonight, for sure; this is one of my worst venues if you look back over my career, so I’m happy to move forward.”
Justin Cooper: "A1 was a wild one. Definitely struggled early in the day but turned it around and came from way back to P6 in the main event. I’m thankful to hear the boys are doing good."
Cooper Webb: "A1 - P7. I’ve had better and worse nights. Got the lead early on the first start, but a bad restart and tip-over set me back in the main. Sending prayers to Bam and Malc after the chaos last night. I’ve also apologised to AP for my bonehead move in the heat. He’s a good friend, and I’d never do that intentionally."
Aaron Plessinger: "Obviously, this wasn't the Anaheim 1 that I wanted. It started well, but I hit the ground with Coop [Cooper Webb] in the Heat Race, which was unfortunate, but it happens. Good to get the Round 1 jitters out, and I had a few good starts today actually, which was nice. We have a good direction, my setup is in the ballpark, and I came from dead-last in the Main Event to 10th place, which I thought was a good way to rebound. It was a decent ending to a tough start, and now we'll go back and do some homework for next weekend."
Image: Empire Sports Photos
