The roar of the crowd at Angel Stadium in Anaheim could be heard for miles as the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season opener unfolded on January 10, 2026. This annual spectacle, always a highlight on the motocross calendar, delivered its signature drama, surprises, and, unfortunately, heart-stopping incidents that left fans and riders alike holding their breath.
The 450 Main Event, the centerpiece of the night, erupted into chaos almost immediately. On the very first lap, a heavy crash involving Justin Barcia and Malcolm Stewart brought the race to a sudden halt and triggered a red flag restart. The incident, which occurred as the riders rounded turn three and approached the triple jump, saw Ken Roczen and Malcolm Stewart make mid-air contact. Stewart, opting to double-single the triple, came up off the landing just as Barcia was already airborne, aiming to land the triple. In a split second, Barcia’s bike landed on Stewart’s left shoulder and arm, sending Barcia violently over the handlebars and onto the ground.
Those watching from the stands and on television were immediately concerned, as Barcia appeared motionless at first. However, up close, he could be seen moving his arms and head slightly—an encouraging sign in such a severe crash. Both Barcia and Stewart were quickly attended to by the Alpinestars Medical Crew. While Stewart managed to get up under his own power, albeit nursing what looked like a painful arm or wrist injury, Barcia wasn’t as fortunate. He was carefully loaded onto a stretcher and transported out of the stadium for further evaluation.
According to a Troy Lee Designs Race Team representative, Barcia was able to feel all of his limbs and was taken to a local hospital for a thorough check-up. Kellen Brauer, reporting on Ducati’s behalf, confirmed that Barcia was coherent, could move everything, but was in considerable pain. As of 9:30 PM Saturday night, Barcia was still undergoing scans and tests to determine the full extent of his injuries. The motocross community waits anxiously for further updates, hoping for positive news for one of the sport’s most charismatic riders.
This crash was especially heartbreaking for Barcia, who was making his competitive debut for the newly formed Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati team on the all-new Desmo450. After an offseason marked by adversity—including a broken collarbone just ten days into riding the Ducati, subsequent surgery to replace an old plate with a bigger one, and months of recovery—Barcia had only managed seven rides on the new bike before lining up at Anaheim 1. The transition from GasGas to Ducati was anything but smooth, but Barcia’s determination to compete at the season opener was a testament to his grit and resilience.
"Justin was asking questions and speaking to the medics when he left the track, and he is able to feel and move all of his limbs," a Troy Lee Ducati team representative told reporters, offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos. While Stewart’s status remains unconfirmed, the fact that he exited the track under his own power is a relief for fans of the popular rider.
The incident overshadowed what had already been a weekend full of storylines and anticipation. Jett Lawrence, the Honda HRC Progressive phenom, was sidelined for several months with a fractured ankle and foot, creating a power vacuum in the 450SX class. This opened the door for a host of contenders—including Eli Tomac, Jorge Prado, Chase Sexton, Jason Anderson, Dylan Ferrandis, and Garrett Marchbanks—to make their mark in new team colors and on newly developed machines.
The track at Angel Stadium, with its challenging over/under bridge, sweeping sand section, and multiple rhythm lanes, was already proving to be a formidable test. Wind and sun throughout the day dried out the surface, creating slick and dusty conditions that challenged even the most experienced riders. Qualifying sessions were fiercely competitive, with Eli Tomac, Ken Roczen, and Jorge Prado trading fast laps. Tomac, in particular, looked strong, posting a 1:05.049 in the first 450SX session before Chase Sexton stole the show in the second with a blistering 1:04.465.
Heat races brought their own share of drama. In 450SX Heat One, Jorge Prado took the win after Cooper Webb and Aaron Plessinger tangled early. Justin Barcia, before his main event crash, rode aggressively and was embroiled in a fierce battle with Eli Tomac for position. In Heat Two, Ken Roczen emerged victorious after a wild first turn that saw four riders abreast. Chase Sexton, despite an early mistake, managed to secure a transfer spot, while Hunter Lawrence and Jason Anderson rounded out the top finishers.
The 250SX class was equally thrilling. Haiden Deegan and Levi Kitchen dominated qualifying, trading fastest laps and showcasing their speed over the technical course. The first main event gate drop of the year saw Chance Hymas take the holeshot, but it was Max Anstie who ultimately claimed victory after a determined charge past Ryder DiFrancesco. Deegan, starting mid-pack, clawed his way to fourth, narrowly missing the podium after a late-race push.
Back in the 450SX Main Event, the restart following the Barcia-Stewart crash saw Jorge Prado grab the holeshot, with Tomac, Lawrence, and Roczen in close pursuit. Tomac wasted little time, executing a textbook block pass on Prado to take the lead to the delight of the Anaheim faithful. Roczen, riding with his trademark aggression, moved into second, while Lawrence and Anderson duked it out for the remaining podium spots. Sexton, hampered by a poor start and a series of mistakes, could only manage eighth by the checkered flag. Up front, Tomac maintained a steady gap over Roczen, with Prado securing his first 450SX podium in third.
The night was not without further incident. Benny Bloss, injured during press riding the previous day, was sidelined with a wrist injury. Jack Chambers also crashed during the second qualifying session and was attended to by medical staff, leaving his status uncertain. The combination of a challenging track, tricky conditions, and high stakes made for a memorable, if bruising, season opener.
As the dust settled over Angel Stadium, the motocross world was left with as many questions as answers. Will Barcia recover quickly and return to challenge for the championship on his new Ducati? Can Stewart bounce back from his own injury scare? And with Lawrence out, who will seize the opportunity to become the new king of the 450SX class? The only certainty is that the 2026 Supercross season is off to a dramatic, unpredictable start—and fans can’t wait to see what comes next.
