Who's riding where? – The 250SX check for the 2026 SMX season

The SMX Media Days in Anaheim have finally shed some light on the situation – or in other words: we now have at least a rough idea of ​​who will be sharing the starting grid in the 250SX West and East Coast classes in 2026. Of course, there's always a degree of uncertainty in December, as injuries, form fluctuations, or tactical team decisions can easily throw everything into disarray. But the overall picture? That's clear.

And right in the middle: two German riders who set out to compete in the shark tank of the 250SX West Coast.

Star Racing Yamaha: The West Coast belongs (for now) to Hayden Deegan again.

It's no secret that Hayden Deegan wants to defend his Western title. He spoiled it himself early enough on his social media – and Anaheim 1 is a sure thing for him. Things will get interesting, however, because Max Anstie will most likely be rolling into the gate right next to him. The Brit is fresh out of the World Supercross season and sees no reason to wait until the Eastern opener to join the series.

For the East Coast, the Yamaha camp is looking a bit different: Michael Mosiman, Nate Thrasher, and Pierce Brown have all indicated they would prefer to start the season later. In addition, Cole Davies, after his strong rookie year, is the more logical choice for the East Coast.

In short: The West remains Deegan's stage – and he's getting some really fast teammates by his side.

Pro Circuit Kawasaki: Lots of talent, clear trends

Pro Circuit, as usual, is keeping its cards close to its chest for a long time, but the feeling in the SMX paddock is clear: Levi Kitchen and Drew Adams will be starting in the West. Both are preparing precisely for that, and it would be surprising if anything changed.

Cameron McAdoo has only just returned to the Supercross track, and Seth Hammaker hasn't even started yet – so realistically, both are limited to a late start on the East Coast. Overall, this fits well with the team's established strategy: early starters in the West, late returnees in the East.

Honda HRC: Chance Hymas carries the flag in Anaheim

Honda suffered an injury to Jo Shimoda This has left a significant gap, but Chance Hymas seems ready to fill it. He's back training on home soil in Mesquite, feels comfortable, appears focused – and will open up the West Coast for Honda.

Red Bull KTM: The Coenen brothers are shaking things up.

The failure of Julien Beaumer This forces KTM to rethink its strategy. At the same time, it opens a door for the Coenen brothers. Sacha Coenen has been testing in California for weeks and is ready for Anaheim 1 – on the 250. His brother Lucas has also been training in the USA, but with a 450 plan. Whether the Belgians will actually make their first appearances in the USA is still uncertain, but the signs are promising – even though they are currently training in Europe again.

Husqvarna Factory Racing: DiFrancesco lurks in the west, the youngsters in the east

Ryder DiFrancesco is back – with renewed speed and plenty of confidence after intensive sessions with Davi Millsaps. Everything points to him starting at the gate in Anaheim. Casey Cochran and Daxton Bennick are taking it easier. Their training routines clearly point towards the East Coast. Husqvarna is thus distributing the workload strategically.

ClubMX Yamaha: Clearly organized, but with plenty of development potential

Hunter Yoder and Maximus Vohland are staying true to the West Coast. For both of them, this feels logical – California is their territory. Coty Shock and Devin Simonson will later attack the East Coast. The team is currently still working on the final look and apparently also on a new one. Title sponsorThe structure remains fixed.

Triumph Racing: Swoll sure, Forkner perhaps spectacular

Jalek Swoll will be competing in Anaheim, even though his preparation after his injury break has been somewhat shorter. But the big talk is Austin Forkner. He's currently testing not only the Triumph 250, but also the 450. If everything goes well, he could actually be competing. on the big machine They should be available for the season opener. If not, the East deployment remains Plan B.

Either way, Triumph has the potential to write a few storylines in 2026.

CDF Racing Team: Paul Bloy and Nico Koch – a German chapter for the 250SX West

And then we have the team that makes everything a little bit special from a German perspective: CDF Racing go with Paul Bloy and Nico Koch into the complete 250SX West Coast class. For both of them, it's a huge step – and one that is unfortunately taken far too rarely in Germany. Instead of going in circles in Europe, they're daring to take the leap into the lowest, toughest junior class in the world.

2026 is going to be wild – and the 250cc could steal the show from the big boys.

The starting position is wide open, many riders are on the verge of a breakthrough, some are making a fresh comeback, others are changing teams or classes – that's precisely what makes the 2026 250SX so exciting. Perhaps even more exciting than the 450.

And with two Germans in the west, a top-class mix of title defenders, comeback pilots and new faces, the new season promises one thing above all: It won't start quietly. It will be a hit.