That’s a wrap on the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, with Jorge Prado and Levi Kitchen crowned the 2026 champions in Ridgedale on Saturday night. Revisit the action through our Captured feature, highlighting the defining moments from the weekend in illustrated form.

The Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final at Missouri’s Thunder Ridge Nature Arena completely made up for the first two rounds of the post-season – the venue in particular is exactly what you want to see from this SMX series – different, unique and special.

We don’t think anybody is truly ready for an Eli Tomac retirement, and yet here we are, with the legend having run his last race. So many years, so many epic battles, and always an outstanding role model for the sport – you’ll be missed, Eli!

Levi Kitchen won the 250SMX title! You’ve got to think that a number one plate is such a relief for the 25-year-old, who has come so close on multiple occasions, only to have his heart broken each time. Then add in the Mitch Payton/Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki element, with the powerhouse squad having been title-less since Adam Cianciarulo’s 250MX feat in 2019. It’s a feel-good story all around.

Chance Hymas sustained a wrist injury after over-jumping a triple in free practice, ultimately forcing him to withdraw from this weekend’s Motocross of Nations (MXoN). That led to a scramble on Saturday morning, with Red Bull KTM and Julien Beaumer ultimately selected before a pivotal night where both he and Prado were in title contention. Talk about a stressful situation.

Two out of three SMX post-season victories belonged to Haiden Deegan in 450SMX – where exactly does this leave him for 2027? Regardless, he’ll carry a tonne of confidence into the off-season. He will, however, be without long-time mechanic Brent Duffe, who is exiting Star Racing for a position in Formula 1.

Also adding to the retirement announcements was Dylan Ferrandis, with the Frenchman calling time on a highly successful career. It’s that generation now – the late-2000s/early-2010s generation – who are reaching the end, with 450SX champion Ken Roczen also not confirmed to be racing in 2027.

What a difference 12 months can make, and what a talent Jorge Prado is. Effectively benched by Monster Energy Kawasaki for last year’s SMX post-season, to becoming 450SMX champion this year with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. It’s an unbelievable turnaround, with many in the industry owing an apology to the 25-year-old.

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing outfit closes its doors after more than a decade of racing – it’s a shame to see them leave.

The 2026 SMX World Championship Final saw the WMX contenders in action at this event for the first time, with the fastest women in the world putting on a standout performance around a tricky racetrack. We were treated to another Lachlan Turner/Charli Cannon classic, with Turner claiming victory by the slimmest of margins.

Weather entered the picture with the rain particularly heavy during the second 250SMX moto. It didn’t make a difference for Cole Davies, however, who delivered a commanding 1-1 performance and left no doubt as to who was the top 250 class rider in 2026.