With the 2026 SuperMotocross season fast approaching, former pro and respected analyst Jason Thomas has weighed in on three of the sport’s biggest storylines heading into Anaheim 1 — Ken Roczen, Cooper Webb and Chase Sexton. And according to Thomas, the opening round could set the tone for an all-time great season.
Roczen: Momentum Meets Opportunity
For Thomas, Ken Roczen enters A1 with something he hasn’t always had in recent years — momentum without desperation.
After conquering the World Supercross Championship and reuniting with Suzuki, Roczen arrives confident, healthy, and mentally refreshed. Thomas notes that Roczen’s biggest weapon may no longer be outright aggression, but race intelligence.
“Roczen doesn’t need to prove anything anymore,” Thomas explained. “That’s dangerous for the rest of the field.”
Thomas believes Roczen’s ability to manage races — especially early in the season — could make him a genuine title threat if he avoids the inconsistencies that have haunted past SuperMotocross campaigns.
Webb: The Relentless Standard
If there’s one rider Thomas refuses to doubt heading into A1, it’s Cooper Webb.
Webb’s Anaheim record speaks for itself, but Thomas points to something deeper: Webb’s unmatched ability to peak when the lights are brightest.
“You can count Webb out on paper every year,” Thomas said, “and he’ll still find a way to be there in March and April.”
Thomas believes Webb’s championship mindset and late-race intensity remain elite. Even if raw speed isn’t always best in class, his ability to grind results makes him a near certainty to leave Anaheim in the title conversation.
Sexton: Speed vs Consistency
Chase Sexton remains the great wildcard.
Thomas acknowledges Sexton’s raw speed may be unmatched across the field, but A1 will test whether he has fully mastered the balance between aggression and control.
“If Sexton wins Anaheim cleanly, that sends a message,” Thomas noted. “If he throws it away, the questions will come back fast.”
For Sexton, Thomas believes the pressure isn’t about talent — it’s about execution. The early rounds will reveal whether maturity has finally caught up with speed.
Anaheim 1: A Statement Round
Thomas emphasised that A1 isn’t just about points — it’s about psychological advantage. A strong opener for any of the three could shift paddock belief instantly.
- Roczen winning would validate his WSX momentum
- Webb winning would reaffirm his championship inevitability
- Sexton winning would signal a complete evolution
Final Take
According to Jason Thomas, 2026 Anaheim 1 could be less about surprise winners and more about confirmation.
“We already know these guys are elite,” Thomas concluded. “Anaheim tells us who’s ready to lead the season — not just survive it.”
One gate drop. Three title contenders. And a season that could be defined before January is over. 🏁🔥
