Birmingham Hosts First 250 East/West Showdown of 2026 SuperMotocross Season

Haiden Deegan looks to extend win streak as 250 class faces off in Alabama

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The 2026 SuperMotocross World Championship heads to Birmingham, Alabama for Round 10, where the 450 class will see new winners with the absence of defending champion Chase Sexton and Jett Lawrence. The 250 class will host its first East/West Showdown of the season, with Haiden Deegan aiming to extend his win streak to six races.

Why it matters

The Birmingham Supercross race is a key event in the SuperMotocross calendar, with the 450 and 250 classes both featuring exciting storylines. The 450 class title fight between Hunter Lawrence and Eli Tomac remains tight, while the 250 East/West Showdown will give riders from both divisions a chance to gain ground in the championship.

The details

In the 450 class, all eyes will be on Hunter Lawrence and Eli Tomac as they continue their tight points battle. Lawrence has been consistent with a worst finish of fourth, while Tomac has shown the ability to win after an off week. Cooper Webb and Justin Cooper are also riders to watch in the premier division. The 250 class will host its first East/West Showdown, with Haiden Deegan looking to extend his win streak to six races. However, Cole Davies, Seth Hammaker, and Pierce Brown are determined to show they can match Deegan's pace and narrow the gap in the championship.

  • The Birmingham Supercross race takes place on March 16, 2026.
  • This is Round 10 of the 17-round 2026 SuperMotocross World Championship season.

The players

Haiden Deegan

A rising star in the 250 class, Deegan is looking to extend his win streak to six races and become the first rider in 19 years to accomplish that feat.

Hunter Lawrence

The 450 class points leader, Lawrence has been consistent with a worst finish of fourth and will look to maintain his advantage over Eli Tomac.

Eli Tomac

The five-time 450 class race winner this season, Tomac has shown the ability to win after an off week and will be a favorite in Birmingham.

Cole Davies

One of the top 250 class riders in the East division, Davies is determined to show he can match Deegan's pace in the East/West Showdown.

Seth Hammaker

The 2025 East/West Showdown winner in Indianapolis, Hammaker will look to repeat that success in Birmingham.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready for the East/West Showdown. The Western riders have had the advantage in the past, but the Eastern riders are hungry to prove themselves.”

— Cole Davies, 250 Class Rider

“Consistency has been the key to my success so far this season. But I know Eli and the others will be pushing hard, so I'll need to be at my best in Birmingham.”

— Hunter Lawrence, 450 Class Points Leader

What’s next

After Birmingham, the 250 East and West divisions will meet again in St. Louis and Salt Lake City for the remaining East/West Showdowns of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Birmingham Supercross race will be a crucial event in the 2026 SuperMotocross World Championship, with the 450 class title fight heating up and the 250 class riders from the East and West divisions facing off for the first time this season. Fans can expect an exciting weekend of racing in Alabama.