2026 SuperMotocross Round 4 Heads to Houston

Eli Tomac looks to defend his title as the series moves outside of California for the first time this season.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:15pm

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The 2026 SuperMotocross (SMX) World Championship heads to Houston, Texas, and NRG Stadium for the first time since 2023. Eli Tomac, the defending winner, will look to fend off a challenge from Chase Sexton and Hunter Lawrence as the series moves outside of California for the first time this season. The event will be broadcast live on Peacock, with coverage starting at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 31.

Why it matters

This race marks a significant milestone for the 2026 SMX season, as it is the first time the series has ventured outside of California. The change of venue and track conditions could shake up the standings, providing an opportunity for new riders to emerge and challenge the established stars of the sport.

The details

Sexton broke through for his first win of the season in Anaheim last week and will look to carry that momentum into Houston. Meanwhile, Lawrence has been consistently fast, finishing as the runner-up in the last two rounds, and is eager to finally stand atop the podium. In the 250 class, Haiden Deegan scored his second victory of the season in Anaheim and will lead the field of 250 West riders this week.

  • The 2026 SuperMotocross season heads to Houston, Texas, and NRG Stadium on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • The last time the series raced in Houston was in 2023, when Eli Tomac took the victory.

The players

Eli Tomac

The defending winner of the 2023 Houston Supercross race and a top contender for the 2026 SMX championship.

Chase Sexton

The Kawasaki rider who broke through for his first win of the 2026 season in Anaheim last week and is looking to continue his momentum in Houston.

Hunter Lawrence

The consistently fast rider who has finished as the runner-up in the last two rounds and is seeking his first win of the 2026 season.

Haiden Deegan

The 250 West rider who scored his second victory of the season in Anaheim and will lead the field of 250 riders in Houston.

Michael Mosiman

Deegan's teammate who finished second to him in Anaheim and will be looking to challenge for the win in Houston.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This race in Houston marks a significant milestone for the 2026 SMX season, as the series ventures outside of California for the first time. The change of venue and track conditions could shake up the standings, providing an opportunity for new riders to emerge and challenge the established stars of the sport.