Red Bull KTM Factory Racing opened the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship with a pair of convincing podium performances tonight at Anaheim 1, where Eli Tomac captured a spectacular 450SX Main Event victory and with teammate Jorge Prado claiming third position. In his SMX World Championship debut with KTM, Tomac set the quickest time in Qualifying 1 and then was P2 on combined times onboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION within the famed Angel Stadium. The decorated two-time 450SX Champion from Cortez, Colorado, managed a strong start in 450SX Heat 1, charging to second position and holding firm to secure a direct transfer into the Main Event. Following an initial race restart, the 33-year-old Tomac moved to the front of the field on the opening lap of the Main Event and controlled the race from the head of the pack, eventually taking the checkered flag with a closing advantage of 1.470 seconds in clinching the season-opening win – marking the 54th of his career in the premier division. Eli Tomac: "This one feels good! Leading from the get-go like that is tough, because you need to really maintain focus the whole time, but my motorcycle was the best it was all day in the Main Event after a slight adjustment from the Heat Race. We went in the right direction, and this is the perfect way to start a new season and with my new team in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. After a big off-season with both myself and the team testing and developing all over the place, it means a lot to achieve this early success together." Making his first appearance with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in Supercross, multi-time MXGP World Champion Prado qualified an impressive sixth while acclimatizing to the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in race conditions, before he powered to the holeshot in the first 450SX Heat Race of the year to hold off a fast-finishing Tomac for P1. Upon launching to another impressive holeshot in the Main Event, the Spaniard rode a calculated race to earn a first-career Supercross podium finish, making for a significant Red Bull KTM Factory Racing double podium result. Jorge Prado: "This is really ahead of my expectations – the goal for this weekend was to just get through each session and do the best that I can. I had a great preparation leading into this year, but I am still so new to Supercross. Getting the Heat Race win was awesome, but I am really happy with my Main Event and to be on the podium. I rode within my limits, and still don't have a lot of words to describe my feelings right now, but all I can say is that hard work always pays off! It's great to start the season this way, so now we'll keep learning and look forward to a new opportunity next week." In a welcome return to competition, Aaron Plessinger was back in action at Anaheim 1 to open the 2026 season. 'The Cowboy' led his Heat Race early on, before contact with another rider ultimately sent him to the Last Chance Qualifier. After winning the LCQ, Plessinger raced his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION forward to 10th place in the Main Event, earning solid points at Round 1. Aaron Plessinger: "Obviously, this wasn't the Anaheim 1 that I wanted. It started well, but I hit the ground with Coop [Cooper Webb] in the Heat Race, which was unfortunate, but it happens. Good to get the Round 1 jitters out, and I had a few good starts today actually, which was nice. We have a good direction, my setup is in the ballpark, and I came from dead-last in the Main Event to 10th place, which I thought was a good way to rebound. It was a decent ending to a tough start, and now we'll go back and do some homework for next weekend." Next Race: January 17 – San Diego, California Results 450SX Class – Anaheim 1. Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 2. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) 3. Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 10. Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 14. Justin Hill (KTM) 18. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) 22. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna) Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 1 of 17 rounds 1. Eli Tomac, 25 points 2. Ken Roczen, 22 4. Jorge Prado, 17 10. Aaron Plessinger, 12 14. Justin Hill, 8 18. RJ Hampshire, 4 22. Malcolm Stewart, 0
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing are in Riyadh for the Dakar Rally rest day at the halfway point of the 2026 event, with Daniel Sanders holding the overall lead after six demanding stages. Luciano Benavides sits third following a stage win during the marathon stage, while Edgar Canet has already made a strong impression in his first Dakar Rally competing in the RallyGP category, claiming victories in both the prologue and stage one.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Daniel Sanders has maintained his overall advantage at the top of the 2026 Dakar Rally standings after putting in an excellent ride to third place on the long stage six of the event. Opening today’s special, Luciano Benavides secured sixth on the stage, while Edgar Canet fought back from his issues on yesterday’s stage five to place 15th.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides delivered a standout ride aboard his KTM 450 RALLY to win stage five of the 2026 Dakar Rally. Daniel Sanders placed third, just under six minutes back, to regain the overall rally lead. Edgar Canet’s challenge was halted midway through the stage when damage to his rear mousse forced him to stop for repairs. Although the Spaniard lost considerable time, he made it to the end of the special and completed the stage.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Daniel Sanders has successfully completed the opening half of the 2026 Dakar Rally’s first marathon stage as fifth-fastest. Also bringing their KTM 450 RALLY machines safely to the bivouac, Luciano Benavides and Edgar Canet placed seventh and eighth, respectively.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Daniel Sanders has posted the third-fastest time on a long and technically demanding stage three at the 2026 Dakar Rally. Luciano Benavides navigated well through the stage to finish one place behind in fourth, with Edgar Canet completing the 421-kilometer special in seventh.
