Words and images courtesy Toyota Redlands BarX Yamaha
The final race before the midseason break of the Western Divisional 250SX Class in the AMA Supercross Championship proved to be the toughest challenge yet of the 2026 SMX World Championship. The sixth race of the season signified the annual visit to Seattle, which has become notorious for providing some of the most demanding conditions of the year. With one of its earliest placements ever on the schedule, the track inside Lumen Field was indeed at the center of how the night unfolded and proved to be a difference maker throughout the evening. For the three-rider lineup at Toyota Redlands BarX Yamaha the treacherous racing surface did little to slow the team’s momentum and instead became another opportunity for Parker Ross, Lux Turner, and Leo Tucker to put their continued progression on display, which once again resulted in some well-earned airtime on the live broadcast on Peacock and SMX Video Pass.
Parker Ross #40 – 9th place
It’s been quite an impressive run into the break for Ross, who over the past month has carded 9-9-10-9 finishes to become one of the most consistent satellite riders in the field. Overall, he’s averaged a 10th-place finish through the first six weeks, which has been a testament to continued improvements in every aspect of his race craft. In Seattle, he bounced back from a slow start in qualifying with an impressive climb through the field in his Heat Race, which carried over into a rock-solid Main Event where he maintained his hold of a top-10 position from start to finish. While the conditions forced mistakes from many of the top riders in the division, Ross was methodical, patient, and refrained from pushing the limit to wrap up the season-opening stretch with another career-best result.
“The track in Seattle was super tricky. Honestly, you just had to back it down a tad to make sure you hit your marks every lap. I’m happy to get another top 10 and head into the break with a string of good results. However, I still want to get a top-five finish and will keep working to try and achieve that goal before the end of the season.”
Lux Turner #43 – 12th place
Given how well he’s ridden in recent weeks, it’s surprising to hear Turner feels as though he’s only at 75% of his potential as he continues his comeback from offseason injury. After a breakout ride in the Heat Race last weekend, he replicated that effort in Seattle with another stellar showing that resulted in a second place finish. Turner’s starts have been on point and he shot out the gate like a rocket in the Main Event to exit the first turn with a top-three start. Although he got shuffled back in the chaos of the opening lap, Turner eventually settled in and ran inside the top 10 for most of the race, ultimately earning a 12th-place finish. A breakthrough top 10 is all but a certainty for Turner heading into the break as he’ll have a chance to focus on a return to 100%, with an opportunity to capitalize on his early season momentum.
“There were a lot of really good things to take away from the weekend. I’m excited to keep proving my speed with good qualifying times and it’s been awesome to run up front in the Heat Races. I got another good start in the Main Event but ran into a small issue with the bike, so I was really glad to bring it home safe with a solid result. My wrist continues to get better. It’s still pretty weak and still hurts, but we’re getting there. I’m definitely going to use the break to get back to full strength.”
#154 Leo Tucker – 17th place heat race & LCQ
It proved to be a weekend to remember for Tucker in Seattle, as the rookie qualified inside the “Fast 40” for the first time and made his night show debut in front of the thousands of raucous fans inside Lumen Field. It was a landmark moment in Tucker’s budding career and ultimately provided truly invaluable experience racing in the intense atmosphere of the Heat Race and Last Chance Qualifier. It’s easy to underestimate the daunting nature of earning transfer spots, but Tucker responded well to a brand new dynamic and proved he belongs on the starting gate. Regardless of his results, it was a victory for Tucker and the team and made for a memorable night at a pivotal moment in the season.
“Making the night show feels great, but it’s still not where I want to be or what I expect of myself. Racing in front of the crowd was definitely different, but I felt like I was able to block out the noise pretty well and focus on my race. Moving forward, I know I need to be more patient and I think that will definitely help me for the rest of the year.”
Bradley Taft – Team Manager
“The team definitely faced some struggles on what proved to be a very challenging track in Seattle, but they also showed their strengths. Parker and Lux’s starts continue to improve and the speed is there for both riders. They just need to execute the first laps better so they can put themselves in a better position for the end of the Main Event. Leo getting into his first night show was great and he gained massive experience. I’m looking forward to him continuing to improve and making it into more night shows this season.”
Results
2026 SMX World Championship Round 6: Seattle
Race 6 // AMA Supercross Championship
Lumen Field – Seattle, WA
Western Divisional 250SMX Main Event
1. Haiden Deegan // Yamaha
2. Levi Kitchen // Kawasaki
3. Max Anstie // Yamaha
4. Ryder DiFrancesco // Husqvarna
5. Cameron McAdoo // Kawasaki
6. Michael Mosiman // Yamaha
7. Max Vohland // Yamaha
8. Hunter Yoder // Yamaha
9. Parker Ross // Yamaha
10. Carson Mumford // KTM
12. Lux Turner // Yamaha
Western Divisional 250SMX Standings
1. Haiden Deegan // Yamaha – 143
2. Max Anstie // Yamaha – 108
3. Michael Mosiman // Yamaha – 107
4. Ryder DiFrancesco // Husqvarna – 107
5. Levi Kitchen // Kawasaki – 101
6. Cameron McAdoo // Kawasaki – 97
7. Max Vohland // Yamaha – 92
8. Hunter Yoder // Yamaha – 74
9. Parker Ross // Yamaha – 70
10. Carson Mumford // KTM – 60
13. Lux Turner // Yamaha – 49
15. Dilan Schwartz // Yamaha – 36
