Power Rankings: 250SX West Region

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We’re back to talking dirbikes for Power Rankings! The days of ranking Christmas songs and movies is OVER. With Anaheim 1 just over a week away, it’s time to start getting amped for the upcoming season.

While we still don’t have a full list of who will be opening the season in the 250 Class at Anaheim 1, we do have a pretty good idea and with that in mind, it is time for me to rank the 250SX West Region.

Note that I do have the right to change these picks as we get the full list. Levi Kitchen has not announced, so this list could drastically change. If I’m Mitch Payton, I don’t care what Levi says about going up against Haiden Deegan, his ass is being shipped to Tampa and racing the East Region, where I think he would be the heavy favorite.

Anyway, here is my list as it currently stands, leading off with my title favorite…

1: Haiden Deegan

Only Troy would be dumb enough to not have Deegan in the top spot. While I think he will have challenges week-in and week-out, no one announced thus far will be holding Deegan at bay for the entire season.

2: Jo Shimoda

The Jo Show MUST start the season good. Shimoda has a history of starting slow and finishing strong. If he does that with Deegan in the class, his title chances will be over by the time we leave California.

3: Jordon Smith

The veteran! Smith has been at this a long time and certainly knows what it takes to win a title. The move to Triumph has me worried, though. Not because it’s not a great bike or team, it’s that anytime a rider changes manufactures it tends to take a round or two or three to gel. With Deegan on the West, there is no time for that.

4: Austin Forkner

I’m assuming with Triumph announcing Forker for the West Region means he is fully fit and ready to go. I would have him higher, but Forkner is coming off massive injuries, riding a new bike for the first time since 2010, when he rode Suzuki’s as an amateur, and has been injury prone. If healthy, as he showed early last year, Forkner has the speed and talent to win a title.

5: Coty Schock

Don’t sleep on the Shocker. Remember, he finished third overall in the East Region in 2024. While this class is deeper, he’s coming off another full off-season with the Club team. I have him as a sleeper pick to win a race this year.