Bird Dog
The year was 2008. The track was Oak Hill. Somewhere between my 4,000th moto of the week and my will to live, I had a realization: this sport desperately needed a little honesty. Thus, Studs and Duds was born — a column designed to either put young amateur racers on blast… or accidentally place them on the proverbial media podium. Either way, feelings were most likely hurt, BUT character was built….
Crushing fragile egos became a hobby. A public service, really. Was I a jerk? In retrospect… probably. But in my defense, this column has been mothballed for the better part of a decade and today felt like the right day to relight the torch. The only difference this time? I’m no longer picking on 9-year-olds.
Now we’re aiming higher.
Professionals only. At least, for now. Amateur season is around the corner, so we’ll see how froggy I’m feeling then.
So without further ado — and with absolutely no concern for hurt feelings — welcome back to Studs and Duds, the 2026 Anaheim 1 edition.
Studs
Max Anstie (1st)
Nice guys don’t always finish last. Injuries robbed Anstie of a real title run last year, so A1 felt like a big question mark—especially against a stacked West Coast gate. From the press box, though, he looked untouchable. He worked past Hymas early, reeled in Ryder, and once he hit the front, the race was over. Calm. Calculated. In control.
He also became the oldest rider to win a 250SX main, passing John Dowd in the record books. That’s not trivia—that’s history. Absolute STUD.
Chance Hymas (2nd)
Coming off a second ACL injury, a move back home, a new program at Mesquite, and a very quiet offseason—nobody knew what to expect. The answer came fast: he’s back.
Hymas didn’t have Anstie’s pace, but he was composed, smart, and consistent. He kept himself in the mix all race and walked away with confidence he badly needed. Huge ride to kick off the season.
Ryder DiFrancesco (3rd)
Ryder entered the pros with massive hype—and fair or not, he hadn’t delivered on it yet. The media went straight at that in the press conference, and Ryder didn’t flinch. Anaheim 1 backed him up.
Yes, he led early and eventually gave way to Anstie and Hymas. Yes, Deegan came charging late. But Ryder never cracked. He held his ground, kept Deegan behind him, and locked down one of the most important podiums of his career—right when he needed it most.
Eli Tomac
SAVAGE.
The doubts about switching to KTM late in his career lasted exactly one night. Tomac said his motivation was proving he could still do this at the highest level. Consider the message delivered—loud and clear.
Twisted Tea Suzuki
Three bikes. Two top fives. Three inside the top 15.
Roczen was the only rider remotely close to Tomac’s pace, and Anderson would’ve been top four if not for a late-race mistake that handed the spot to Hunter Lawrence. Quietly one of the most impressive team performances of the night.
Jorge Prado
Nobody—and I mean nobody—called this.
Prado took more heat in 2025 than just about anyone, and honestly, it was deserved. He looked defeated. Lost. Like Europe was calling. Instead, he rejoined the manufacturer that built him into a multiple-time world champion, put in the work at Baker’s Factory, and shocked everyone at A1.
This was a ride that reminded the world exactly who Jorge Prado is. Massive. Studly. Statement made.
The Green Leader Light
I know it’s not new, but it’s worth the mention. From the press box, tracking multiple storylines at once is chaos. Watching Deegan charge while keeping tabs on the lead pack? Nearly impossible—unless you’ve got the green light.
It might be the most underrated improvement to Supercross in the last decade. Absolute game-changer.
The New Start Time
Angel Stadium was buzzing, East Coast viewership should be strong, and the racing wrapped by 7pm PST.
FELD nailed this one. Easy 10/10. Stud award earned.
DUDS
To soften the blow here fellas, we’ll add some sick images from Octopi Media. Thanks Ryne and Garth. And, please, just know I’m doing my part here. It’s ALL ABOUT MOTIVATION.
Haiden Deegan (4th)
“If you ain’t first, you’re last.”
A poor start and no podium didn’t match the confidence he brought to the press conference, where he made it clear he expected to win—period. His lap times were right there with Hymas and Ryder, but Anstie dropped multiple 1:07s that Deegan simply didn’t have.
It’s only round one, and Deegan is still the favorite—but this race proved the title fight might be a lot more interesting than expected.
Cameron McAdoo (22nd)
Speed? Yes. Endurance? Yes. Style? Absolutely.
Luck? Not so much.
The incident wasn’t his fault—Deegan jumped into his line—but like my mom always said, “It’s always your fault.” If McAdoo wants to reach his ceiling, he has to keep it on two wheels. Untimely crashes and injuries have defined his career so far, and 2026 is a pivotal year. Anaheim raised more questions than answers.
Hunter Lawrence (4th)
The setup was perfect: Jett sidelined, Hunter coming off a huge MXoN and a strong close to 2025. This was supposed to be his moment to lead Honda in the 450 class.
Instead, he looked flat. He lost ground to Anderson early, nearly tangled with Webb, and didn’t show urgency until the closing laps—when it was too late. The result is fine. The performance wasn’t. Still a contender, but A1 left a lot unanswered.
Justin Cooper (6th)
It’s starting to feel like Cooper lives just outside the Supercross elite. Always close. Always next year. Always “needs more time on the 450.”
At some point, that stops being an excuse. He has the talent to be a consistent podium threat—but Anaheim didn’t show it. Put up or shut up time.
Chase Sexton (8th)
Oof.
We won’t overreact after one round—but what we saw wasn’t vintage Sexton. Maybe Prado wasn’t wrong. Maybe it was the Kawasaki all along. Too early to draw conclusions, but A1 definitely raised an eyebrow.
