Honda HRC Progressive’s tough start to the 2026 AMA Supercross season has continued, with Chance Hymas set to undergo surgery this week after dislocating his left shoulder in a first-turn incident at Anaheim 2.Chance Hymas
The Idaho native was taken out in the opening corner of the January 24 round at Angel Stadium and is scheduled to have surgery on Friday, January 30, to repair the labrum in his left shoulder. The operation is expected to sideline Hymas for approximately eight weeks before he can return to riding.
Explaining what unfolded in the crash, Hymas said it all went wrong despite a reasonable launch from the gate. He noted that it “wasn’t the best start on my end, but I was still in a decent position coming into the first corner,” before another rider went down and collected him in the chaos. Hymas added that when he tried to break his fall, “I put my arm out to catch myself, I put it in a weird position and ended up dislocating my shoulder.”
The timing has been particularly cruel, with Hymas only recently returning to race fitness after a long road back from injury. He admitted the situation has been hard to swallow, saying it was “devastating on my end going through everything I went through to get back into racing shape,” but added that the support around him has helped soften the blow. “Fortunately, I have a good group of people around me that support me 100%,” he said. After discussions with the team, Hymas confirmed that surgery was the best path forward, explaining that “all things considered, the team and I decided it’s in my best interest to get my labrum repaired this Friday and turn my focus to being 100% healthy and ready for outdoors.”
The setback compounds a difficult start to the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship for Honda HRC Progressive, with multiple injured riders sidelined, while Hunter Lawrence’s strong early form has emerged as a rare bright spot for the team.
Hymas’ injury adds to what has been a testing opening chapter for Honda HRC Progressive in 2026. Jett Lawrence and Jo Shimoda remain sidelined after sustaining injuries during the pre-season, leaving Hunter Lawrence to carry the team’s Supercross charge. The Australian has delivered a series of strong rides across the opening three rounds and currently sits second in the 450 championship standings.
American Honda’s Manager of Racing and Advertising, Brandon Wilson, acknowledged just how demanding the season has already been for the squad. He said the year has “truly put us to the test,” admitting that everyone at Honda is disappointed for the injured riders. Wilson highlighted Hymas’ setback as particularly difficult, noting “knowing how hard he has worked and the impressive speed he was showing at the start of the season.” Despite the challenges, he pointed to Lawrence’s form as a positive, adding that “seeing Hunter racing so well has certainly been a bright spot,” and expressed confidence that the situation will eventually turn around. “We’re confident that before long, all four riders will be healthy and battling at the front,” Wilson said.
For now, Hymas’ focus shifts to surgery and recovery, with the goal of returning at full strength as the outdoor season approaches.