NBC Sports Keeps...2026 Supercross and MX

"I think NBC should do the sport a solid and upgrade the coverage team. I'd keep Weigandt, JT and dump the rest. Too many cooks in the kitchen trying to get in their comments, especially Diffey and Christien. Our sport deserves a more professional broadcast team."

NBC Sports and the SMX League^TM announced Tuesday the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship broadcast and streaming schedule, including the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. 28 regular season races plus the postseason playoffs across the series, including exclusive live coverage of Main Event races, qualifiers, and heats, will be presented across NBC, Peacock, NBCSN, and NBC Sports digital platforms.

Peacock is the home of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship Series in 2026, presenting live coverage of all races, qualifying, and heats across both Supercross and Pro Motocross spanning all rounds from January to September 2026. The platform will also provide on-demand replays of every race. Qualifiers and heats will be available exclusively on Peacock for every race throughout the season. Additionally, 11 races (live and encore) will be presented on NBC, with select races appearing on NBCSN, a new 24/7 linear network featuring a wide range of marquee sporting events and programming from NBC Sports.

2026 marks the fourth year of the SMX World Championship which unifies Supercross and Pro Motocross and presents the season-ending SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final, with the top racers in the world competing for the sport’s ultimate title in a style of racing that features the best that both indoor stadium Supercross and outdoor Pro Motocross seasons have to offer.

NBC Sports’ 2026 SMX World Championship season opener begins with an encore presentation of the SMX Preview Show, followed by a live look-in at Angel Stadium, at 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, followed by the SMX Insider Pre-Race Show from Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 6:30 p.m. ET on Peacock with racing at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock.

The outdoor Pro Motocross season of the SMX World Championship begins from Fox Raceway National in Pala, Calif., on Saturday, May 30, at 4 p.m. ET exclusively on Peacock, with an encore presentation the next day at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

The SMX World Championship Playoffs will culminate with two playoff rounds (Sept. 12, Sept. 19) and the SMX World Championship Final (Sept. 26), with further programming details to be released at a later date.

NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2025 SMX World Championship Series continued to have a strong presence on streaming, with Peacock delivering over 1.5 billion minutes streamed during the 2025 season, marking yet another year of significant growth in the popularity of the sport. Additionally, unique viewership on Peacock for the 2025 SuperMotocross season had an increase of 6% YOY, further showcasing the passionate audience of the sport that continues to come back week after week.

The 2026 SMX commentary team will consist of Leigh Diffey and Jason Weigandt as play-by-play, 15-time AMA champion Ricky Carmichael and five-time AMA champion James Stewart as analysts, and Will Christien and former veteran racer Jason Thomas as reporters.

Race Day Live will cover all regular and postseason races of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship Series exclusively on Peacock. Former racers Justin Brayton and Adam Cianciarulo will serve as hosts of the pre-race program while Steven “Lurch” Scott and Haley Shanley join as reporters. Katie Osborne will join Shanley, Christien, and Thomas on a rotating schedule during the Pro Motocross season as reporters. 

Additionally, all Spanish-language broadcasts will also be available on Peacock throughout the 2026 season.

A one-hour SMX World Championship preview special airs Saturday, Dec. 27, at 4 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, headlined by appearances from three-time SMX 450 World Champion Jett Lawrence,  two-time SMX 250 World Champion Haiden Deegan, two-time SMX 450 Runner-Up Hunter Lawrence, three-time and defending 450 Supercross Champion Cooper Webb, six-time AMA Champion Eli Tomac, 2023 Supercross 450 Champion and 2024 Pro Motocross Champion Chase Sexton, as well as Justin Cooper, Aaron Plessinger, and Jorge Prado.

All televised rounds of the SMX World Championship Series on NBC will also stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app via authentication, giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

It's All About the Start!

Works Connection knows "holeshots"

Aprilia MXV 450 – The engine that simply refused to be “normal”.

Aprilia MXV 450 engine

There are machines that you see once – and immediately you know: Okay, someone definitely didn't follow the manual here. The Aprilia 450cc V-twin is a perfect example. An engine that, at first glance, looks like it was born out of a pure love of breaking the rules. While the entire off-road world dutifully relied on their single-cylinder engines, Aprilia apparently thought: "No. We're going to do something completely crazy."

Technology as a defiant reaction

The MXV 450's engine seemed like a piece of the future that had accidentally wandered into the present. A compact, dry-lubricated 77-degree V-twin with fuel injection and a power delivery that didn't scream, but roared confidently. For the scene at the time, this was almost heretical. After all, motocross bikes weren't built to write technical novels, but to win races. But Aprilia seemed to relish precisely that: designing things that seemed absurd at first glance – and then suddenly made a surprising amount of sense.

What many often forget: The MXV 450 wasn't simply a one-off project. It was the most radical offspring of an entire model family that, with the RXV (enduro) and SXV (supermoto), had already proven that a lightweight V-twin could be more than just a quirky idea in the off-road sector. The MXV was, so to speak, the "What happens if we go completely overboard?" child in this lineup – an engine that Aprilia deliberately sharpened, slimmed down, and tailored for pure racing. No compromises, no comfort. Simply an attempt to prove that twin-cylinder engines have their place even in the dirt.

Pushing the limits on the racetrack

Of course, Aprilia didn't just tinker with the engine in the lab. The MXV 450 had to go where it really hurts: to the racetrack. And there it proved that courage doesn't just look spectacular, but can also work. It was the last twin-cylinder motocross bike ever used in Grand Prix racing – that fact alone is enough to understand its later cult status.

There were races where the twin revealed its strengths: the controllable traction from low revs, the unusually direct throttle response, the almost outrageous eagerness to rev. Joshua Coppins, a rider not known for sugarcoating things but for clear words and unbridled commitment, immediately sensed that the MXV was something special.

He repeatedly described the riding experience as surprisingly good, as a machine that felt right in many moments – powerful, agile, with a power delivery completely different from what motocross riders were used to. At the same time, he didn't hide the challenges the team faced. He spoke openly about the recurring technical problems: clutch issues, starting problems, small details that can quickly determine victory or defeat in motocross. He made it clear that the potential was there – but that the reliability sometimes simply couldn't keep up.

But as polarizing as the machine was, it was also overshadowed by regulations that didn't exactly welcome its unusual architecture. Especially in the USA, the hurdles for twin-engine bikes were set so high that the MXV had virtually no chance there. In the end, the motorcycle didn't fail due to a lack of talent or potential – but because of rules that simply didn't exist for bikes like this.

Why Aprilia did it anyway

This unspoken question hangs over the entire MXV 450 story: Why all this effort for a concept the industry didn't want? The answer lies in Aprilia's own brand DNA. Aprilia was never a company that followed trends. It was the company that ignited trends – sometimes successfully, sometimes with explosive flops, but always with the same will to push boundaries.

The MXV wasn't developed to dominate sales charts. It was born out of a pure love of technical experimentation. It was meant to prove that motocross didn't have to be stuck in single-cylinder dogma. And incidentally, it demonstrated how far a V-twin could be miniaturized, streamlined, and honed for harsh off-road conditions without losing its distinctive character. In this respect, it's less of a motorcycle and more of a research project on two wheels – one you could simply ride if you were brave enough.

From niche project to legend

Today, years after its disappearance from the market, the MXV 450 seems like an artifact from a time when manufacturers were still willing to take risks. Its sound – raw, unadulterated, different – ​​was often described in test reports as a mixture of "V-twin thunder" and "two-stroke cheekiness." Its power delivery on technically demanding tracks felt like a small miracle, because the twin pulled so cleanly from low revs that one almost forgot how unorthodox this concept actually was.

But part of its mystique is the tragedy inherent in many great motorcycle ideas. The MXV was ahead of its time, while the market was only just beginning to accept fuel injection. It entered a competition that had become entrenched. And it broke rules that no one else wanted to break. All of this makes it no less relevant today – on the contrary: it makes it fascinating.

What remains

Holding the engine of the MXV 450 in your hands today doesn't feel like examining a piece of technical equipment. It's more like glimpsing a moment when Aprilia didn't ask if something made sense – but whether it was possible. This machine is a monument to courage, curiosity, and a certain endearing kind of madness, without which motorsport would have long since become boring.

The MXV 450 was never a bike for the mass market. But it was a bike for history. And that's precisely why it speaks louder today than many motorcycles that were more successful back then. It's the legacy of a time when things were done simply because no one had dared to do them before.

Suzuki and the rumors about an MXGP comeback

In recent months, rumors have been circulating that Suzuki is working on a return to the Motocross World Championship after years of absence. Officially, the Japanese manufacturer remains tight-lipped – but internally, there seems to be much more activity than one would expect after their surprising withdrawal from MotoGP and MXGP. And that's precisely why so many are watching Hamamatsu with bated breath: Will the yellow bikes actually make their comeback in 2027?

Why Suzuki again, of all things?

Since the end of its factory program in 2017, Suzuki's presence in motocross has been a mere shadow of its former self. No model updates, no official teams, no visible plan for the future. Yet, behind the scenes, the brand has never completely ceased to send signals about its motorsport heritage.

The most important clue: Suzuki operates in multi-year development cycles. So, if 2027 emerges as a possible comeback year, that would fit perfectly with the kind of long-term planning for which Japanese manufacturers are known. And that's exactly what several independent insiders are currently saying.

The role of Silvan Geboers – a name that makes you sit up and take notice

When it comes to Suzuki and motocross, one name comes up again and again: Silvan Geboers. The Belgian led the successful Suzuki factory team for decades, produced world champions, and is still considered a key figure for everything concerning Suzuki and off-road racing.

Geboers' recent trip to Japan reignited the rumor mill. A clear denial? Not a chance. Instead, a typically cautious statement that sounded more like "I'm not allowed to talk about it" than a genuine "no." And we know exactly these kinds of nuanced pronouncements all too well from this industry.

2026 is cancelled – and that's precisely what makes 2027 so realistic.

If Suzuki returns, it won't be half-hearted. And that means: a new motorcycle. The RM-Z platform has long since reached its technical limits. Ride-by-wire, modern electronics, a new frame – all of that is on the to-do list if Suzuki wants to make a comeback internationally. No new model is homologated for 2025 and 2026, which makes it clear: a factory entry before 2027 is virtually impossible.

Conversely, this also means that if a factory team is to compete in 2027, Suzuki would have to appear in Europe with test prototypes by 2026 at the latest. And many are talking about exactly that.

The perfect time for a comeback? Actually, yes.

Motocross is currently undergoing a transformation. Triumph and Ducati have entered the field in recent years, and Beta and Fantic are investing. MXGP is regaining manufacturer interest as a platform – and Suzuki could seize this moment to reposition itself without being directly overshadowed by the Japanese manufacturers remaining in MXGP.

Furthermore, HEP Suzuki's US project demonstrates that racing program structures can work when implemented correctly. The success of riders like Ken Roczen has further boosted the brand's profile. This is momentum that shouldn't be allowed to stagnate.

How likely is a comeback really?

It seems like one of those rare projects where many puzzle pieces suddenly fall into place – without anyone saying it out loud. And that's precisely what makes the situation so exciting.

That's for sure:
Nothing will happen in 2026.
Suzuki is reconsidering motocross.
– Several insiders report consistent activity.
Geboers plays a role – at least in an advisory capacity.

It is likely that:
– a new RM-Z model is already in development,
Test drives are scheduled to begin in 2026,
– 2027 would be the most realistic comeback window in years.

The following remains open:
– who would lead the team,
– which drivers are eligible,
– and how deeply Suzuki intends to invest financially.

A comeback with history – and with a future?

Nothing is official yet. But this time the rumors seem different – ​​more substantial, more coordinated, and above all: unchallenged. Suzuki is making progress, albeit slowly, but noticeably. And perhaps in a few years we will indeed see yellow factory bikes back on the MXGP starting grid.

Until then, only one thing remains certain: this issue will be with us for a long time to come. And perhaps that is a good sign.

JS7 Puts His Private Estate Up for Sale – What’s Really Going On!?

By DirtbikeLoverDecember 7, 2025Updated

James Stewart Private Orlando Estate has officially appeared on Zillow — and it’s already marked as “Pending.” At first glance, some fans might think the listing has nothing to do with JS7, but the photos quickly prove otherwise. Inside the home, you can clearly see Stewart-branded logos, personal memorabilia, and even championship trophies — unmistakable signs that this is truly part of the JS7 legacy. Naturally, the listing has set the motocross community buzzing, with fans trying to figure out why such a well-known Stewart property is suddenly up for sale.

 

Because Stewart has always kept his personal life extremely private, the situation has fueled even more online speculation. Fans have floated all kinds of theories, from possible personal changes to behind-the-scenes business issues, but nothing has been confirmed by Stewart or his team. There has also been ongoing chatter about tension within the Bubba’s World media group and Malcolm Stewart’s move from Seven MX to FXR, but again, these are just fan discussions — not verified information.

What is certain is that the sudden appearance of the JS7 estate on Zillow has captured the full attention of the moto world, and many are waiting to see whether Stewart will publicly address the situation.

Coldenhoff...Takes Brazil Offer

Glenn Coldenhoff discusses his bold move to race in Brazil, turning down MXGP/AMA offers and more.

Glenn Coldenhoff has never been afraid of a challenge, but his latest career twist might just be one of his most fascinating yet. After finishing third in the MXGP World Championship last season, the Dutch star has stunned the motocross world by signing to race the 2026 Brazilian Motocross series.

What started as a casual chat with team owner Wellington Valadares at the Motocross of Nations in the USA has turned into a brand-new adventure on the other side of the world. And with Brazilian fans welcoming him with open arms before he’s even set foot in the country, “The Hoff” now finds himself stepping into a series packed with passion, energy, and growing international attention.

In this exclusive interview, Glenn explains how the deal came together, why he turned down MXGP and AMA offers, and what his 2026 program will look like – including pre-season races in Europe, a self-run team, potential Dutch Masters appearances, and even the possibility of lining up at selected MXGP rounds if the stars align.

GateDrop: Glenn, it’s finally official. You will race the Brazilian Motocross series in 2026 – how did this deal all come about
Coldenhoff: Yes, the news is finally out. I actually met the team owner at the MXoN in the USA. We had a short chat, and he (Wellington Valadares) told me about his plans. The people behind the project were clearly motivated and really wanted me to ride for them. It took quite some time to finalize the deal, but we made it happen. I’m very happy with this new challenge, and at the same time very curious to see how everything will be. I’ve already received a lot of messages from Brazilian fans welcoming me with open arms, which is great to see.

GateDrop: Is it a one year deal at the moment or is it longer?

Coldenhoff: It’s a one year deal with an option for an additional year. If I get good opportunities for 2027 in MXGP or the USA, I’m free to go. If I decide to continue in Brazil, it will have to be with the same team I signed with for 2026.

GateDrop: It looks like you’ve already been in Brazil to sign the contract. Did you see the factory etc over there already and what’s it like?

Coldenhoff: No, I haven’t been to Brazil yet. We did the photo and video shoot at Carlos Campano’s place in Sevilla, Spain. He has raced in Brazil for many years and he has been my main contact in making this deal happen.

GateDrop: It’s funny because Brazil is on the other side of the world but you know quite a lot of riders that race there – Jeremy Van Horebeek, Greg Aranda and Stephen Rubini to name a few – did you speak to any of these guys before signing and what did they have to say about Brazil?

Coldenhoff: No, I only spoke with Jeremy after the press release. He told me he was treated like family from the very first day. I feel the same way at this moment, and we were joking that I probably won’t be the last rider to make the move to Brazil.

GateDrop: Did you have any options to race MXGP and/or AMA in 2026? We’ll miss you at the GP’s!

Coldenhoff: Yes, I did have options to race both MXGP and AMA in 2026. In the end, I decided not to move forward with them because the financial terms didn’t reflect the level of commitment and performance that is required at the top of the sport. I finished third in the MXGP World Championship last season, and I believe results like that should be valued accordingly. I always give 110% to compete for the highest goals, but to achieve that, everything needs to be right: fair compensation, a competitive bike, and a strong team around me. That complete package wasn’t there for 2026. I truly appreciate the interest, though, and who knows what the future may bring.

GateDrop: What’s the plan to prepare for the Brazilian season – it sounds like you’ll go over in January – I guess that will be to ride some tracks over there to see what the conditions are like you’ll be racing? Will you spend much time over there in January?

Coldenhoff: Yes, the plan is to fly to Brazil at the beginning of January to meet the team and partners, attend the official team presentation, and ride the bike and tracks. After that, I’ll fly back home and do all the bike training and pre-season races in Europe.

GateDrop: I believe you’ll do some pre season races in Europe and you have plenty of options in France, Italy, Lierop and not forgetting your favourite – Hawkstone! Do you have a plan before the Brazilian season yet – I think there’s a good chance we see you at Hawkstone International?

Coldenhoff: Yes, I will race some pre-season events in Europe. I’ll be running my own team for my European program. I’ve been very busy the past few weeks arranging everything and finding partners to support this project, but we’ve got most of it sorted, so I’m happy to start riding in January. I hope to be at Hawkstone as well. It’s one of my favourite races of the year!

GateDrop: Will you spend much time in Brazil during the season or will you mainly fly there before the event and then fly straight back home?

Coldenhoff: During the season, I’ll mainly fly to the races and return home afterward. If any additional testing is required, I might arrive a bit earlier. This also leaves room for extra races in Europe.

GateDrop: I believe you plan to race some of the Dutch Masters and other events in the Netherlands in 2026 so Dutch fans will still get to see you race regularly

Coldenhoff: In addition to the Brazilian races, I plan to race in the Netherlands and events like the Keiheuvel. I always enjoy these races because I can spend more time with Dutch and Belgian fans, sponsors, and family. The atmosphere is always great, and it’s fun to race in front of the home crowd. My racing schedule in Europe is not yet confirmed, but in a couple of weeks it will be more clear which races I will do.

GateDrop: I also believe you will race some MXGP World Championship rounds too – obviously it’ll depend on date clashes but I’d imagine two rounds you’d love to race are Arnhem and Lommel – do you have an idea of how many rounds you’d like to race?

Coldenhoff: So far, I haven’t planned to race MXGP, but I wouldn’t rule it out. If things go well and I have a good bike to compete at the highest level there might be possibilities. Of course, Arnhem is always special, so we’ll see.

GateDrop: Injuries exist in this sport – would you be open to a fill in MXGP ride if the opportunity presents itself throughout the season – there aren’t too many races in Brazil so in theory you could race lots of GP rounds as well as Brazil?

Coldenhoff: As for filling in somewhere, I don’t know yet. I’ve made many commitments with different brands to support my European program, and I really appreciate their help. I think there could be a possibility, but all my partners would need to agree on it first.

GateDrop: After everything you’ve done at the MXoN for the Netherlands over the years, Ironman didn’t go to plan – how motivated would you be to race the MXoN again? That’s why it would make sense to do some GP’s, right?

Coldenhoff: The MXoN is always special. This year was very unlucky and disappointing. I will always make sure to be fit and ready to represent my country at the MXoN

101 CARDIFF E-BIKES // CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED

Legendary riders Bob Haro and Jeremy McGrath join forces to design and develop 101 Bikes. Where passion meets performance.

The Certified Pre-Owned 101 Cardiff E-Bike program gives riders premium performance and real value, with every bike factory inspected, tested, and certified before it reaches the road or trail. If you’re looking for a high-quality used e-bike with the confidence of a new-bike experience, our CPO Cardiff lineup is built for you.

MXA gives you complete info at   www.motocrossactionmag.com 

WSX Round 4 Swedish GP

A Look Back...2010 Unadilla Motocross 450 Moto 2

Desalle Versus Dungey

The 2010 Unadilla National was supposed to pit Ryan Dungey--the upstart rookie points leader in 450 Pro Motocross--against James Stewart, who was returning to the series for the first time since his 2008 perfect season. Stewart's return didn't pan out, but a different new challenger to Dungey gave him all he could handle. MXGP star Clement Desalle! Check out a fantastic battle right here

Anderson Wins and Leads

The World Supercross Championship for SX1 is going right down to the wire, with Jason Anderson leading heading into South Africa next week. With Anderson going 2-1-1 in Sweden tonight, he took the overall, with Joey Savatgy getting 1-2-2 for second and Christian Craig 3-4-3 for third overall. Championship points are now 126 points Anderson, 126 points Savatgy and 125 points for Craig.

Jason Anderson: You know, I think Joey kept me on my toes and I had to be perfect. To race myself into a position to win, I am just stoked and happy to be on this Suzuki.

Anderson took the lead in the final SX1 race, with Savatgy second and Craig third. Anderson continued to lead as he made a nice gap between himself and Savatgy, with Craig losing ground on second place. Anderson wins it from Savatgy and Craig.