Jorge Prado is the 2026 450SMX World Champion, completing a remarkable turnaround in his second season in America with the title at the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri.
Images courtesy of KTM – Align Media
The Spaniard arrived at the finale carrying the championship leader’s red plate, but his advantage came under serious pressure after the opening moto.
Haiden Deegan grabbed the start and went on to take the victory ahead of Ken Roczen and Hunter Lawrence, while Prado recovered to fifth after finding himself further down the order early on.
That left everything resting on the final moto of the season – and under huge pressure, Prado delivered.
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider nailed the holeshot and led with Deegan applying relentless pressure behind him. Deegan briefly made his move late in the race, only for Prado to respond immediately and reclaim the position.
Prado held on for the moto victory and, more importantly, the 2026 450SMX World Championship.
Deegan’s 1-2 finishes gave him the overall victory on the night, while Prado’s 5-1 was enough for second overall and the championship.
Jorge Prado: “One year ago I wasn’t even racing here at the SMX series and I actually didn’t have a ride! Red Bull KTM did an excellent job prepping with myself all winter long, four days a week on the bike every single week. I bounced back, that’s what I think champions do, they bounce back.
“Super happy with this title, my first title in the States. I’m a four-time world champion for a reason and I think I showed this in the last moto when it mattered. It’s not over till it’s over and I showed you guys everything is possible and I am another time world champion!
“Leaving everything behind, I was already settled in Europe, it’s just changing my whole life and after a year like last year where nothing was clicking, it was probably the worst time of my life. Mentally, I was deeply down. I just got back by working hard.
“I think that’s what describes me, I am a super hard worker. Together with the team you can achieve awesome things if both parties agree. This is hard work from both parties and we got a title in the very, very last moto.
“I thought it was almost over after Moto One, then I saw the rain coming, but I got a start and did everything perfectly.
“Haiden, I need to say, is riding unbelievable in this last moto. We were… I don’t remember many times going that much on the limit to get a race win. I proved myself that I can push through everything and I showed you guys I’m again a World Champion.”
The title is Prado’s first since making the move to race full-time in the United States and adds to the four FIM Motocross World Championships he had already won in MX2 and MXGP.
Kitchen takes 250SMX crown as Davies dominates finale
There was also championship glory for Levi Kitchen in the 250SMX class, although Cole Davies was the rider to beat on the night.
Davies worked his way forward from fifth in the opening moto before closing down Kitchen late in the race and making the pass for victory. Kitchen’s second place was nevertheless important for his championship hopes, with Ryder DiFrancesco third and title rival Julien Beaumer fourth.
Heavy rain added another dimension to the second moto, but Kitchen once again produced the start he needed. With Beaumer and DiFrancesco having to fight their way forward from deep in the field, Kitchen was able to put himself in a strong championship position.
Davies eventually moved into the lead and disappeared out front to complete a superb 1-1 performance and take the overall victory.
Behind him, second was enough for Kitchen to finally secure the 2026 250SMX World Championship, bringing an end to Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s long wait for another championship title.
Results
Playoff 3 – 450 overall
Playoff 3 – 250 overall
450 SMX Overall
250 SMX Overall
