Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California provided ideal weather and track conditions for Round 2 of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. The 17-round Supercross series also pays points toward the 31-round SMX World Championship. The San Diego track crew overcame some early timing equipment challenges with an extended second qualifying session for the top 450SMX Class racers.
Ken Roczen (94) maintained the momentum of an opening round podium at Anaheim 1 with fast qualifying times in San Diego. After a timing & scoring session-length adjustment, Roczen powered to a top-three spot in the second session and overall qualifying times. Ken Roczen was brilliant in his heat race, nabbing the holeshot and leading every lap. As he stretched out a five second lead, Roczen used his RM-Z450’s precise throttle response to adjust to the changing traction conditions of the California soil. When the gate dropped for the main, Roczen emerged from the first corner in second place. Roczen applied heavy pressure and took over the lead six minutes into the race. He defended a challenge with an inspiring blitz through the whoops on lap 10, then Roczen led the three-rider break-away pack for six laps. At the checkered flag, Roczen earned his second podium in the first two rounds of 2026 and crossed the finish line within three seconds of the lead. The San Diego points keep Rozcen in sole possession of second place in the championship standings with 15 rounds remaining on the Supercross season.
“We had a really good day overall,” said Roczen. “We were third in qualifying, we won our heat race, and we had an insane battle throughout the main event. The race leader and I went back and forth a couple of times. I led a bunch of laps in the beginning, and I ended up third, but not far off the leaders. I lacked just 3 to 5 percent, you know? It’s very minimal, but I definitely wasn’t the best guy tonight. Overall, we had a really good night. I’m not going to complain about a podium by any means. So, the second round is done and dusted and we’re looking forward to Anaheim 2.”
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