Max Anstie Scores Commanding Anaheim 1 Supercross Victory
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie wins 250SX West season opener at Angel Stadium, with Haiden Deegan and Michael Mosiman joining him inside the top-five. / Jan 12, 2026 /
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie launched his 2026 250SX West title campaign in style, scoring a dominant victory at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season opener at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Reigning champion Haiden Deegan and teammate Michael Mosiman overcame adversity to break the top five, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
After a dominant Heat Race victory, Anstie got a strong start to the Main Event around fourth and claimed the lead prior to the halfway mark. From there, he put in consistently fast laps to build a comfortable gap up front and earn a decisive victory. In addition to marking his second consecutive 250 regional class opening-round victory, it was the British rider’s fourth career Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250 win, and his first at Anaheim 1.
Deegan hit the ground running in his home state, grabbing the holeshot and riding on to score the first Heat Race win of the season. In the main event, he did not get the start he was hoping for and found himself back in 14th. Undeterred, the five-time 250 class champion put his head down and charged through the field to finish fourth, earning valuable points in his title defense.
Mosiman also had a good start to his heat race, but unfortunately crashed around the midway point and finished 11th. He rebounded to win the LCQ and transfer to the Main Event, and got a great start inside the top 10 despite the less-than-ideal gate pick. Five laps in, the Californian made his way through to fourth before being passed by Deegan in the closing laps and rode on to secure fifth.
Next up, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing heads to Round 2 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the SuperMotocross World Championship at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, on January 17.
Wil Hahn – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team General Manager
“It's always nice to leave here with a win. Max was solid all night. Haiden also started out really well, and we won both heat races. He just had a poor start in the Main Event and had to come through the pack to fourth. After Mosi’s (Michael Mosiman) Heat Race and having to go to the LCQ, getting the win and all of our bikes in the top five – we’ve got to be really happy leaving Anaheim.”
Max Anstie – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team #61
“Anaheim – it’s got a place in my heart. I remember coming here as a kid and dreaming of being here, so to actually win tonight at A1, that’s something special. The whole Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing crew has done a great job, and the bike was working awesome. It’s been a fantastic night and a fantastic run into this championship. Of course, it’s only Round 1. I know I’ve got another nine more to go, so we’ll refocus again tomorrow and get back to work.”
Haiden Deegan – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team #1W
“Today was a little unfortunate because I've worked my butt off to try and win this first round, but we've got a long season ahead. So you can't really care about that too much and just take it as it comes. We're healthy, so that's the main part, and we got the heat race win, which was cool. Our speed and fitness are there. We’ve just got to come out swinging next week.”
Michael Mosiman – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team #23
“Man, I’m stoked to get the year started, and happy to leave here healthy and with a fifth. I also think getting all the Star Yamaha boys in the top five was really good. It was a wild day, and I had to be resilient and build back from some chaos in the heat race, but I’m stoked on my performance, my fitness, and my bike. There are a lot of positives to take into the season, and starting the year with some good points is going to be huge.”