Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing Sweeps the SMX Next Podium at Anaheim 2 Supercross
Kayden Minear scores a commanding victory with teammates Caden Dudney and Landen Gordon joining him on the podium at Angel Stadium / Jan 26, 2026 /
If you’re Bobby Regan, you’re smiling right now. Not just because your team is leading the way in the 250SX West Championship, but because the future is bright at Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing. It was a stellar showcase of the team’s amateur program, as they swept the podium at the opening round of SMX Next at Angel Stadium, which was held in conjunction with Round 3 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the Monster Energy SMX World Championship series.
Leading the way was Kayden Minear, who delivered a masterclass performance from start to finish. Caden Dudney kept his teammate honest with a strong ride to second, while Landen Gordon charged through the field to complete the 1-2-3 podium sweep in Anaheim, California.
“It was a really good night showing the development of our future,” said Wil Hahn, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 250 Team General Manager. “Big shout-out to everyone on the race team and the riders — what a great feeling to sweep the podium.”
Minear has already enjoyed success in SMX Next, both outdoors and in the post-season, earning Scouting Moto Combine victories and the 2025 SMX Next World All Stars crown. Fast forward to Saturday night under the lights in front of a packed house at Angel Stadium, and the 18-year-old from Perth, Australia, delivered a decisive victory in his U.S. Supercross debut. After the restart, he grabbed the holeshot and set a strong pace up front, then kept cool under pressure as his teammate closed in in the final laps to secure the win.
“It was an unreal night,” said Minear. “I got a really good start and just really enjoyed myself out there. This is a special one. My grandparents are over here from Australia, and it’s their first time in the States watching me race, and I put on a show. I can’t thank the whole team enough. It was a podium sweep, and that shows the level of our team.”
SMX Next action continues next weekend in Houston, with the 250SX East season opener following a few weekends later in Arlington, Texas. Which begs the question – will we see Minear make his pro debut on February 21?
“That’s the plan,” Minear said in his TV interview. “So Bobby, if you’re watching this, that’s where I want to be, alright.”
Dudney also had a great ride in Anaheim, grabbing the holeshot and leading the opening lap before the race was red-flagged. Although he didn’t repeat the start after the restart, Dudney charged from sixth to third by Lap 3, setting the fastest lap of the race in the process. The young rider from Iowa continued to push, making the pass for second after the halfway mark and closing in on his teammate, ultimately crossing the line with a runner-up finish.
“It felt good to be back at the races again,” Dudney said. I felt good all day, and it was cool to be under the lights in front of all of the fans. I did the best I could with the start I had and just tried to make it fun!”
Their newest teammate, Landen Gordon, also turned in an impressive ride. Back in 14th after the start, the young Californian put his head down and steadily made his way forward. By halfway, Gordon was up to fourth, and on the final lap, he made the pass for third, completing the podium sweep for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing.
“I had a great time being back at the races,” said Gordon. “The day didn’t start out very well with a few dirt samples, and I had a bad start in the main, but I ended up riding really well and got back up to third. I can’t wait for Houston!”