Unlike the West Coast series which had a clear favourite in Haiden Deegan, the East Coast division seems wide open, with a plethora or riders thinking they can be the guy to deliver a title!
Jo Shimoda is an unexpected but welcome last minute addition to round one after an earlier than expected return to action following his broken neck. Normally, and especially based on last year, Shimoda would be a big favourite but with his limited prep time after a big injury he may just be looking to gather some points early in the championship and look at winning later. Either way the goal will be the title but winning Arlington will not be the expectation after such a traumatic injury.
Cole Davies was the revelation of 2025, picture perfect technique and instant race-winning speed, even against Deegan, Davies will certainly be expected to challenge for if not win the 26 East coast title. He has all the tools to do it and, technically, is the best rider in the class but has had a lot of injury ever since that horrific crash at the end of the Supercrosss series, will his confidence and form be back to his very best at round one? Let’s see. Both he and Shimoda are in somewhat similar situation – get through round one healthy!
The third big favourite is Seth Hammaker. Since going to the Lawrence compound the almost too nice Seth Hammaker has made notable improvements both indoors and out in terms of consistency – he has always been fast! He was somewhat robbed of the title last year with RJ Hampshire’s move and he will certainly have revenge on his mind. It might just be his time to win but the class is very deep in 2026, starts and execution will be key.
Nate Thrasher is a multiple race winner but his wins are sporadic historically so can he put the rest of the pieces of the puzzle together in 2026 like Hammaker did last year? That will be his biggest challenge, limit the bad races and execute consistently on the undoubted speed.
Pierce Brown looked rapid until his scary crash last year but now he is fully recovered and ready to show what he can really do on the Star Yamaha. Caden Dudney, the highly touted 16 year old rookie, has been added to the 250 East roster at the last minute but he could be next American superstar. This kid is FAST and he showed it in SMX Next earlier this year. Don’t be surprised if he starts to make a name for himself globally in his rookie season – a bit like Davies did last year.
Despite racing three races before injuries last season, another very talented rider, Drew Adams, is a year behind schedule indoors but don’t sleep on his ability to ride his Pro Circuit Kawasaki very fast. If he can get the starts, Adams should be able to show his real potential at times during the season.
Add in Coty Schock, Daxton Bennick and Jalek Swoll and even getting a top five will not be easy such is the depth of the field and the strength of ambition with so many young, talented riders all desperate to prove themselves and put their career onto the next level.
