Prado and Kitchen Capture First SMX World Titles at Ridgedale Final
The 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship ended at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri, with both classes decided at the final race. Jorge Prado became the first Spanish-born SMX champion in the 450SMX class, while Levi Kitchen secured his first professional title in the 250SMX class. Triple points were available in the final, keeping both championships undecided until the last checkered flag.
The finale unfolded at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri, with a capacity crowd on hand. Because triple points were offered, neither the 450SMX nor 250SMX crown was settled before the last race. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado became the first SMX titleholder born in Spain. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen claimed his first professional championship.
In 450SMX, Haiden Deegan took the opening moto, while Prado climbed from 10th to fifth. Prado then grabbed the second moto’s holeshot and beat Deegan by 1.7 seconds. Deegan’s 1-2 finish made him championship runner-up; Hunter Lawrence was consistent at 3-3. Prado’s 5-1 score earned the title in his second American season.
The outcome may broaden interest in U.S. off-road motorcycle racing, especially among Spanish fans following Prado and supporters of Kitchen’s long-awaited breakthrough. First-time champions in both classes could give sponsors, teams, and broadcasters fresh storylines, potentially drawing new viewers to future SMX events. For riders and grassroots participants, the final-race title decisions may reinforce how postseason formats and triple points can keep championships unpredictable, though the actual social effect will depend on media coverage and audience reach.