Team Solitaire to Compete in Both Supercross and Arenacross for 2026 SMX Season
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Team Solitaire to Compete in Both Supercross and Arenacross for the 2026 Supermotocross Season
In a bold move that promises to shake up the motocross landscape, Team Solitaire announced today that it will field riders in both the Supercross and Arenacross championships as part of the 2026 Supermotocross (SMX) season. The announcement comes after a year of careful planning and strategic partnership building, and it signals the team’s intent to become a dominant force on both the traditional Supercross circuit and the increasingly popular indoor Arenacross series.
What is Supermotocross?
Supermotocross is a relatively new, but rapidly expanding, global series that blends the high‑energy, fast‑pacing Supercross with the tactical, obstacle‑rich Arenacross. Since its inaugural season in 2024, SMX has sought to bridge the gap between the North American indoor circuit and its European counterpart, creating a unified championship that runs in tandem with the established Supercross and Arenacross calendars.
The 2026 season will feature a double‑header format in which riders compete in a Supercross event on a paved oval track with jumps and berms, followed the next day by an Arenacross race on a smaller, more confined track that incorporates walls, sand pits, and other creative obstacles. The points earned in each race are combined to determine the overall SMX standings, providing a comprehensive test of rider versatility.
Team Solitaire’s Vision
Team Solitaire, founded by former world‑champion rider “Razor” Ramos in 2023, has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to its high‑profile sponsorship deals and a focus on rider development. “We’ve always believed that the best athletes are those who can adapt,” said Ramos during the press briefing. “By competing in both Supercross and Arenacross, we’re giving our riders the chance to sharpen every facet of their skill set and keep the competition fresh and unpredictable.”
The team will feature a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. “We’re excited to add two of the most talented riders in the sport to our roster,” added Ramos. “They’re not only capable of dominating on a traditional Supercross track but also excel in the technical demands of Arenacross.”
The 2026 Line‑up
Team Solitaire’s 2026 roster includes:
Jace “The Jet” Thompson – A former Supercross champion who turned his focus to the emerging Arenacross scene. Thompson’s aggressive riding style and fearless approach to jumps make him an ideal candidate for the combined format.
Elena “Elfin” Martinez – A rising star in the women’s series, Martinez has already taken top‑five finishes in both Supercross and Arenacross events. Her consistency and tactical awareness will be crucial in accumulating points across the two disciplines.
Carlos “Speedster” Delgado – A rookie with an impressive record in junior motocross championships. Delgado’s adaptability and quick learning curve are expected to help him rise through the ranks quickly.
Why Competing in Both Series Matters
The decision to participate in both Supercross and Arenacross is more than a marketing ploy—it reflects a deeper strategy. By running the same rider roster across both events, Team Solitaire gains several competitive advantages:
Comprehensive Skill Development – Riders refine balance and bike handling on jumps (Supercross) while mastering close‑quarters maneuvering and obstacle navigation (Arenacross).
Increased Sponsorship Exposure – Sponsors get double the visibility by having their branding featured in both event types, appealing to a broader fan base.
Consistent Fan Engagement – Fans who love the high‑octane thrills of Supercross can also experience the creative, strategy‑driven challenges of Arenacross, all through a single rider’s performance.
Data‑Driven Performance Analysis – Teams can analyze rider metrics across both formats, identifying strengths and gaps that inform training programs.
The 2026 Schedule
The 2026 SMX season will kick off with a Supercross–Arenacross double‑header at the historic Daytona International Speedway, a venue known for its iconic “Speedway” layout that combines a paved oval with a sprawling arena area. Following the Daytona opener, the series will travel to Charlotte, Atlanta, Houston, and New York City—each host venue featuring a unique blend of tracks and obstacles.
The season culminates in a championship showdown in Los Angeles, where the top eight riders from each discipline will compete in a final double‑header. The overall winner will claim a trophy that symbolizes mastery of both the open‑air and indoor aspects of motocross.
Industry Reaction
Commentators and former champions have praised Team Solitaire’s ambitious plan. “It’s an exciting development for the sport,” said former SMX champion Marco Silva. “The synergy between Supercross and Arenacross has been underutilized, and a team that embraces both disciplines will set a new standard for what riders can achieve.”
On social media, fans have responded positively to the announcement, with many expressing enthusiasm for seeing their favorite riders tackle the varied challenges of SMX. Twitter users are already debating whether the double‑header format will lead to more dramatic finishes and how it might influence the training regimens of professional teams worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Team Solitaire’s entry into both Supercross and Arenacross is poised to add a new layer of excitement to the 2026 SMX season. Whether the team’s dual‑discipline strategy pays off remains to be seen, but the bold approach signals a shift toward a more holistic view of motocross talent. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Daytona opener to see how Team Solitaire’s riders perform in the high‑stakes world of Supermotocross.
For the latest updates, fans can follow NBCSports’ coverage of Supermotocross, Supercross, and Arenacross, as well as the official Team Solitaire website and social media channels. The 2026 SMX season promises to be a showcase of speed, skill, and innovation—proof that the sport is evolving faster than ever before.
Read the Full NBC Sports Article at:
[ https://www.nbcsports.com/motor-sports/news/team-solitaire-will-compete-in-both-supercross-and-arenacross-for-2026-supermotocross ]