Dunlop Riders Sweep 2026 SuperMotocross World Championships

Jorge Prado claims the 450SMX crown, Levi Kitchen wins the 250SMX title, and Dunlop riders deliver across all three postseason rounds

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA – September 30, 2026 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Dunlop riders closed the 2026 Monster Energy SuperMotocross World Championship with titles in both professional classes following three postseason rounds in Columbus, Ohio; Los Angeles, California; and Ridgedale, Missouri.

Jorge Prado earned his first 450SMX World Championship, while Levi Kitchen claimed his first professional title in 250SMX. Dunlop riders filled the top 13 positions in the final 450SMX standings, and every 250SMX rider competed on Dunlop tires.

“The conditions changed dramatically from round to round, and our riders had the tire options to respond,” said Broc Glover, Senior Manager, Off-Road Racing at Dunlop. “We saw everything from the MX14 to the MX54 in use during the playoffs, along with developmental tires that reflect the ongoing work between Dunlop and the race teams. Jorge and Levi earned their championships against outstanding competition. Congratulations to them and to every Dunlop rider who contributed to a remarkable postseason.”

The playoffs opened September 12 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, where rain and mud shaped the racing. Team Dunlop Elite alumnus Haiden Deegan swept the 450SMX motos for his first premier-class overall victory, while Kitchen won the 250SMX overall. Team Dunlop Elite alumnus Kade Johnson also won the SMX Next World All-Stars race.

At Playoff 2 in Los Angeles, Prado won the 450SMX overall and extended his points lead. Julien Beaumer earned the 250SMX overall victory. Johnson finished second in the SMX Next finale, securing the series championship.

Both professional titles remained in contention heading into the September 26 SMX World Championship Final at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena. Deegan won the 450SMX overall, but Prado’s victory in the final moto secured the World Championship. In 250SMX, Cole Davies took the event overall, while Kitchen’s runner-up finish delivered the title.

The Final also featured the WMX Invitational, won by Team Dunlop Elite alumna Lachlan Turner. Turner entered the event as the 2026 Pro Motocross WMX champion.

“This postseason reflects the strength of our entire motocross program, from the work we do with young riders to the tire development and trackside support behind the world’s best,” said Chad Geer, Director, Motorcycle Marketing and Motorsports at Dunlop. “It’s especially rewarding to see Team Dunlop Elite alumni competing and winning at the top level while Dunlop products perform across such a wide range of conditions. Congratulations to Jorge, Levi and all of the riders and teams who made this season possible.”

From the mud of Columbus to the championship-deciding motos at Thunder Ridge, the playoffs demonstrated the range of Dunlop’s racing tire lineup and the value of continued development alongside the sport’s leading teams and riders.

About Dunlop Tires:

Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in North America. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @RideDunlop on Instagram, Facebook, and X for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.

Source: Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

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