San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium roared to life while hosting Round 2 of the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross World Championship Saturday, Jan. 18. Fans filled the stands to witness the thrilling 450cc and 250cc races as the best in the sport battled for podium finishes.
Two-time series champion Eli Tomac added another remarkable victory to his Supercross career, securing his 53rd win. The 32-year-old rider from Cortez, Colorado, guided his Yamaha through 24 tense laps to a 1.52-second win over defending champion Jett Lawrence of Australia. Cooper Webb claimed third after an impressive start, leading the race early on before Tomac and Lawrence overtook him mid-race.
The 450cc Main Event was a fast-paced showdown from the very first lap. Vince Friese snagged the holeshot, but Webb quickly surged forward, taking command of the race. After notable performances by former champions, including Ken Roczen and Chase Sexton, Tomac emerged as the frontrunner. On lap 13, Tomac overtook Webb, with Lawrence following closely behind him to secure second place.
The standing-room-only crowd witnessed another epic battle in the 250cc Main Event, where Lake Havasu City’s Julien Beaumer charged to victory. Beaumer’s KTM sliced through the pack after starting sixth off the gate. He gained ground steadily, taking the lead on lap nine and holding off North Carolina’s Jordan Smith to claim a 3.1-second win. Temecula’s Haiden Deegan thrilled local fans with his third-place finish.
Deegan, despite an early race mishap, showcased his grit while climbing back into podium contention. His effort was mirrored by fellow local rider Hunter Yoder from Menifee, who finished in the top 10 in the 250cc division. The 450cc division also celebrated local talent, with Murrieta’s Austin Politelli qualifying in Heat 2, and Temecula’s Talon Hawkins flying past Snapdragon’s iconic palm trees while representing the Southwest Riverside County community.
The day wasn’t without challenges for some notable names. Defending champion Aron Plessinger was forced to retire after failing to finish, underscoring the tough competition and unpredictable conditions of every Supercross race.
Mozambique-like acceleration kept the crowd on its toes throughout each heat and main event. Qualifying rounds saw Chase Sexton setting the fastest lap at 51.566 seconds, but it was Tomac’s precision and experience that secured the win in the second heat and later carried him to his Main Event triumph. Meanwhile, the Lawrence brothers, Jett and Hunter, delivered strong performances, with Jett continuing to prove why he remains one of the sport’s brightest stars.
The event solidified Snapdragon Stadium’s reputation as a highlight of the Indoor Stadium Season. Enthusiastic fans, sweeping track bends, and sky-piercing jumps added to the high-octane experience that defines the AMA Monster Energy Supercross championship.
Next, the series heads back to Anaheim for Round 3 at Angel Stadium, a longstanding favorite in the Supercross circuit. Scheduled for Saturday, January 25, the race promises another weekend of bar-to-bar battles between the sport’s finest.
For ticketing details and schedule updates, visit the official Monster Energy AMA Supercross website at SupercrossLIVE.com. Fans can also follow insights and reactions from Round 3 on their official social media platforms.
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