Round 01
/
08 Aug
Calgary, Canada
McMahon Stadium
McMahon Stadium
From riders chasing their first world title to proven winners looking to add another trophy to the cabinet, here are five riders who could define the 2026 season, with more riders set to be announced soon.
Cooper Webb: High Expectations
The American superstar made an immediate impact during his World Supercross appearance at the 2025 Australian GP, taking victory and showing exactly why he remains one of the most respected riders in the sport. While many competitors have spent years building experience in the championship, Webb arrives with something equally valuable: a proven ability to win at the highest level.
The biggest question isn’t whether Webb has the speed. It’s whether anyone can stop him if he finds his rhythm across a full World Supercross campaign. If his Australian performance was any indication, the answer could be no.
Shane McElrath: Chasing Unfinished Business
Few riders enter 2026 with more motivation than Shane McElrath. After finishing runner-up in the 2025 SX2 class, McElrath is determined to regain his world crown.
Having come so close to championship glory, McElrath enters the new season with a clear target: turning second place into first. Expect him to be a fixture at the front of the field from Calgary onwards.
Joey Savatgy: The Consistency King
Championships are rarely won with spectacular performances alone. Consistency is key and few riders demonstrated that better than Joey Savatgy in 2025.
The Quad Lock Honda rider finished second in the SX1 standings with 166 points and regularly found himself battling at the front of the pack. Week after week, Savatgy delivered results that kept him firmly in championship contention.
In a rapid championship where every point counts, that reliability could once again become one of the most powerful weapons on the gate. If others make mistakes, Savatgy is usually there to capitalise.
Christian Craig: Ready to Take the Next Step
Christian Craig quietly put together one of the strongest campaigns of 2025. Finishing third in the championship standings with 154 points, Craig showed flashes of the form that has made him a fan favourite throughout his career.
He combined race-winning pace with valuable experience, consistently putting himself in positions to challenge the leaders. Heading into 2026, Craig appears perfectly positioned to take another step to getting back to his best.
Coty Schock: The Breakthrough Contender
Every season produces a rider capable of exceeding expectations, and Coty Schock could be that rider in 2026. The Rick Ware Racing rider enjoyed a breakout World Supercross campaign in 2025, finishing third in the championship with 167 points.
While he didn’t record a race win, his consistency throughout the season made him one of the most impressive performers on the grid. Now armed with experience and confidence, Schock enters 2026 knowing he can compete with the championship’s biggest names. The next step is proving he can beat them.
A Season Full of Storylines
Of course, these five riders are only part of the picture, there are more yet to be announced, so sign up here to stay ahead of the news.
The 2026 field also includes proven veterans, international challengers and emerging talents looking to make their mark on the championship. Riders such as Justin Hill, Vince Friese, Jordi Tixier, Luke Clout, Jorge Zaragoza and Mitchell Harrison all have the potential to influence the title race throughout the season.
That depth is what makes the upcoming campaign so intriguing. Will Webb’s experience prove decisive? Can McElrath complete the job? Will Savatgy or Craig take the next step? Or could Schock continue his rise and deliver the biggest surprise of the year?
The answers begin in Calgary when the season kicks off on 8th August. If the 2025 season taught fans anything, it’s that in World Supercross, nothing is decided until the final gate drops.