Industry Seating Ep 222: Anaheim 1 SX – Summary
Host: Jason Thomas
Podcast Date: January 12, 2026
Episode Theme:
A deep-dive analysis and recap of the 2026 Anaheim 1 Supercross (A1) event, with Jason Thomas sharing his detailed impressions of the race, rider performances, and the unique atmosphere of A1. Jason also delivers his first power rankings of the new year, reflecting on the difficulties of assessing riders so early in the season.
Overview & Main Theme
Jason Thomas kicks off his first 2026 episode by embracing the challenge of early-season analysis—especially his highly-anticipated power rankings. He highlights the unique energy and pressure of Anaheim 1 for both fans and riders, discussing how equipment changes, team adjustments, and sheer “A1 mystique” contribute to unpredictable results. The episode is a mix of in-depth race breakdown, rider-by-rider insights for both 250 and 450 classes, and honest reflection on expectations versus reality at season-opener events.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Anaheim 1 Atmosphere (00:01–10:30)
- Jason reflects on A1’s "electric" atmosphere, emphasizing that even with some changes (like earlier start times), the event remains unmatched in energy and anticipation.
- Quote:
"If you ever get the chance [to attend A1], you absolutely should take advantage of it because there's simply something different about this race." (03:05) - He discusses how off-season changes, bike tweaks, and team switches often produce surprising results at A1.
2. 250 Class Breakdown (10:31–38:07)
Hayden Deegan
- The biggest media and fan story; under scrutiny for his Supercross progression.
- Jason’s Expectation: Wanted Deegan to show 450-level dominance but flags his “inconsistent starts” and “not world-class in the whoops” as ongoing issues.
- Quote:
"What I really wanted from Hayden this year was for him to take the next step. I wanted him to be dominant..." (13:52) - Critical Moment: Deegan finished fifth, skipped the post-race interview, and was later fined—a sign of frustration.
- Quote:
“Clearly he wasn’t thrilled with a fifth place or he didn’t even stick around to do the interview. And I wouldn’t either.” (22:38)
Max Anstey
- Solid, under-the-radar preparation and execution. Jason credits Anstey’s “speed, experience, whoop skills, [and] starts.”
- Quote:
"He did all the things that he's supposed to do... the rest of the pieces...it's all there." (25:06) - Ongoing question is whether he can put a full season together, overcoming past mechanicals/injuries.
Levi Kitchen
- Showed speed but plagued by minor mistakes; Jason contrasts “2024 Seattle dominance” with current inconsistency.
- Quote:
“I haven't seen the Levi Kitchen from 2024 West Coast...that’s been missing for a bit now.” (28:25)
Chance Hymas & Ryder DiFrancesco (Ryder D)
- Both “contract year” riders exceeded expectations. Jason highlights Hymas’ aggressiveness and urgency and Ryder D’s resilience against Deegan’s late charge.
- Quote (On Ryder D):
“Ryder D pushed back. He did not cave. He did not give an inch. And yeah, that was impressive to see.” (34:35)
Cameron McAdoo
- Looked a “step off” all weekend. Jason notes McAdoo lacks his signature sprint speed; collision with Deegan ends with poor result but no injury.
- Quote:
“He just looked like he was just honestly a touch, a touch off the pace.” (36:43)
3. 450 Class Power Rankings (from 45:00)
Jason’s unique approach:
- Rankings are a blend of A1 results, big-picture perspective (motocross, playoffs), and the rider’s historical body of work—not just a snapshot from a single race.
- Quote:
“It’s about their placing in the sport. Overall Supercross, Motocross, playoffs… over the course of 31 rounds.” (1:12:24)
Top 10 (with insights):
-
Eli Tomac (46:04)
- Surprise A1 win on a new bike/team, despite previous doubts over age/equipment changes.
- Quote:
“I didn’t think he was going to win this race… and he proved me wrong. He went out and dominated…” (46:08)
-
Chase Sexton (48:45)
- Despite disastrous A1, Jason sees raw speed, qualifying times, and overall ability as top-tier.
- Quote:
“I’m going to look through it and look to the other side of this race, because I watched him in qualifying practice… he was the fastest qualifier.” (49:23)
-
Cooper Webb (51:26)
- Defending champ. A1 was “rough and tumble,” but a red-flagged start saw Webb immediately leading—could have been a different result.
- Quote:
“He’s on the podium. Without question, he’s on the podium with the first start…” (52:02)
-
Hunter Lawrence (53:34)
- Major progress at A1 compared to prior years; overall upward Motocross/playoff trajectory.
- Quote:
“He was fourth in the first race, which is miles better than he has been at A1 in the past.” (54:01)
-
Ken Roczen (55:08)
- Nearly won A1, but ranked lower factoring in past inconsistencies in spring and outdoors.
- Quote:
“History has shown us that he struggles in April and May and then motocross. He struggles winning the championship…” (56:05)
-
Justin Cooper (57:00)
- Mature recovery from rough heats for a solid result; praised for keeping calm amidst chaos.
-
Aaron Plessinger (58:04)
- Recognized for consistent top-tier performance potential, despite a tough late-2025 season close.
-
Malcolm Stewart (59:15)
- Impressive pace cut short by a violent crash. Fortunate to emerge relatively unscathed.
- Quote:
“We all can visualize what could have happened there had things gone a little bit worse. So I’m very, very thankful…” (1:00:29)
-
Jason Anderson (1:01:19)
- Strong A1, but Jason expresses doubts about seeing this version of Anderson weekly.
- Quote:
“I question sometimes how much Anderson’s heart is in it. Maybe that’s unfair… but I do question it sometimes.” (1:03:28)
-
RJ Hampshire (1:04:24)
- “Needs to calm it down.” A1 was wild and error-prone; Jason urges stability for longevity.
- Quote:
“There’s an expiration date on taking that many chances…” (1:05:54)
Honorable Mentions (1:06:05):
-
Jorge Prado:
“Anaheim Jorge Prado … that was a different guy. And he deserves a lot of credit for the things that he did on that racetrack that night…” (1:07:10)- Praised for proving doubters wrong, delivering heat win + main podium after a criticized 2025.
-
Dylan Ferrandis & Ducati:
“I thought Ferrandis did a great job of representing Troy Designs Ducati, so great job to all those guys.” (1:09:45)- Overcame unknowns with strong debuts for both team and rider.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the uniqueness of A1:
“There is still a very specific feel with this race, and I think that shows up in the results.” (07:18) -
On Deegan’s Supercross performance:
“So me saying that the whoops still are a thing where he’s not like world class, especially comparing to the 450s yet I think is valid. And I…It’s not an insult…It’s just analysis.” (17:33) -
On rider mentalities:
“Most people can’t withstand Hayden…when Hayden gets going, it’s almost like an inevitability type thing. And yeah, [Ryder D] was able to do it.” (34:50) -
On RJ Hampshire:
"Even if you have to slow down, you need to slow down to find longevity and consistency here, because going about it that way is not going ... you're not going to make it very long.” (1:05:50)
Episode Structure & Timestamps
- 00:01–03:00 — Show intro, podcast context, importance of A1
- 03:01–10:30 — Atmosphere and unpredictability of A1
- 10:31–38:07 — 250 class rider-by-rider analysis
- 38:08–45:00 — (Ads/Non-content)
- 45:01–1:06:05 — 450 class power rankings, in-depth rationale for each top 10 rider
- 1:06:06–1:10:15 — Honorable mentions & wrap-up
Conclusion
This episode stands out as an expertly balanced blend of data-driven opinion and hard-earned paddock wisdom. Jason Thomas does not shy away from controversy in his rankings, articulates what makes Anaheim 1 a perennial outlier, and goes beneath the surface on what both performance and body language say about the series’ biggest names.
Listeners come away with:
- An honest, nuanced understanding of where the top Supercross/Motocross racers stand after A1
- New appreciation for the psychological and technical variables influencing the season opener
- Jason’s distinct style of frank but fair-minded commentary on the gritty realities of pro racing
Recommended for anyone wanting a sharp, insider review of Supercross’s pivotal opening round.