Strong Seventh in Second MOTO for Smith in Los Angeles
After tricky conditions in Ohio last time out, the 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing team welcomed the sunshine at the second playoff of 2026's SMX World Championship, where this weekend Los Angeles' Dignity Health Sports Park hosted the event.
Times were incredibly close in qualification – thanks in part to that simplistic layout – but Jordon Smith showed how capable he is aboard the TF 450-X. Down on lap one of the first moto, he rejoined the race in dead last and stormed up the order. 14th was where he eventually finished, an impressive comeback on a circuit where a fall on lap one was the worst-case scenario.
Smith’s second moto was arguably his best yet aboard the TF 450-X. Taking advantage of a solid start, he settled into sixth early on and saw off many rivals for the position. Just losing out on the spot in the closing stages, he scored a solid seventh to take 10th in the 450SMX overall classification. Smith holds the same position in the championship standings.
In his first true stadium experience, Mikkel Haarup enjoyed a day where he achieved many firsts. A solid ride to 20th in moto one was followed by a 21st in moto two, which is where he placed in the overall ranking.
Darren Pine also showed his potential on the TF 250-X in the SMX Next division. Starting the main event in ninth, he was one of the few to make progress and jumped up to fourth at the chequered flag. Pine was unfortunate to miss the podium but left little doubt of just how proficient he is.
The SMX World Championship Finals are all that remain now. With triple points on offer, a heavy emphasis is placed on the results in Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri. The circuit will be more of a hybrid of the two disciplines, making it a different experience than the first two playoffs.
Jordon Smith:
"It was a good day. It started off a little rough with a crash in moto one, but my comeback was solid. I had a good start in moto two and put in a really good battle. It was probably the best ride of the year for me. I was right in the battle, which felt great. We'll finish strong next weekend."
Mikkel Haarup:
"This was an awesome experience, but it wasn't easy. The track was like a supercross, so I did the best that I possibly could. My riding was solid for my level – I raced former champions early in the second moto. Hopefully the final race is a bit more of a hybrid, so I can really race it. Thanks to the team."
Ivan Tedesco – Team Manager, 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing:
"Today was a great day. Jordon had another strong ride, earning another top ten and a career-best seventh in moto two. Darren Pine rode great in the SMX Next race, bringing home a solid fourth. Mikkel also had a solid day and continued to make improvements, especially considering this is his first experience racing SMX. I am proud of the progress from everyone and looking forward to finishing next weekend strong."
450SMX Results: 2026 Playoff 2 – Los Angeles
1. Jorge Prado (KTM) 2-2
2. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 4-1
3. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) 1-4
4. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 3-3
5. Cooper Webb (Yamaha) 5-5
10. Jordon Smith (Triumph) 14-7
21. Mikkel Haarup (Triumph) 20-21
450SMX Standings: 2026 Playoff 2 – Los Angeles
1. Jorge Prado (KTM) 92pts
2. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 76pts
3. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 76pts
4. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) 74pts
5. Cooper Webb (Yamaha) 72pts
10. Jordon Smith (Triumph) 45pts
25. Mikkel Haarup (Triumph) 9pts
SMX Next Results: 2026 Playoff 2 – Los Angeles
1. Ryder Malinoski (Yamaha)
2. Kade Johnson (Kawasaki)
3. Kane Bollasina (Yamaha)
4. Darren Pine (Triumph)
5. Landon Gibson (Husqvarna)
