Monster Energy® SMX World Championship Playoffs
Columbus, OH
Historic Crew Stadium
Monster Energy® Kawasaki Claims Victories at SMX Playoff #1
Monster Energy® Kawasaki opened the 2026 SMX World Championship Playoffs with victories in both the 250SMX and SMX Next classes at a rain-soaked first round in Columbus, Ohio. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen delivered consistent 2-2 moto finishes to claim the 250SMX overall victory and take control of the championship standings. Returning from injury, Cameron McAdoo finished fifth overall with 6-7 moto scores, with Drew Adams securing ninth overall (10-11), and Nick Romano, also returning to finish 21st overall (21-20). In SMX Next, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Kade Johnson captured the Main Event victory, with teammate Vincent Wey joining him on the podium in third. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Garrett Marchbanks completed the challenging Columbus round, overcoming adversity to finish 10th overall (7-16) in the 450SMX class.
SMX Results
Levi Kitchen
250SMX
“With everything that’s happened over the last few weeks and then the weather today, it was a challenging start to the day, but once we got racing, something just clicked. I fought hard in both motos and was able to put together two solid rides. I needed this one. It's been a while since I've had a day like this, and to leave here with the win and the points lead feels really good. I'm proud of the fight today, and hopefully we can carry this momentum into next weekend.”
Cameron McAdoo
250SMX
“I'm pretty stoked on my day overall in Ohio at the first round of the playoffs. I always enjoy a good mudder, especially when I can keep it on two wheels all day. Fifth overall on the day, and I’m looking forward to hopefully getting a dry race in Los Angeles next weekend!”
Drew Adams
250SMX
“It was a really rainy, tough day here in Columbus. I had a pretty good start in the first moto but faded back a little bit and ended up 10th. In the second moto, I had two crashes, one off the start and another in the middle of the moto. I kept pushing and ended up ninth overall. We’ll regroup this week, and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
Nick Romano
250SMX
“It was good to be back racing, but definitely a frustrating day. Winning the Wildcard race felt good, and I was hoping to carry that into the motos. I had the speed, but too many mistakes in those conditions cost me. It’s frustrating because I know the result doesn’t reflect where I should be.”
Kade Johnson
SMX Next
“This win means so much to me. It’s been a long road with a lot of ups and downs, so to put everything together and get this win feels incredible. I’m really grateful for everyone at Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green who continues to believe in me and support me. This is a huge confidence boost, and I’m excited to keep building from here.”
Vincent Wey
SMX Next
“It was a pretty good day. I felt comfortable in qualifying and was able to carry that into the main event. The conditions were tough, but I rode a solid race and left with third. It's always good to be on the podium, and I'm happy with how I rode. We'll keep working and build from here.”
Garrett Marchbanks
450SMX
“It was a challenging day with the weather and the track conditions, but I felt like we made the most of it in the first moto. I didn’t get the start I wanted, but I was able to keep moving forward and work my way up to seventh. Moto 2 was tougher after another bad start and an early crash put me pretty far back. I kept fighting until the end, and we’ll take what we learned from this round and come back ready for Los Angeles.”
