Ducati makes its AMA Supercross Championship debut: A historic start in Anaheim

The 2026 season opens with pride and excitement for Ducati, as the company writes a new chapter in its racing history by officially debuting in the AMA Supercross Championship. Last Saturday in Anaheim, the Desmo450 MX took on the highest level of American Supercross competition for the first time, marking a milestone moment for Ducati’s off-road project from Borgo Panigale.

In partnership with the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team, Ducati lined up behind the gate with two highly experienced and fast riders: Justin Barcia (#51) and Dylan Ferrandis (#14). From the very first moments of the weekend, the Desmo450 MX demonstrated outstanding competitiveness and strong overall potential.

In 450 Heat Race 1, Barcia and Ferrandis launched perfectly off the gate and immediately placed themselves among the leading group. An impressive opening lap saw the Ducati duo battling at the front of the field, showcasing speed and confidence in their Supercross debut. In the closing stages, the two riders fought wheel-to-wheel for podium positions, with Barcia crossing the finish line in third place and Ferrandis in fourth, both securing direct qualification to the Main Event. A remarkable result that underlined the high level of Ducati’s Supercross debut aboard the Desmo450 MX.

The Main Event delivered both encouraging signs and challenging moments. Ferrandis was involved in an incident in the opening turn but managed to remount quickly and continue the race with determination. Barcia, after a strong start and a solid run inside the top-six group, was unfortunately involved in a heavy crash in a rhythm section of the track, which brought out a red flag. Justin was transferred to hospital for medical evaluation.

Following the restart, Ferrandis responded with consistency and determination, bringing the Desmo450 MX to an important top-10 finish, marking Ducati’s first-ever Supercross Main Event result.

The Anaheim debut represents a key step in terms of learning and development, as the Desmo450 MX continues to grow and demonstrate its potential across both MXGP and Supercross. The Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team leaves the opening round encouraged and motivated, buoyed by a Heat Race podium and front-running pace in Ducati’s historic Supercross debut under the lights. The experience gained in one of the most demanding environments in world motocross provides a solid foundation to build upon, as the team’s focus is already set on the upcoming challenges, determined to maintain momentum and further strengthen Ducati’s Supercross journey.