Bass Pro Shops and SMX League Partner to Host SMX World Championship Final at Thunder Ridge
January 09, 2026
PRESS RELEASE FROM SMX LEAGUE
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2026) — The SMX League™ announced today that Thunder Ridge at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Mo., was selected to host the high-profile 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final on Saturday, Sept. 26. This comes as part of a multi-year partnership agreement with Bass Pro Shops, launching at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross stadium season opener on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final will feature elite racers from across the globe, including the U.S., United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Japan, and Estonia.
“This partnership is a powerful fusion of two fandoms that live for adventure,” said Juliette Feld Grossman, CEO of Feld Motor Sports. “By bringing the SMX World Championship Final to Thunder Ridge, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind destination experience that blends world-class racing, nature, and hospitality.”
This partnership marks the company’s first foray into off-road motorcycle racing while also signaling its continued overall investment in motorsports, having roots in NASCAR dating back to 1998. Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company founded in 1972 by Johnny Morris, now becomes the official outdoor recreation retailer, with Big Cedar Lodge serving as the official wilderness resort for the SMX World Championship.
The partnership between SMX and Bass Pro Shops comes at a pivotal time as the sport continues to grow in scale and fan engagement. The SMX World Championship features 17 Supercross races and 11 Pro Motocross races, making up the 28-round regular season. The world’s most elite racers are then seeded into the postseason, which includes two SMX Playoff rounds and a World Championship Final.
This groundbreaking collaboration brings the SMX series to its pinnacle at Thunder Ridge, one of the most picturesque venues in North America. Thunder Ridge offers a one-of-a-kind immersive outdoor experience, combining the natural beauty of the Ozarks with stunning architecture that seamlessly integrates into the surrounding environment.
In just a few years since opening, Thunder Ridge has quickly earned its place among the most impressive venues in North America, with a capacity exceeding 20,000 and breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake and the forested Boston Mountain vistas.
Set within a dramatic natural amphitheater, the SMX Finals will deliver world-class racing alongside a premier stay at Big Cedar Lodge, the Official Accommodations Partner, featuring championship-level golf, exceptional dining, and immersive outdoor experiences across its iconic resort.
“We are excited to welcome the SMX World Championship to Thunder Ridge and to share this incredible sport with fans around the world,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops. “This event will showcase the natural beauty of the Ozarks while creating unforgettable experiences. We can’t wait!”
Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final go on pre-sale Tuesday, Jan. 27, with general public on-sale beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3.
SMX racer and fan favorite Malcolm Stewart, an avid outdoorsman and fisherman off the track, will also serve as an ambassador for the partnership during the 2026 season.
