What We Noticed: Arlington
February 25, 2026
Back to Texas for the first 250 East race of the year! Here’s What We Noticed:
- Red Light / Cross Flag Controversy
Unfortunately, this is perhaps the biggest talking point of the night (irregardless of the fact that we had two first time winners). I’m sure you’ve all seen the AMA’s ruling on incidents in both the 250 and 450 class so I won’t describe it, but let’s discuss: this is the most blatant lack of discipline for a clear rulebook violation that I’ve seen in a while. The AMA as a sanctioning body is there to make sure the races unfold fairly and safely; the lack of any penalties for rulebook violations greatly violates both of those principles.
Firstly, what are lead-in lights? There are no mentions of this in the rulebook, and it was admitted by the Race Director Mike Pelletier that it is not in the rulebook. So now we have new rules that rely on oral communication? The rulebook is there for a reason… clearly teams and riders had no idea about this new rule, and ultimately, it cost Shimoda the lead (and arguably the win). This is a clear violation of “fair racing” and the AMA is directly at fault. We need to see more than just “improvements” for next week; the AMA directly interfered with racing here.
Additionally, not only are lead-in lights a new addition to racing that aren’t present in the rulebook, but it entirely changes rules that ARE present in the rulebook: contrary to what the rulebook states, with this ruling the red light flashing and red cross flag clearly don’t mean you have to roll the obstacle anymore (if the light is designated as a lead-in light you don’t have to roll, or even if the flag is out but there’s no lead-in light, you don’t have to roll). This is setting a precedence that I vehemently disagree with for rider safety: it’s incredibly confusing to know when it’s SAFE to jump or not, and ultimately, if there is a medical situation on the track, people’s safety is at risk.
Unfortunately, the AMA is seemingly deciding to double-down on their ruling. They most likely will add the lead-in lights to the rulebook, and now riders can sometimes jump on red cross flags and flashing red lights. They reached a fork in the road on Saturday night, and in my opinion, decided to take a path that is more ambiguous and less safe. Would we be having this discussion if they simply docked riders points for blatant rule violations Saturday night? No. I’m sure the teams docked would have been frustrated, but it would be the AMA following a rule we’ve seen time after time in the past several years. Instead, the AMA decided to set a new precedence which will undoubtedly result in further complications and uncertain rulings in the future. Honda seemingly is continuing to pursue disputes against the ruling too. We will see what unfolds from here…
- Hunter is Real
Hunter Lawrence is now one of the title faves no doubt? His riding in Arlington to get his first SX win was incredibly impressive. We’ve seen Hunter flourish with consistency in the past, but now he has some of the top race pace in the class. He’s essentially checked off everything now: passed and pulled away from Tomac (at A2), passed and pulled away from Roczen, passed and pulled away from Webb, led laps, win a race, etc. Next up: championship?
- Sexton Struggles
Gosh… “Sexton Struggles” has been a header in this column for too many times. At this point, is it even struggles? We’re not ready to count Sexton out quite yet… he’s too talented on a dirt bike; he will find a way to win. But, with how great the rest of the field is looking, Sexton right now is legitimately not even in the top 4; that’s something we haven’t said in a while. If he wants even a remote chance at winning this title, he needs to start winning races now! Most likely though, championship is gone… success for him for the rest of the season looks like figuring out the bike and getting a couple more wins before the series is done.
- Comeback Rides
Don’t call it a comeback! The last time we saw Pierce Brown and Jo Shimoda race (if you ignore Brown’s one moto at Indiana) they were on top of the class. Unfortunately, since then both of them have suffered spinal injuries: Brown broke his back while leading the 250E opener last year, and Shimoda broke his neck in the off-season). Well, they’re both back, and what a return to racing with them finishing 1-2. Great to see.
In particular, Shimoda’s ride was incredible. We didn’t expect him to even be lining up this soon after the injury, and with only 2 weeks back on the bike he looks good as ever. See our Most Impressive article for more details.
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Whoops!
Biggest set of the year so far for both length (11 whoops) and height. We love to see a good set that challenges riders and can make or break your race (fortunately not physically break anything). A lot of guys struggled in them, but some riders stood out: Roczen in the 450s was excellent, and Davies in the 250s was unreal.
- Epic Venue
AT&T Stadium is one of the best venues on the circuit. It’s massive and otherworldly. Get out to see a race there next year if you haven’t seen one there yet.
