If you had “Johnny Morris and Supercross” on your 2026 bingo card, go ahead and collect your winnings. In a move that feels like a massive bridge between the moto world and the heart of Americana, the SMX League has just dropped a bombshell: the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final is heading to Thunder Ridge at Big Cedar Lodge. Forget the standard stadium concrete or the worn-in soil of our traditional nationals. On September 26, 2026, the biggest race of the year will crown its champions in the middle of the Missouri Ozarks.

The Bass Pro Factor

This isn’t just a venue change; it’s a full-blown cultural crossover. Bass Pro Shops is officially entering the ring as the "Official Outdoor Recreation Retailer" of SMX. For a company that’s been a staple in NASCAR since the late '90s, their first real jump into the dirt represents a major nod to where our sport is heading. The partnership kicked off this past weekend at the Anaheim 1 opener, and it’s clear the SMX League is looking to turn the season finale into a "destination event." Think less "parking lot fair" and more "world-class wilderness retreat."

A Venue Like No Other

If you haven't seen photos of Thunder Ridge, imagine a natural amphitheater carved into the ridges overlooking Table Rock Lake. It’s jaw-dropping. With a capacity for over 20,000 fans, the track will be framed by the Boston Mountains rather than a jumbotron. “This partnership is a powerful fusion of two fandoms that live for adventure,” says Juliette Feld Grossman, CEO of Feld Motor Sports. And she’s right. Our sport has always been about the elements, and moving the biggest race of the year to a venue designed by Johnny Morris—a man who basically built the cathedral of the great outdoors—feels like a natural fit.

Mookie the Ambassador

In a move that surprised absolutely no one who follows him on Instagram, Malcolm Stewart has been tapped as the official ambassador for the partnership. Between his status as a fan favorite on the track and his well-documented obsession with bass fishing off it, Mookie is the perfect bridge between the starting gate and the boat dock.

The Stakes

As the 28-round marathon of Supercross and Pro Motocross winds down in 2026, the elite—hailing from the U.S., France, Australia, and beyond—will converge on Branson to fight for the biggest purse in the sport.

Mark your calendars:

  • Pre-sale: Tuesday, Jan. 27
  • General On-sale: Tuesday, Feb. 3
  • The Big Show: Saturday, Sept. 26
We’ve seen the sport evolve from local fairgrounds to NFL stadiums. Now, we’re heading to the woods. It’s going to be a wild ride.