For the first time, the world responded to SX Global's vision for the FIM World Supercross Championship in 2025. There is no doubt that the wildcards were the primary catalyst for the season's heightened visibility. Problematic? Not inherently, but it perhaps represented a shortcut that was not conducive to the championship's wider ambitions. 

By the midway point of the season, the title battle had become little more than a subplot. SX1's full-time athletes claimed just two of the nine available podium positions across the opening three rounds, leaving the spotlight to riders with no stake in the championship. Fans embraced the spectacle, but it cast the series in an odd light. WSX was viewed more as a collection of exhibition races than the FIM's premier supercross championship.

SX Global's Director of Racing, Thomas Covington, believes the championship has reached the point where that balance must shift. "We have some wildcards that will be announced soon but, really, the focus is to support the teams to chase after quality riders and pull back from so many wildcards at each event. It just makes more sense, having riders that compete in the full championship. That is ultimately where we want to be. There are more wildcards to be announced, but not quite as many as we have had in previous seasons.

"We have always wanted more, better riders competing in the whole championship," he continued. "I think this is a step we have to take. Even if we take a step back by not having as many superstars at each round, I think it's worth it. Riders need to be in one of these team slots if they want to race World Supercross. We'll have wildcards in the future too, just one offs that keep it fresh. There will be brilliant storylines that come later on in the season with riders racing on new bikes for the first time – the championship really lends itself to that."

The shift is evident in the arrivals of Cooper Webb and Cameron McAdoo. The pair enter with a combined 45 AMA Supercross main event wins – including 42 from Webb alone – but their importance extends beyond those accolades. They represent the type of full-time stars that WSX wants to attract while also adding intrigue through their first appearances with new teams on international soil.

It's another modest step that represents SX Global's intent. 2025's first round was led by three wildcards. 2026's season opener (set for Calgary's McMahon Stadium this weekend) does not include one.

The only wildcard announced for the 2026 FIM World Supercross Championship is Tom Vialle. While the wildcards are no longer the priority, they still serve a purpose beyond attracting eyeballs to the series. Vialle will become the first Honda HRC athlete to race in WSX, presenting a valuable opportunity to impress and establish a relationship with the elusive (for them) manufacturer.

"This is all going in a positive direction," reflected Covington. "Riders, teams and manufacturers are much more open to World Supercross than they were previously. We had brilliant meetings with teams and manufacturers in California at the start of this year – they were all very open and receptive to World Supercross. I think there are benefits to teams and riders participating in some shape or form."

There is now an emphasis on execution. WSX has entered a realm of stability, but actions in the next six months will determine whether it is seen as sustainable. There have been steps to improve elements of the on-track action in favor of professionalism over entertainment (bigger breaks between races for set-up changes and an ability to change gate pick) that will only help the perception.

It's clear that there is an air of positivity around the FIM World Supercross Championship and, more importantly, SX Global's actions. The championship appears closer to that quantum leap than ever before, but that only heightens the pressure to deliver when gates fall on Saturday.