Release from 22.02.2026
450SX teammate Malcolm Stewart displays front-running pace in Round 7 at Arlington
Bennick made his first official appearance with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna at AT&T Stadium in Texas, piloting his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition – which featured special graphics for Military Appreciation Round – to fifth position at the conclusion of qualifying.
After taking P5 in the second 250SX Heat Race, a strong launch to the Main Event had the 20-year-old feature in a race-long duel toward the front of the field, and at times, applying pressure for the lead of the race. In an exceptional display of speed and consistency at the Eastern Division opener, Bennick recorded a P3 finish to open his 2026 campaign.
"Arlington was good!" said Bennick. "I struggled a little bit in the first practice just getting comfortable with being at the races again, and then in the second one I felt a lot better – I found a flow that really worked for me and I was gelling well with the bike. Its power was awesome and allowed me to get that three in, which only a handful of us were able to do in that big rhythm lane. My starts today were great too – and felt very repeatable – which I am stoked about. In the Main Event, I put my head down, got into a good position off the start, and went to work. I wish I could've been a little better in some areas to maybe win, but it is the first round and I kept that in mind, but I think we have some good results coming and I'm happy with how my night went."
450SX challenger Malcolm Stewart posted the fastest time in the opening 450SX qualifying session in Arlington, before being classified P10 overall on combined times equipped with his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition as the afternoon sessions concluded.
After a challenging start in the Heat Race, the 33-year-old worked his way forward with a composed ride, advancing into third position by race's end and building momentum ahead of the Main Event.
Stewart managed to circulate in seventh for a large share of the Main Event, before a late-race fall relegated him back to 11th at Round 7 of the SMX World Championship season, with positives to take after a solid outing in Texas.
"The Texas fans are always a good crowd," reflected Stewart. "All day I felt really good, through both qualifying and the Heat Race. The Main Event was going really well too, but I made one little mistake over the on-off, which cost me quite a few positions. We ended up 11th, but other than that, we're trending in the right direction, and things are getting back on track to where we need them to be. The crash was a little bit of a bummer, but I am more proud of my riding than the results. At the end of the day, we can continue to keep fighting heading into my home race in Daytona next weekend – hopefully the Florida fans bring the vibe!"
Next Race: February 28 – Daytona, Florida
Results 450SX Class – Arlington
1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda)
2. Eli Tomac (KTM)
3. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)
8. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)
11. Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)
12. Justin Hill (KTM)
17. Kevin Moranz (KTM)
Standings 450SX Class 2026 after 7 of 17 rounds
1. Hunter Lawrence, 149 points
2. Eli Tomac, 145
3. Cooper Webb, 133
10. Aaron Plessinger, 79
11. Jorge Prado, 73
12. Malcolm Stewart, 63
13. Justin Hill, 61
17. RJ Hampshire, 38
Results 250SX Class – Arlington
1. Pierce Brown (Yamaha)
2. Jo Shimoda (Honda)
3. Daxton Bennick (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)
Standings 250SX East Class 2026 after 1 of 10 rounds
1. Pierce Brown, 25 points
2. Jo Shimoda, 22
3. Daxton Bennick, 20