Text by Lucky Foster

The opening round of EnduroCross in Prescott Valley was absolute mayhem—in the best possible way. Fans packed the Finley Toyota Center for one big night of chaos, carnage, and world-class racing that set the tone for the season.

For those new to the sport, EnduroCross is like Arenacross turned inside out: a twisting, brutal obstacle course where rhythm sections become log piles, whoops turn into jagged boulder fields, and riders dodge and dive through a maze built to test both body and machine. Think “Mad Max meets motocross.” Every lap demands grit, precision, and heart, and this weekend delivered all three in spades.

The off-season tension was thick. Defending champion Trystan Hart (Red Bull FMF KTM) looked laser-focused and ready to defend his crown, but with a stacked field hungry for redemption, repeating wouldn’t come easy.

Among his fiercest rivals was Colton Haaker, the privateer Kawasaki rider and former champ with unfinished business after a runner-up finish last season.

“I still have the drive, and I’m ready to compete,” Haaker said before the gate drop. “This is my comeback year.”

His intensity throughout the weekend proved those weren’t empty words.

Then there’s Cody Webb, the legendary Rocky Mountain Yamaha racer whose résumé reads like a history book of EnduroCross dominance. Dubbed the GOAT for good reason, Webb’s presence alone raised the stakes. Add in British standout Jonny Walker, whose speed and race craft make him a constant threat, and you’ve got a championship picture wide open before the first lap even began.

The weekend kicked off with the Destry Abbott Amateur Practice and Training session. This is a rare opportunity for up-and-coming riders to learn from the best. The camaraderie and mentorship on display were inspiring, especially from young riders like Austin Mentzel on his 85cc machine. After a few tough spills, Mentzel’s persistence paid off, impressing both fans and coaches. The future of EnduroCross looks bright.

Hart wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s the reigning champ. Grabbing the holeshot, he set a blistering pace and never looked back, gliding through the technical chaos like it was second nature. Ryder Leblond gave chase but couldn’t close the gap, finishing a strong second.

Cody Webb jumped out front early, navigating through first-turn carnage while Hart and Walker fought from behind. But as the laps wore on, pressure from the KTM and Triumph riders forced a small mistake, allowing Hart and Walker to pounce. In a dramatic final-lap charge, Walker slipped by Hart with expert precision to take the win! It was a testament to his relentless drive. Hart almost snuck back up the inside in the final turn as they went over the finish line side-by-side, but Walker held on for the win by just 0.023 seconds!

The final moto was a full-throttle brawl. Walker, LeBlond, and Haaker traded blows from start to finish in a battle that had fans on their feet. Hart got caught up by a lapper, which dropped him back in the field. The #1 charged to finish a respectful fifth. In the end, Walker’s hunger and focus carried him to another victory, securing the overall win and the early points lead for the 2025 season.

1. Jonny Walker – 3rd / 1st / 1st
2. Trystan Hart – 1st / 2nd / 5th
3. Ryder Leblond – 2nd / 5th / 2nd
4. Colton Haaker – 4th / 6th / 3rd
5. Max Gerston – 11th / 4th / 4th
6. Cody Webb – 10th / 3rd / 8th
7. Cooper Abbott – 5th / 10th / 7th
8. Braxton Hintze – 8th / 11th / 6th
9. Tim Apolle – 7th / 9th / 12th
10. James Flynn – 12th / 8th / 9th

Check out some more photos by Jack Jaxson.