Hammaker looks to take another leap forward in supercross

A member of the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team since first turning pro back in 2021. Seth Hammaker has experienced some radical highs and lows. Although some injuries have set him back, he's establishing himself as one of the organization’s most respected racers, winning main events at Indianapolis and East Rutherford during the 250SX East Region Supercross Championship in 2025 on his march toward a runner-up finish in the championship standings.

With the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship now up and running, Hammaker has been toiling away back in Florida, bashing out the testing and training laps at the Dog Pound in Dade City in preparation for the opening round of the 250SX East Region Supercross Championship set for Feb. 21 in Arlington, Texas, Hammaker talked about the contingent of riders he’s been putting in track time with back at the Dog Pound.

“Been riding with Jett and Hunter Lawrence, Chance Hymas and Drew Adams. It’s awesome," he said. "It’s like everybody just puts the egos to the side and we all just work on what we need to work on and improve for what makes us perform at our best on Saturdays.

“I’ve just been trying to dial-in getting back to kind of the stuff I learned last year as far as technique and all the body position stuff. Been working on the footwork. Hands in the right spot. Elbows in the right spot. Just being neutral on the bike – especially in the whoops, where I’m not getting too far in front or too far in the back. And also working on being smooth and being able to log consistent laps at a pace where you’re comfortable at. Maybe at an 80-percent pace. That way if you need to step it up at anytime during the race, or if you need to put a few sprint laps in to catch somebody or pass another competitor, then you can have that extra energy.

“Things with the new bike have been going smooth so far,” Hammaker said of sorting out the 2026 Kawasaki KX250 for the East Region stadiums. “I had a good setup last year, but we’re always trying to improve. We made a couple of changes just to help rider comfort. Mitch Payton has been working hard on the engine and we’re going to have a new engine package for this year. More bottom end, more torque is kind of what we were looking for, so he’s been crushing it on that. The suspension work has also been good. I think dialing it in the last few seasons for me has gotten easier as I learned what I like and how I can relay that information to our suspension guys and stuff. I’ve been really happy. Even the improvements we continue to make has been really awesome.”

Five years into his racing relationship with the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team, Hammaker believes the collaboration has only grown stronger and more resolute.

“This will be my fifth year with the team and it’s awesome that I’ve had all the experience with Mitch and Ian Suthwell and all the guys that help us out. It’s cool to be around for that long just to continue the growth and the relationship with a great group of people. It makes my job a lot easier. I enjoy every year, but the more I go, the more I’m able to enjoy it and soak in the good moments. I truly believe that Mitch is behind me. He’s loyal to you as long as you are focused and if you work hard. Through the ups and downs and injuries that I’ve had, Mitch has always stuck behind me. Yeah, I’m grateful for that because it has given me an opportunity to showcase what I’m capable of. To have a spot on that team is always something I totally appreciate.”

Dispatched to the 250SX East Region Supercross Championship for the 2026 season, Hammaker has just one objective in mind.

“I’m going after the championship,” he said. “That’s the goal. I would like to just be consistent in order to get that championship. I think that’s what it is going to take. I want to try and be top five and on the podium each round. I want to get good starts and stay out of trouble and just try and do my thing and let everything fall into place.”