Cole Davies set an unprecedented record of winning AMA 250SX East Championship – then blew away the competition at the Final Round in Salt Lake City last weekend. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider not only nailed 9 podiums from 10 Rounds but also finished his second AMA 250SX Championship season in fine style claiming victory in the East/West Showdown in front of a roaring crowd at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
In a little over 3 years, the 18 year old kiwi has risen in ranks from his first debut in 250SX Futures of 3 Rounds on 2023, to winning the Series in 2024, to finishing 3rd in 250SX West Championship in 2025, to taking 250SX East Championship in 2026. Such phenomenal results speak volumes on Cole’s ability to develop as a rider on and off the track as well as produce winning performances with or without the pressure to gain points advantage.
Breaking down the 2026 250SX East Championship season it is possible to analyze how Cole managed his race-craft to produce results over 10 Rounds. Admitting that he was too eager to get out front in the opening Round at Arlington, Davies delivered race strategies at Daytona which claimed P2 then followed up with a dominant performance at Indianapolis Triple Crown going 1-1-1. Undoubtedly, the wins at Indy consolidated Cole’s expectation of holding the Red Plate along with sending a clear message to the 250SX East field that the guy from Waitoki, NZ was here to win, no matter what.
The back-to-back wins at Rounds 10 and 11 at Birmingham and Detroit extended Davies lead to 9 points heading into the first East/West Showdown at St Louis. Race strategy was key against his team-rider – Haiden Deegan – with Cole settling for P2 while Deegan wrapped up 250SX West Championship with 2 Rounds to spare. Winning Round 13 at Nashville followed by P3 on a slippery, wet track at Cleveland gave Davies a ground-breaking a 21 point advantage heading into the penultimate Round at Philadelphia.
Not gonna lie – the anticipation on how racing would play out from Qualifying, to Heats, to the Main was so unpredictable given rain fell from mid-day onwards. Davies stayed in control with his razor-like focus blocking out all distractions to deliver optimal results on a muddy, deteriorating track, including a re-start in Lap 4. The guy was simply unshakable from his resolve to get out front, hold the gap, and take the overall win of the 250SX East Championship – with a Round to spare.
All of which left racing the 250SX Championship Final Round at Salt Lake City last weekend. For sure, Cole and team-rider – Haiden Deegan – had wrapped up their respective 250SX divisions which meant the pressure was off and enjoyment factor of racing in front of a packed Rice-Eccles Stadium was dialed to high. Davies switched gears, racing with confidence and clarity that his goals of achievement had only just started and there were plenty more to come. From setting the fastest lap time in Lap 4 of 49.841 to Deegan’s 50.021, to making the pass stick in Lap 10 to 1st, to holding the inside line on a charging Deegan – Davies soared in status as a rider with exceptional talent, skill, and determination to fulfill all dreams and goals set racing America’s premier SX Championships.
Header photo: Cole Davies winning AMA 250SX East/West Showdown at Salt Lake City. Image: Team.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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