Bass Pro's Wild Ride: SMX Championship Final Lands in the Ozarks

ANAHEIM, CA – January 09, 2026 – The worlds of high-octane motorcycle racing and outdoor conservation are set to collide in an unprecedented partnership, as the SMX League™ today announced that Bass Pro Shops will bring the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final to the heart of the Ozarks. The prestigious season-ending race will unfold on Saturday, September 26, at the breathtaking Thunder Ridge Nature Arena near Branson, Missouri.

The multi-year agreement marks a significant expansion for both entities. For the SMX League, it secures a landmark venue and a powerful, brand-aligned partner. For Bass Pro Shops, it represents a bold first step into the world of off-road motorcycle racing, building on a motorsports legacy that dates back decades.

"This partnership is a powerful fusion of two fandoms that live for adventure," said Juliette Feld Grossman, CEO of Feld Motor Sports, a key organizer of the series. "By bringing the SMX World Championship Final to Thunder Ridge, we're creating a one-of-a-kind destination experience that blends world-class racing, nature, and hospitality."

The partnership officially kicks off at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season opener on January 10 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, with Bass Pro Shops becoming the official outdoor recreation retailer and its acclaimed Big Cedar Lodge the official wilderness resort for the SMX World Championship series.

A Strategic Leap from Asphalt to Dirt

While new to the dirt tracks of SuperMotocross, Bass Pro Shops is no stranger to the roar of engines. The company has been a fixture in NASCAR since 1998, cultivating a deep and loyal following through its long-standing sponsorships of top-tier drivers and teams, including Austin Dillon and the iconic Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. This new venture into the SMX World Championship is a calculated strategic expansion, aiming to connect with a different, yet philosophically aligned, segment of motorsports enthusiasts.

The SMX series, which combines the stadium-based precision of Supercross with the rugged endurance of Pro Motocross, attracts a notably younger demographic, with data showing a majority of its fans are under the age of 44. This audience, passionate about adventure and high-energy sports, represents a natural extension for the Bass Pro Shops brand, whose core identity is built around the outdoor lifestyle.

Bridging this gap is SMX fan favorite Malcolm Stewart. An avid fisherman and outdoorsman off the track, Stewart will serve as a natural ambassador for the partnership throughout the 2026 season, embodying the shared spirit of the two communities. The collaboration seeks to prove that the thrill of landing a trophy bass and the adrenaline of clearing a triple jump stem from the same love for adventure.

A Venue with a Purpose

The choice of Thunder Ridge Nature Arena as the championship venue is perhaps the most telling aspect of the partnership's unique vision. This is far from a typical stadium. Envisioned by Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris, Thunder Ridge is a spectacular 20,000-plus capacity amphitheater carved into the Ozark Mountains, offering panoramic views of Table Rock Lake and the Boston Mountains.

More importantly, the venue operates with a mission. As part of the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation, all net proceeds from events at Thunder Ridge are funneled directly into conservation efforts dedicated to preserving the region's land, wildlife, and natural habitats. The 1,200 acres of land and the venue's infrastructure were donated by Morris to a not-for-profit foundation to ensure their permanent preservation.

Since its opening, the venue has undergone significant enhancements to solidify its status as a world-class destination. Following initial traffic challenges, an investment of over $22 million was made to expand nearby highways and dramatically increase on-site parking, ensuring a smooth experience for the massive crowds drawn by performers like Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, and Guns N' Roses. This commitment to infrastructure makes it more than ready to host the international influx of fans and teams for the SMX World Championship Final.

"We are excited to welcome the SMX World Championship to Thunder Ridge and to share this incredible sport with fans around the world," said Johnny Morris. "This event will showcase the natural beauty of the Ozarks while creating unforgettable experiences. We can't wait !"

The Future of Experiential Sports Marketing

This collaboration signals a shift in sports sponsorship, moving beyond logo placement to create fully immersive destination events. By integrating the championship with Big Cedar Lodge, the official accommodations partner, the SMX League and Bass Pro Shops are offering more than just a race; they are offering a complete vacation experience. Attendees can pair the thrill of the race with stays at the wilderness resort, championship-level golf on Audubon-certified courses, and a host of other outdoor activities.

This model of experiential marketing is designed to forge a deeper connection between the brand, the sport, and the fan. It transforms a one-day event into a multi-day adventure, encouraging fans to engage with the Bass Pro Shops ecosystem on a much more profound level. It’s a strategy that recognizes that modern consumers, particularly the younger demographics courted by SMX, value experiences over simple product consumption.

The championship itself is the culmination of a grueling 28-round season that will see the world's most elite racers from the United States, France, Australia, Japan, and beyond battle through 17 Supercross and 11 Pro Motocross events. Only the top-seeded athletes advance to the postseason, which includes two playoff rounds before the final showdown at Thunder Ridge, where a world champion will be crowned.

For fans eager to witness this historic event, tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoffs and Final will go on pre-sale on Tuesday, January 27, with the public sale beginning Tuesday, February 3. This partnership promises not only to elevate the conclusion of the SMX season but also to set a new standard for how sports and lifestyle brands can collaborate to create truly memorable events.