Garrett Marchbanks Sidelined in San Diego: A Setback for Monster Energy Kawasaki?
January 16, 2026, 6:35 PM
In a surprising turn of events, Monster Energy Kawasaki announced via Instagram this Friday afternoon that Garrett Marchbanks will be sitting out the San Diego round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship this Saturday. The reason? An injury sustained during preparations for the second round of the series. But here's where it gets concerning: while details are still emerging, sources indicate that Marchbanks suffered a crash during practice earlier this week and failed to clear concussion protocol. This development raises questions about the rider’s recovery timeline and what it means for his season ahead. And this is the part most people miss: Concussion protocols in supercross are no small matter—they’re designed to protect riders, but they can also disrupt careers. How will this impact Marchbanks’ momentum? Only time will tell.
This setback comes on the heels of a disappointing night for Marchbanks in Anaheim, where he crashed in the whoops during the LCQ, failing to qualify for his first 450SX main event with the team. It’s a tough break for a rider who’s been working tirelessly to make his mark in the premier class. But here’s the controversial question: Is the pressure to perform in such a high-stakes sport pushing riders to take risks that could jeopardize their health? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For now, fans and fellow competitors alike will have to wait for further updates on Marchbanks’ condition. We’ll keep you informed as more details become available. In the meantime, the absence of Marchbanks in San Diego leaves a noticeable gap in the lineup—and opens the door for other riders to step up. Who will seize the opportunity? Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in what’s shaping up to be an unpredictable season.
