Cape Town Delivers a World-Class Finale as FIM World Supercross Championship Makes History at DHL Stadium

The 2025 FIM World Supercross Championship concluded in spectacular fashion in Cape Town, South Africa, as DHL Stadium hosted the first-ever World Supercross Grand Prix on African soil. Against the dramatic backdrop of the Mother City, fans were treated to a night of elite racing, championship drama, and unforgettable moments as world titles were decided under the lights.

With over 20,000 fans packing the stadium, the atmosphere was electric from the opening laps, underlining Cape Town’s arrival as a major destination on the global Supercross calendar.

SX2: Anstie Delivers Under Pressure to Secure the Crown

All eyes were on SX2 championship leader Max Anstie as he arrived in Cape Town on the brink of securing his second World Supercross title. The British rider showed trademark composure from the outset, delivering when it mattered most across qualifying, Superpole and the races themselves.

Anstie had been narrowly beaten in qualifying by defending champion Shane McElrath, but responded in Superpole with a calm, precise lap that edged him ahead when the clock reset. It was another example of the consistency that has defined his season and placed him firmly in control heading into the decisive night of racing.

McElrath remained a constant threat throughout, while Cole Thompson once again impressed with a confident performance near the front. Enzo Lopes, who had displayed impressive speed earlier in the day, was left frustrated after an error during Superpole forced him off track and prevented him from setting a time, leaving him with an uphill challenge in the races.

When the gate finally dropped, McElrath proved unstoppable on the night. The American seized three clean starts and controlled all three races on a loose, dusty track, taking the overall victory in Cape Town. Anstie, however, did exactly what was required, finishing second in all three races to mathematically secure the 2025 SX2 World Championship.

As Anstie crossed the line, the significance of his achievement was clear. Having returned from a serious leg injury earlier in the year, the Team GSM Powered by Star Racing Yamaha rider capped a season defined by resilience, intelligence, and relentless consistency.

“This has been such a special season,” Anstie said after securing the title. “To race on five continents in just over a month and finish it off here in Cape Town is incredible. Supercross felt like a dream for so long, and now I’m in a really solid place in my career.”

McElrath, meanwhile, praised the South African crowd after his dominant performance. “The fans here have been a real treat. To end the season on top tonight means a lot, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.”

With 11 consecutive race wins earlier in the season and podium finishes at every round, Anstie’s second FIM SX2 title will be remembered as one of the most inspiring campaigns in modern World Supercross history.

SX1: Anderson Triumphs in a Three-Way Championship Thriller

If SX2 was a story of calculated control, SX1 delivered pure theatre. Just one point separated Jason Anderson, Joey Savatgy and Christian Craig heading into the final round, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown in Cape Town.

Qualifying hinted at the intensity to come, with Anderson leading the way ahead of Craig and Savatgy. When Superpole arrived, Savatgy once again rose to the occasion, securing his third consecutive Superpole despite a lap that was aggressive and untidy in places. Craig stayed firmly in contention, while Luke Clout continued to impress as he settled further into the World Supercross format.

Once racing began, Anderson took control. The Pipes Motorsport rider went 1-1-1 across the night, holding off relentless pressure from Savatgy in one of the most captivating SX1 battles of the season. The pair traded positions, scraped plastics and pushed the limits on a hard-packed track as the crowd roared them on.

With four laps remaining in the final race, Savatgy launched one last attempt to steal the title, but Anderson held firm to claim his first SX1 World Supercross Championship in emphatic style.

“Man, that’s racing,” Anderson said afterwards. “Joey kept me on my toes the entire night. To win this for Suzuki and Pipes Motorsport is massive. The energy in this stadium was unreal.”

Savatgy, gracious in defeat, reflected on the spectacle. “This was the loudest crowd we’ve had all year. I’m glad we could put on a show, even if it didn’t go my way in the end.”

Christian Craig endured a difficult night, crashing in both Sprint races before recovering to finish third in the final race. Colt Nichols ultimately secured the final podium spot for the night thanks to a more consistent scorecard.

A Landmark Moment for World Supercross

Beyond the championship outcomes, Cape Town’s debut on the World Supercross calendar marked a major milestone for the sport. DHL Stadium proved to be a world-class venue, delivering both intense racing and an unforgettable fan experience.

From the roar of the crowd to the quality of competition, the South African round showcased everything that makes World Supercross unique. It was a fitting finale to a season that spanned five continents in just 35 days, testing riders physically, mentally and emotionally.

As the dust settled in Cape Town, two champions stood tall, history was made, and World Supercross left Africa having set a powerful new benchmark for the future.