Birmingham Supercross Qualifying Results: Lawrence Leads 450s Ahead of 250 East vs. West Shootout
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Birmingham Qualifying: Lawrence Leads Late, Tomac Shows Raw Speed as 250 Shootout Takes Center Stage
March 21, 2026 – Birmingham, AL
Qualifying is complete in Birmingham, and the storylines are already taking shape ahead of tonight’s main events. The 450 class is stacked at the top, while the 250 division is set for its first East vs. West Showdown of the season.
With lap times tight across the board, execution off the gate and early track position will be critical when the night program begins.
450 Class: Lawrence Closes Strong, Tomac Sets the Benchmark
Hunter Lawrence delivered when it mattered most, setting a 51.396 in 450 Group A Qualifying 2 to top the final session of the afternoon.
Behind him, the usual contenders are firmly in position:
- Cooper Webb – 51.556
- Ken Roczen – 51.614
- Eli Tomac – 51.637
- Justin Cooper – 51.924
However, the fastest lap of the day belongs to Eli Tomac, who posted a 50.962 in Qualifying 1. That time stands out as the quickest pace shown in the 450 class based on available data.
This sets up a clear dynamic heading into the main event: Lawrence finished strongest in the final session, but Tomac has already proven he can go faster than anyone on the track. Webb and Roczen remain within striking distance, making this a four-rider battle on paper.
In a field this tight, the start will likely determine the outcome.
250 East: Hammaker Establishes Control
Seth Hammaker was the most consistent rider in the 250 East division across both qualifying sessions. He backed up his earlier pace with a 52.527 in Qualifying 2 after setting a 51.567 in Qualifying 1.
Top East qualifiers:
- Daxton Bennick – 52.641
- Cole Davies – 53.074
- Jo Shimoda – 53.284
- Pierce Brown – 53.513
Hammaker enters the night program as the clear reference point from the East, combining outright speed with consistency across both sessions.
250 West: DiFrancesco Leads Final Session, Kitchen Shows Top-End Speed
The West division presents a more complex picture. Ryder DiFrancesco led Qualifying 2 with a 52.475, narrowly ahead of Max Vohland.
- Max Vohland – 52.572
- Haiden Deegan – 53.065
- Levi Kitchen – 53.131
Earlier in the day, Levi Kitchen set a 52.146 in Qualifying 1, which stands as the fastest lap among West riders from the available sessions.
That split between sessions suggests multiple contenders entering the Shootout. DiFrancesco closed strongest, Kitchen has shown the best outright speed, and Deegan remains firmly in contention.
The West arrives in Birmingham with depth and options.
250 East vs. West Shootout: What to Expect
Tonight’s combined main event brings both coasts together for the first time this season. Riders will compete in a single main event while continuing to earn points within their respective championships.
The format is expected to follow the standard 250 main event structure of 15 minutes plus 1 lap. This is based on typical Supercross race format. No confirmed deviation from that structure is indicated in the qualifying data provided.
The significance of the Shootout lies in the depth of the field. Riders who have not faced each other all season will share the same gate, creating a more congested and unpredictable race.
Track position, starts, and minimizing mistakes will be amplified in importance.
Key Storylines
- Can Hunter Lawrence convert late-session speed into a 450 main event win?
- Will Eli Tomac’s 50.962 prove to be the defining pace of the night?
- Has Seth Hammaker separated himself as the rider to beat from the East?
- Does the West’s depth, led by Kitchen, DiFrancesco, and Deegan, give them the advantage in the Shootout?
Tickets and Event Coverage
For tickets, race coverage, and upcoming event information, visit Supercross.com.
Supercross.com will continue coverage from Birmingham with race results, analysis, and updates following tonight’s main events.
