Image: Octopi Media.

Earning a historic first Monster Energy Supercross podium for Triumph Racing on debut came as an exceptional way to start season 2025 for new recruit Jordon Smith, underlying his early direction with the TF 250-X.

Smith arrives on a multi-year deal following a stint at Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing and his input has so far proven instrumental in further developing the Triumph as he takes on 250SX West alongside Stilez Robertson.

“We confirmed a lot of things that we thought that we had correct in practice,” Smith explained after finishing P3 at Anaheim 1. “You don’t really know coming into the race, but we confirmed a lot of stuff, and then we continued to make some changes throughout the day.

“I was a little uncomfortable in the beginning, especially in the whoops – which is usually a strong point for me – and we got better there. The main event was the most comfortable I felt, so really happy with the bike, everybody working together as a team on the changes, it was good.”

To stand on the podium in his first start after a late charge and move on GasGas’ Ryder DiFrancesco, the milestone was felt by the 29-year-old Smith. After finishing third in the standings with Star Racing last year, he is already on a similar trajectory in a bid to battle for the title.

“It was pretty cool,” he continued. “Triumph is obviously a big company, but at the same time, it’s small. The whole team was just stoked afterwards, so it was good. You know, we have a lot of guys that have been in the situation of podiums… Scuba [Steve Westfall] has won championships in the past, Jeremy Coker has won championships in the past, and I’ve had quite a few podiums.

“So, we have a lot of guys that have been in that situation, but also a lot of guys that haven’t experienced this, it was cool and a lot of fun – everyone is stoked back at the rig. Part of the draw of coming to Triumph is to be able to hit those milestones for them and be part of that legacy.”

The result also came in new Triumph Racing America general manager Jeremy Coker’s first official appearance with the British manufacturer, on a night where Triumph Motorcycles CEO Nick Bloor was also in attendance.

“Tonight was a historic one for Triumph with our first Supercross podium,” Coker commented. “That is very special to be a part of and I am so proud of each and every single person involved in this team, they have worked their butts off.

“Jordon rode an amazing race tonight and, without one small tip over, I believe we would have battled for the win. I truly believe we have only scratched the surface tonight – the sky is the limit for how this team and brand will perform. We will go back to work this week and come back even stronger.”