The 2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship was supposed to be a step back to normalcy after 2020's incredible Responsible Return to Racing protocol that saw the racers and teams concluding the season – all seven remaining rounds – at a single venue. With new protocols, the 2021 season promised more venues, more traditional track variances, and a limited number of fans in attendance. The season delivered all that, but the racing wasn't back to normal. It was extraordinary.
Four new faces appeared on the podium this season. Yamaha teammates Aaron Plessinger, Dylan Ferrandis, and Malcolm Stewart all found themselves on the box for the first time in 2021. Stewart took part in another milestone by becoming one of the first set of brothers to each earn a podium. His older brother, James Stewart, was a two-time champion. In 2021 rookie Chase Sexton (now coached by James Stewart, incidentally) landed his first podium for his Honda team.
Part of 2021's excitement was that the title was decided at the final round for the fifth year in a row and that run of five also makes the list of firsts. And The 2021 champion, KTM's Cooper Webb, gets the special designation of being the first rider to win two 250SX titles and two 450SX titles all on four-stroke machines. Only two other riders have achieved two titles in each class, James Stewart and Jeremy McGrath, but those riders did not achieve all of their titles on four-stroke bikes, which are today's top competitive motor style… but watch out, because 2021 also ushered in what could be the new era: electric motorcycles. The half-time race, the Wells Fargo KTM JUNIOR RACING SX Program, switched from gasoline to E-bike race machines for the first time this year.
Championship
1. Cooper Webb, Newport N.C., KTM (388)
2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Honda (353)
3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (326)
4. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (289)
5. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, Yamaha (264)
6. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha (248)
7. Dylan Ferrandis, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Yamaha (237)
8. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Husqvarna (237)
9. Marvin Musquin, Corona, Calif., KTM (231)
10. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., KTM (207)
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