Australia’s Lawrence Brothers Make American Motocross History at Opening Round of 2023 Pro Motocross Championship

Jett Lawrence Captures Victory in 450 Class Debut While Hunter Lawrence Prevails with Second Career 250 Class Win

The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, got its 11-round summer season underway on Saturday at Fox Raceway under sunny Southern California skies for the KTM Fox Raceway National, presented by Fox Racing. The centerpiece of the new SuperMotocross World Championship began with heavy fanfare to see which riders would make the first statement in the grueling battles that lay ahead for the Edison Dye Cup (450 Class) and Gary Jones Cup (250 Class). After a memorable winter in Monster Energy AMA Supercross, the Australian siblings of Jett and Hunter Lawrence kept the momentum rolling to open the outdoor season with a landmark outing that saw them make American motocross history as the first siblings in more than a half century of the championship to win on the same day. Jett enjoyed an flawless afternoon in his 450 Class debut with a 1-1 sweep, while Hunter’s experience and consistency allowed him to emerge triumphant in the 250 Class with 3-1 finishes.

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Moto 1

The opening 450 Class moto of the 2023 season saw the division’s newest face put himself out front off the start as Lawrence easily grabbed the MotoSport.com Holeshot and stormed out to an early lead ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis, the 2021 titleholder, and Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton, the newly crowned Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion.

Lawrence’s lead continued to grow as the moto wore on, as the young Australian looked comfortable and in full control in his first premier class race. As a result, the focus shifted to the battle for second between Ferrandis and Sexton. The Frenchman held control of second for nearly half of the moto, but Sexton showed patience and persistence and eventually made his move into the runner-up spot.

Out front, Lawrence enjoyed a carefree wire-to-wire performance and cruised to the moto win by 10 seconds over his teammate for a Honda 1-2, while Ferrandis finished with a firm hold of third. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb followed in a distant fourth, with teammate Aaron Plessinger fifth.

Jett Lawrence

Jett Lawrence amassed a flawless afternoon in his 450 Class debut,
leading every minute of both motos.
Photo: Align Media

Moto 2

The second and deciding moto once again saw Lawrence leading the field through the first turn to sweep the MotoSport.com Holeshots for the afternoon, but he immediately came under fire from Ferrandis. A couple of bobbles by the Yamaha rider saw him lose some momentum, which allowed Sexton to make the pass and give chase to his rookie teammate. Behind the lead trio, the KTMs of Webb and Plessinger added themselves into the mix.

It didn’t take long for the Hondas to inch away from Ferrandis and the KTMs, and the race soon turned into a one-on-one battle between Lawrence and Sexton. About two seconds separated the pair, with Sexton keeping Lawrence honest and settling in through the middle portion of the moto. As they entered the final 10 minutes Sexton picked up the pace and was able to decrease the deficit to about a second. They traded momentum at various points on the track and both navigated their way through lapped riders efficiently. As time ran out on the moto the teammates were closer than they had been all race.

A mere seven tenths of a second separated Lawrence and Sexton as they took the white flag, but Lawrence dug deep to open up just enough distance to manage the final push. Lawrence took the checkered flag a second ahead of Sexton, while Ferrandis, who never factored into the battle, finished a distant third, nearly 44 seconds off the lead.

Chase Sexton

Chase Sexton followed his teammate across the line each time,
going 2-2 for a runner-up finish.
Photo: Align Media

Overall

Lawrence led every lap and every minute of his first 450 Class race, which was complemented by the top time in both qualifying sessions, to complete perhaps the most impressive premier class debut in the history of Pro Motocross. Sexton was with Lawrence every step of the way en route to a runner-up effort (2-2) to cap off the second consecutive 1-2 sweep by Team Honda HRC at the Fox Raceway opener. Ferrandis’ 3-3 results rounded out the overall podium in third.

An unprecedented undefeated streak for Lawrence at Fox Raceway now extends to six races, across two classes, having won the previous five 250 Class events in Pala dating back to his first career win in 2020. He becomes the 75th different winner in 450 Class history and the first Australian since Brett Metcalfe won at Round 10 of the 2011 season.

Lawrence and Sexton are separated by six points after the first two motos of the summer, while Ferrandis sits 10 points out of the lead in third.

Dylan Ferrandis

Dylan Ferrandis made a successful return to action with a solid 3-3 effort for third overall.
Photo: Align Media

Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“It’s awesome. I can finally smile. I’ve been trying to stay serious all day, but I’m too excited and can finally let loose. That one [Moto 2] was a little harder than the first one. I could keep hearing [Sexton]. It was a bit of a chess match. It’s great for Honda to have such a great day and hopefully that can continue. It’s going to be a war this summer. I can’t wait.”

Chase Sexton, Team Honda HRC
“I had some decent lines to where if I got close enough I could maybe make a move. I did try at one point with about 10 minutes to go, but I messed up. Jett was riding good and he had a good pace. It’s a great start and we’ve got a lot to build on from here.”

Dylan Ferrandis, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I think it’s good to be in podium position. It was a long second moto, AP [Plessinger] was pushing me. I had to dig deep, so it was good for me and the team to have that experience.”

450 class podium - 2023 Pro Motocross Championship

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish // Points)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda (1-1 // 50)
  2. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda (2-2 // 44)
  3. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha (3-3 // 40)
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (5-4 // 34)
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (4-5 // 34)
  6. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (6-7 // 29)
  7. Grant Harlan, Justin, Texas, Yamaha (9-6 // 27)
  8. Jose Butron, Cadiz, Spain, GASGAS (10-8 // 24)
  9. Lorenzo Locurcio, Valencia, Venezuela, GASGAS (7-11 // 24)
  10. Fredrik Noren, Lidköping, Sweden, Suzuki (13-9 // 20)

450 Class Championship Standings (Round 1 of 11)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda – 50
  2. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 44
  3. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha – 40
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 34
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 34
  6. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 29
  7. Grant Harlan, Justin, Texas, Yamaha – 27
  8. Jose Butron, Cadiz, Spain, GASGAS – 24
  9. Lorenzo Locurcio, Valencia, Venezuela, GASGAS – 24
  10. Fredrik Noren, Lidköping, Sweden, Suzuki – 20

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Moto 1

The first 250 Class moto of the summer began with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jalek Swoll at the head of the pack with the MotoSport.com Holeshot ahead of Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire, who both quickly passed Swoll to grab early control of the moto. Shimoda led briefly, but then gave way to a hard-charging Hampshire as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle slotted into third.

Hampshire controlled the first 10 minutes of the moto then tipped over in a rut, which subsequently forced Shimoda to come to a stop with no way around. Both riders resumed quickly with no positions changed, but the incident allowed Vohland to close in from third. Not long after, Shimoda went on the attack and made the pass for the lead briefly, but Hampshire responded to regain control. As he looked to remount another attack Shimoda went down and lost multiple positions, which allowed Vohland and his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Tom Vialle, the 2022 MX2 World Champion, to move into second and third, respectively.

With no pressure from behind Hampshire opened a lead of nearly 10 seconds entering the final phase of the moto, which allowed Vohland to settle firmly into second. Behind them, the battle for the final spot on the podium continued as Shimoda clawed his way back into contention and brought Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence with him. Both riders were able to make their way around Vialle to drop the Frenchman to fifth and set their sights on Vohland in the closing minutes.

It was smooth sailing for Hamshire the rest of the way as the Husqvarna rider captured the third moto win of his career by 6.1 seconds. A torrid battle for second unfolded on the final lap as Shimoda and Lawrence closed in on Vohland. A lapped rider allowed Lawrence to get by Shimoda, from which the Australian rider continued his charge onto Vohland’s rear fender. However, the KTM rider withstood the challenge to secure the best moto result of his career in second, with Lawrence third, Shimoda fourth, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper rounding out the top five.

Hunter Lawrence

Hunter Lawrence overcame soreness from a hard practice crash
to prevail with his second career win.
Photo: Align Media

Moto 2

The final moto saw Lawrence put his Honda out front with the MotoSport.com Holeshot as Vialle gave chase in second. Behind them, both Hampshire and Vohland were involved in incidents that dropped each of the top-two finishers deep in the 40-rider field. Shimoda didn’t fare well either and started outside the top 15 in the running order.

With a clear track ahead Lawrence easily built a multi-second lead over Vialle, who started to receive pressure from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rookie Haiden Deegan. As the top three settled in, the attention shifted to the recovery efforts of the riders that ran at the front of the field with Lawrence in Moto 1. Both Vohland and Shimoda soon found themselves racing one another in a climb up to the top 10, while Hampshire valiantly looked to overcome a pair of tip-overs on the opening lap. Vohland and Shimoda continued their march up the standings, which put both back into contention for the overall podium. The KTM rider was able to reestablish his spot in the overall classification, only to make contact with a rider and go down, which dropped Vohland outside the top 10.

Vohland’s misfortune shifted the momentum to Vialle and Cooper, who engaged in a late battle for third in the moto that would ultimately decide which rider would also secure that position in the overall standings. That was until Hampshire’s slow and methodical recovery saw him break into contention by approaching the top 10 in the running order. Hampshire was able to move himself onto the overall podium, only to watch it slip away with a third incident. The Husqvarna rider lost a couple positions but remounted and made one final push. He needed to pass a pair of riders on the final lap and was successful in doing so.

Back out front, Lawrence enjoyed a wire-to-wire performance that saw him cap off the afternoon with a convincing win, 8.4 seconds ahead of Deegan, with Vialle not too far behind in third.

Haiden Deegan

Haiden Deegan landed on the overall podium for the first time
in just his third start, securing 6-2 finishes.
Photo: Align Media

Overall

Lawrence’s consistent 3-1 moto finishes not only gave the Australian the second victory of his career, but allowed him to establish a solid point lead after just one round. Deegan earned the first overall podium finish of his career in the runner-up spot (6-2), while Hampshire’s valiant late-race effort and impressively resilient moto as a whole allowed him to steal the final spot in third (1-11).

The opening round win established an eight-point lead for Lawrence atop the 250 Class point standings over Deegan, while Hampshire sits 10 points behind in third.

RJ Hampshire

RJ Hampshire showed grit and determination on an up and down day
for hard-fought podium finish in third after 1-11 moto finishes..
Photo: Align Media

Hunter Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“The start was crucial. I had a massive crash Monday and could barely ride press day. I was in so much pain. This one goes out to Dr. G [H. Rey Gubernick]. He’s got magic hands and has taken care of me. I can’t thank [him] enough. He is an asset to our team.”

Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I’m actually kind of surprised. Some people said I wouldn’t have been close to this. I guess we’re kind of proving people wrong and that’s what I’ve got to do. Second place in my first season of outdoors, I’m hyped.”

RJ Hampshire, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
“Didn’t have a great start and it kind of got mayhem and in that second corner I went down. I picked up in last and made some really good passes and then going up the hill someone took my front wheel out and then I was dead last again. I didn’t know if I had a shot at the podium. I just started digging deep and making passes, then I threw it away again and had to get those back [once more]. Hey, I’ll take the podium.”

250 class podium - 2023 Pro Motocross Championship

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda (3-1 // 45)
  2. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (6-2 // 37)
  3. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna (1-11 // 35)
  4. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (7-3 // 34)
  5. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (5-4 // 34)
  6. Max Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., KTM (2-9 // 34)
  7. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (4-6 // 33)
  8. Guillem Farres, Balsareny, Spain, Yamaha (8-5 // 29)
  9. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (10-7 // 25)
  10. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki (11-8 // 23)

250 Class Championship Standings (Round 1 of 11)

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda – 45
  2. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 37
  3. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 35
  4. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM – 34
  5. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 34
  6. Max Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., KTM – 34
  7. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki – 33
  8. Guillem Farres, Balsareny, Spain, Yamaha – 29
  9. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha – 25
  10. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki – 23

The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship will continue next Saturday, June 3, from Prairie City SVRA in Sacramento, California, for the Carson City Powersports Hangtown Motocross Classic. The oldest race in American motocross will be streamed live, exclusively on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live, presented by MotoSport.com, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. PT, and followed by 4.5 consecutive hours of uninterrupted race coverage beginning at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET.

Suzuki 2023 Race Teams Primed For Motocross

HEP Motorsports and BarX Teams Continue 2023’s Progression

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC is pleased to announce its continued alliance with HEP Motorsports for the 2023 AMA Pro Racing Motocross Championship. Suzuki and HEP Motorsports will race as Twisted Tea/HEP Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance. Bar X Suzuki will continue to spearhead Suzuki’s 2023 motocross 250-class racing efforts in the Championship.

Coming off a successful 2023 Supercross campaign, Twisted Tea/HEP Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance team riders include Fredrik Noren (47), Marshall Weltin (50),  and Kyle Chisholm (11) racing on Suzuki RM-Z450s.

230525 Twisted Tea:HEP Suzuki squad

Marshall Weltin and Fredrik Noren will run the 450 class, with Kyle Chisholm competing in select rounds of the 2023 AMA Pro Racing Motocross Championship.

Veteran racer Fredrik Noren joins the Twisted Tea/HEP Suzuki squad. Freddie Noren comes to the team with 27 career AMA Pro Motocross Championship 450-class top-ten results and is projected to be a strong addition to the team and its continued progression.

Supercross 450-class stalwart Kyle Chisholm finished the 2023 Supercross season with solid results. Finishing the 2023 SX season in 15th place, Chisholm had consistent race performances,  with his best result of the 2023 SX season at the penultimate stop in Denver, recording a solid 8th place. Chisholm will compete in select 2023 MX Outdoor rounds.

Rounding out the Twisted Tea/HEP Suzuki 450-class team is Marshall Weltin. Hailing from Ulby, Michigan, Weltin is moving up from the 2023 250 SX East series, where he showed consistent performance, highlighted by 11th-place finishes in Atlanta and Daytona.

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Robbie Wageman, and Dilan Schwartz will spearhead BarX Suzuki’s 250 class efforts in the 2023 AMA Pro Racing Motocross Championship while Derek Drake will try his hand on the RM-Z450.

Competing for Suzuki in the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross Championship’s 250 class is BarX Suzuki’s  Robbie Wageman (59),  and Dilan Schwartz (85): who joins the BarX Suzuki squad from the Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki team. BarX Suzukis third rider, Derek Drake (53) will step up into the 450 class for the outdoor series. BarX Suzuki also showed consistency and progress in the 250 SX season that just concluded.

Wageman had a solid season in the 250SX West series, finishing 11th overall, with a best result of ninth at Glendale. Derek Drake, from San Luis Obispo, CA continues with Bar X having finished in 15th place in the 250 SX West Series Championship. Drake’s strongest showings were 12th-place finishes at Anaheim 1, Glendale, and Denver. Dilan Schwartz joins Bar X having achieved a 16th place finish in the 250 SX West Series Championship, with an 11th place result at Denver.

230525 Suzuki RM-Z450 230525 Suzuki RM-Z250

Suzuki RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 make for some of the
best-turned-out race bikes of 2023.

“The 2023 Supercross season was an exciting time for the Suzuki teams, with a nice progression of improving results as the season progressed,” stated Suzuki’s Motorsports Manager Chris Wheeler, “with both the RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 continuing to show consistent performance and results, our teams are amped to race the Outdoors,” added Wheeler.

“We are excited to bring the team’s Supercross season momentum to the Outdoors series. Our program has made great strides in 2023, and we are looking forward to extending this effort to the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Testing and development efforts in 2023 have achieved some great results for Suzuki fans,” HEP Motorsport’s Team Principle, Dustin Pipes stated.
Suzuki’s teams now take on the challenge of the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross Championship. And then onto the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals fueled by Monster Energy returning this September.

The all-new series seeds the top 20 racers in combined supercross and motocross season championship points into two Playoff rounds,  and the Final at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

The AMA Pro Motocross Championship kicks off at Fox Raceway in Pala, California on Saturday, May 27th.

For more team news, and the latest from the Supercross season and SMX World Championship series, please visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Motocrossand HEPMotorsports.com.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Announces Contenders for 2023 AMA Pro Motocross Championship

Monster Energy® Kawasaki and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki are ready for this year’s Pro Motocross Championship. The riders will line up for 11 grueling rounds across the nation to take on the best of the best, in hopes of clinching the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross Championship and secure their spots for the 2023 SuperMotocross Championship.

Monster Energy® Kawasaki will begin the 2023 Pro Motocross season with Adam Cianciarulo in his 18th year riding for Kawasaki.  In 2020, Cianciarulo finished runner-up in the championship standings capturing two overall victories and is looking to return to the podium in 2023. Kawasaki teammate Jason Anderson will sit out the season opener while he continues his recovery following the injury he sustained in Supercross and will return as soon as possible. In the 250 class, Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki will continue with its roster of talented riders and proven race winners with Jo Shimoda, Ryder Difrancesco, Carson Mumford and making his professional debut, Jett Reynolds.

“We are ready for the Pro Motocross season and looking forward to continuing the momentum from Supercross.” said Kawasaki Racing Senior Manager, Dan Fahie. “Adam and the team have been putting in the hours and we are looking forward to lining up on Saturday aboard the KX™450SR. We are optimistic about Jason’s return to the gate once he is physically ready to showcase the work and dedication that he’s put in during his time off.”

The No. 9 KX450SR of Cianciarulo looks to maintain the momentum gained from the Supercross season to come into the Pro Motocross Championship and fight for the top step at each round. The KX450SR rider has shown massive growth over the last few Supercross rounds and is ready to be a top contender for the 2023 Pro Motocross season.

”I’m going into this season with a positive mindset. I’ve proved to myself that I can battle for the podium and I’m more motivated than ever. I am confident in my progression and I’m looking forward to a great summer with the whole Monster Energy® Kawasaki Team.” said Cianciarulo.

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Monster Energy Pro Circuit banner

Monster Energy®:Pro Circuit:Kawasaki race team

A partnership with more than 30 years of professional racing history, the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team will enter the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross season with a strong lineup of up and coming racers. Shimoda, DiFrancesco, Reynolds and Mumford will be on the hunt weekly battling for a chance at glory at the 11 rounds of Pro Motocross.

“Coming into the first round of Pro Motocross we feel prepared. We have a great team that has been putting in long hours to get us where we are today.” said Mitch Payton. “Jo had strong finishes in Supercross so we are expecting front running results from him. Both Jett and Ryder have been hard at work to be top contenders this year and we look forward to helping them continue to progress for the rest of the season.”

After recovering from an injury sustained in the early 2023 season, Shimoda returned to Supercross and immediately placed himself in the top-five in Atlanta. From then on he continued to improve and round out the remainder of the Supercross season on a high note with multiple top-five finishes including a podium in Nashville. Shimoda is ready to carry on his momentum and success into the Pro Motocross season at Pala where he has previously shown consistent success.

After another successful Supercross season in the futures class, DiFrancesco looks to return to the Pro Motocross Championship on his KX™250 as one of the riders to watch this season. Coming off multiple top-three finishes, the No. 75 looks to start strong at Fox Raceway.

The remarkable amateur, Reynolds is back up to speed showing tremendous growth and ready to head to Pro Motocross to make his professional debut with the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team in 2023.

Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki is looking forward to having Carson Mumford on the Pro Motocross team for the 2023 season after showing consistent results and progress throughout the Supercross season.

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Four-Rider Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Roster set for 2023 Pro Motorcross Season

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will field a complete four-rider roster in the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship, featuring Cooper Webb and Aaron Plessinger in 450MX, alongside 250MX contenders Maximus Vohland and Tom Vialle when the season opens in Pala, California, this Saturday, May 27.

Marking the second stage of the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), which combines both the recently-finished AMA Supercross Championship and 11-round Pro Motocross Championship before the SMX post-season, all four KTM riders will be READY TO RACE when the gate drops on the outdoors.

Two-time premier class Supercross champion and former 250MX champion Webb makes his anticipated return to Pro Motocross riding the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION at this weekend’s opening round, having sat out the series last year. The 27-year-old was in contention for a third-career 450SX crown when a crash in Nashville ended his indoor campaign prematurely, however, he has been given a clean bill of health by doctors and is excited for the challenge ahead.

COOPER WEBB 02 - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING

Cooper Webb: “I’m extremely excited to be lining up for the Pro Motocross series. I didn’t compete outdoors last year, so this will be my first time racing it since 2021. I’m super grateful for the team and I to be able to do it together and get back behind the gate. After my crash in Nashville, I’ve been able to take some time off and get fully healthy, cleared, and ready to go. Hopefully, I have some great results with the Red Bull KTM team this summer, we’ll see where it puts us and I can’t wait to see the fans again – I’m looking forward to getting back behind the gate!”

Also in the 450MX division, 27-year-old Plessinger has been focused on taking things outdoors in recent weeks and has made significant progress with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION during pre-season testing for Pro Motocross. The fan favorite, who is also a former 250 Class champion, finished seventh in the standings last year and has his sights set on challenging for the title from the outset in 2023. He’s coming off a convincing runner-up result at the final round of Supercross, two weeks ago in Salt Lake City.

AARON PLESSINGER 02 - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING

Aaron Plessinger: “I’m looking forward to outdoors this year. The team and I have been working hard on the bike’s motocross setting and it’s really coming around now – I like the way it’s working and it should be a good summer. I’ve been waiting for outdoors ever since Supercross started and I can’t wait to get on the gate and show these boys what I’ve got! It’s a good opportunity to get out front and try to get a taste of this red plate, so hopefully we do that at Pala and move to Hangtown with the points lead. We’ve gotta get there first and see how we stack up, but I think we can do really good this year and be title contenders – I’m excited to get going!”

After finishing sixth in the 250MX championship one year ago, Vohland is confident that he can make an additional impact this season riding the KTM 250 SX-F. In his third year with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing competing at the professional level, experience is building for the 20-year-old and he is motivated to make this year count outdoors.

MAXIMUS VOHLAND 02 - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING

Maximus Vohland: “I can’t wait to get the outdoor season started! I really like racing outdoors, especially getting to go race at Hangtown, which is my home track. I have had a reasonably successful first couple of years, going ninth in my rookie season and sixth last year. My bike is working great, so I’m definitely ready to battle up front, be on podiums, and be in the championship hunt this year.”

There will be a lot of interest in French newcomer Vialle when the gate drops at Round 1, the reigning and two-time MX2 World Champion – who lifted the crown in 2020 and 2022 – due to commence his Pro Motocross career in the U.S. At 22, Vialle successfully completed the 250SX East series and enters the outdoors at 100 percent fitness, putting him in an ideal position to showcase his capabilities in a more familiar motocross environment onboard the KTM 250 SX-F.

TOM VIALLE 02 - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING

Tom Vialle: “We just finished Supercross racing and had one weekend off, and now we start 11 rounds of motocross racing, starting with Pala this weekend. I am looking forward to the Pro Motocross series because it’s the kind of racing that I am used to and I raced a lot successfully in Europe. It is pretty different splitting the year up between two different racing series, because in Europe we just focus on one series for a whole year. But I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge and really excited for outdoors, because obviously, that’s the racing I know best.”

It’s a welcome return to a full rider line-up for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing after being affected by injuries in the latter stages of Supercross. The combination of Webb, Plessinger, Vohland, and Vialle is a competitive one, with the team working extensively in transitioning to Pro Motocross for the upcoming summer and motivated to strengthen its position leading into the three SMX events later this year.

Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “I’m really glad everyone is in one piece and healthy, and that the team is able to put forward a full four-rider line-up for the motocross series given we had a turbulent last few rounds in Supercross. We have put in the hours as a team and made a lot of improvements to both our 250 and 450 motocross bike set-up during the off-season and think we are in a really good place to start the season off. The riders have done their work and all four look in good shape, so we should be ready come Pala’s opening round of the season this weekend.”

Source: KTM North America, Inc.

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SuperMotocross World Championship Hits Midway Point of Inaugural Season as Pro Motocross Begins this Saturday in Pala, California

Supercross Caps Banner Season with Key Milestones

Peacock and SuperMotocross Video Pass to Showcase Pro Motocross Championship with Uninterrupted Race Coverage

The inaugural 31-event series of the SuperMotocross World Championship hits the midway point as the focus now turns toward the outdoor Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Round 1 of the 11-round summer season of racing (Round 18 of the SMX World Championship) gets underway this Saturday, May 27, in Pala, Calif. with the Fox Raceway National.

The indoor-stadium season of Supercross concluded recently in Salt Lake City with Chase Sexton capping off a spectacular season with six wins and the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, giving Team Honda HRC its first 450 premier class title in 20 years. Sexton enters the Pro Motocross season currently seeded number one in the SuperMotocross World Championship points standings with 372 points.

230525 Chase Sexton celebrating with Team Honda HRC

Chase Sexton celebrating with Team Honda HRC after winning his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports

Adding to the list of accolades for Team Honda HRC, Australian brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence both won their respective 250SX Class championships, with Jett winning the Western Regional title and Hunter winning the Eastern Regional title. Despite his success in Supercross, Jett will begin the summer at a significant disadvantage in the SMX World Championship standings as he makes the move up to the 450 Class and will start with zero points. As a result of Jett’s graduation, Hunter becomes the top-seeded 250cc racer in the SMX World Championship with 224 points and will continue in the 250 Class for Pro Motocross, where he will be in search of his first AMA National Championship.

230525 Jett and Hunter Lawrence speaking to the media

Jett and Hunter Lawrence speaking to the media at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Jett won the Western Regional 250SX Class title and Hunter won the Eastern Regional 250SX Class title.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports

The 17-round Supercross season witnessed record attendance across the board as more than 850K fans made their way through the turnstiles for the races and over 343K came early for pre-race FanFest across the 16 different markets. The season featured four sellout races (Anaheim Opener, Anaheim 2, San Diego, Salt Lake City) and record high attendance in five other markets, including Glendale, Ariz., Indianapolis, Ind., and Arlington, Texas. Overall, live event attendance increased by 5% YOY, and combined with FanFest, it saw a 15% increase YOY.

Television and streaming viewership also showed strong signs of growth across NBC, Peacock, and USA Network. NBC Sports’ multi-year rights extension with Feld Motor Sports laid the groundwork for Peacock to serve as the home of Supercross, Pro Motocross and the SuperMotocross World Championship this year and into the coming years. Peacock exclusively streamed 12 Supercross races this season, with consumption up nearly 100% vs. 2022. The five rounds that aired on NBC and USA Network reached more than 5 million total viewers.

The SuperMotocross Video Pass, allows international streaming of every round of the SMX World Championship, including the Pro Motocross Championship for the first time. Over the past five years, the streaming service has seen 30% growth globally and in 2023, a new partnership with Endeavor Streaming gives international fans premium access with expanded service and even greater service reliability. The full season package is now available to all countries and territories outside the United States, making SuperMotocross one of the most accessible sports on the planet.

The top 10 countries for international streaming include Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, and Mexico, all of which have their best talent competing in the series leading to international intrigue, tune-in, and global audience interest.

As the SuperMotocross World Championship continues with the Pro Motocross Championship, fans from across the globe can continue to tune in via Peacock and the SuperMotocross Video Pass as the entirety of the 11-round championship will be streamed live, with four and a half hours of live racing with uninterrupted coverage of all four combined 450 Class and 250 Class motos.

In addition to the most extensive streaming coverage to date for Pro Motocross, network broadcast coverage will bring the action into millions of homes during select rounds of the season. NBC will air live network showcases of the opening motos from the Crestview Construction Southwick National, on July 8, and the second motos from the Honda Unadilla National, on August 12, while USA Network will broadcast Sunday re-airs of the final motos from the FXR Spring Creek National, on July 16, and the Yamaha Racing Budds Creek National, on August 20. Encore presentations of the second motos from all 11 rounds will also air on CNBC every Monday following a National.

Bringing the action to the passionate Pro Motocross audience will be host and lead commentator Jason Weigandt, the longtime voice of American motocross, alongside the Hall of Fame tandem of multi-time AMA Champions Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart. These former on-track rivals have become two of the most knowledgeable and savvy color analysts in motorsports, each boasting a racing résumé that made them icons of the sport. Trackside insights will once again feature former racer Jason Thomas in addition to longtime reporter Will Christien during the NBC broadcasts.

2023 Pro Motocross Broadcast and Streaming Schedule:

230525 Pro Motocross Broadcast and Streaming Schedule

Kicking off each National over the course of the summer season will be the addition of Race Day Live, presented by MotoSport.com, the official pre-race show of both Monster Energy AMA Supercross and now the Pro Motocross Championship. This one-hour preview will live-stream the final timed qualifying sessions of the 450 Class and 250 Class, which will set the stage for the afternoon battle for victory each weekend.

Storylines abound for the SuperMotocross World Championship as the series heads into the Pro Motocross season as Sexton, Lawrence, and Adam Cianciarulo all look to keep the momentum going into the summer. Additionally, several key athletes will make their return from injuries as the season unfolds – Cooper Webb, Justin Barcia, Jason Anderson, Dylan Ferrandis, Christian Craig, Malcolm Stewart, Michael Mosiman, Pierce Brown, Jalek Swoll, and others.

For the first time in the sport’s 50-plus year history, athletes have an additional incentive to keep racing as they accumulate points towards the SMX World Championship. The top 20 athletes in combined Supercross and Pro Motocross points (both classes) will be automatically seeded into the SMX Playoffs and World Championship Final. In addition to racing for the sport’s ultimate title, the best athletes in the world will also be competing for the sport’s biggest prize – $5.5M spread across the final three races ($10M spread across the SMX series).

All roads lead towards the SuperMotocross World Championship as Playoff 1 will take place on Saturday, September 9 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C. and Playoff 2 is set for Saturday, September 16 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., followed by the SuperMotocross World Championship Final on Saturday, September 23 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif.

SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs and Final Schedule:

Domestically, Peacock continues to be the exclusive streaming home for all SuperMotocross World Championship action, including 11 rounds of Pro Motocross, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, two SuperMotocross playoff races and then the SuperMotocross World Championship Final.

Internationally, the SuperMotocross Video Pass (Supermotocross.tv) is the go-to platform for all 31 events across the SMX World Championship. With it being the midway point in the series fans can take advantage of a current price reduction.

Mere days remain until the roar of 40-rider gates greet the most enthusiastic fans in motorsports for another memorable summer of the Pro Motocross Championship. The 11-round season will travel to 10 different states, with visits to the hallowed grounds of Fox Raceway, Hangtown, Thunder Valley Motocross Park, High Point Raceway, RedBud MX, The Wick 338, Spring Creek MX Park, Washougal MX Park, Unadilla MX, Budds Creek Motocross Park, and Ironman Raceway.

For more information about the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship series, the Pro Motocross Championship, tickets, and streaming options, visit Peacock and supermotocross.com.

Supercross Celebrates $1M Fundraising Milestone Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

New Love Moto Stop Cancer Campaign Raises Additional $229K via Text-to-Donate and Supercross Auction Initiatives 

ELLENTON, FL – May 23, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Thanks to the generosity of racers, teams, industry partners, and fans, Monster Energy AMA Supercross is pleased to announce it has surpassed the $1 million fundraising milestone in support of the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®: Finding cures. Saving children.® This milestone marks seven years of commitment to St. Jude families.

The partnership between Feld Entertainment and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital kicked off in 2017, when Feld Entertainment and Supercross legend Ryan Dungeylaunched the initiative within the Supercross community.

“Every new bridge that Supercross and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital cross together just opens my eyes to how meaningful and impactful this relationship is and can be. I’m looking forward to a long-continued partnership in the future,” said Dave Prater, Vice President of Supercross.

Over the course of each season, the Supercross community supports St. Jude through an annual text-to-donate campaign, online auction, and special moments with patients and their families. The auction is launched each year on the heels of an annual race dedicated solely to the kids at St. Jude. Round 14, of the 2023 season, which took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ served as the annual race in which athletes and teams featured St. Jude patient-inspired artwork on their jerseys, gear, and bike graphics. These one-of-a-kind items were then donated to the auction where 100% of the proceeds went directly to supporting St. Jude and its families.

Because of fundraising through partnerships like this, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food – so they can focus on helping their child live. The 2023 Love Moto Stop Cancer text-to-donate campaign raised an impressive $92,789 throughout the season while the online auction raised an additional $137,290 in just two weeks. Supercross is the only entity outside of Country music to use their own community-wide slogan – Love Moto Stop Cancer. Moto is short for Motocross which embellishes both disciplines of Motocross and Supercross. The spike in donations is a direct result of Supercross’ commitment to St. Jude and this year’s one-of-a-kind campaign. Donors who pledge $19 or more per month receive an exclusive Love Moto Stop Cancer T-shirt, routinely worn by all the sport’s top athletes.

Click the image below for an impassioned look at St. Jude and Supercross through the years.

International superstar Ken Roczen, Dave Prater, and Sr. Public Relations Manager Sean Brennen commemorated the $1M occasion at an honorary lighting of the Empire State Building in New York City. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

“What an incredible milestone to celebrate with our friends at Feld Entertainment and Supercross — all in the name of coming together to help kids around the globe,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “We are so grateful for these amazing partners and their loyal fans in the New York and New Jersey area and around the world who give back to help the 400,000 kids globally who will get cancer every year.”

For more information about Supercross and ways to support St. Jude please visit Supercrosslive.com/stjude.

Colt Nichols and Next Wave of FIM World Supercross Championship Competitors Announced

Justin Brayton, Vince Friese, Enzo Lopes, Chris Blose, Kyle Peters and more added to 2023 Championship teams’ lineups.

The 2023 FIM World Supercross Championship has continued to expand its global contingent of star athletes, announcing Colt Nichols, Justin Brayton, Vince Friese, Enzo Lopes, Chris Blose, and Kyle Peters, who have all been added to the six-round championship season.

With global sensation Ken Roczen recently announcing his return to WSX competition, SX Global CEO Adam Bailey said Roczen’s commitment and the growing list of international stars add further anticipation and excitement for fans attending this year’s events around the world.

“We’re building the World Supercross Championship for the fans first and foremost, and they are our motivation. There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing their enjoyment when they experience WSX racing for the first time and get to see their heroes in action first-hand.”

Adam Bailey | SX Global CEO

“You can feel the energy building for the season opener in Birmingham. If you’re a hardcore supercross fan or just looking to experience the most entertaining motorsport on the planet, you have to be at Villa Park on the first of July.”

“It’s fantastic to see so many of the top riders from 2022 returning and new faces joining WSX for our first official season. It’s been an enormous amount of work, but the increased depth of talent in 2023 proves we’re building a product that the world’s best athletes want to win, and I’m proud of that,” said Bailey.

2021 AMA 250SX East Region Champion Nichols makes the move to the World Supercross Championship for the first time. He joins Rick Ware Racing and is eager to test his mettle against the best riders in the world after a breakout season in the US domestic championship.

Henry Miller returns to Rick Ware Racing for a second season of international competition alongside defending SX2 World Champion Shane McElrath.

Debuting for the Honda NILS team is 2022 SX2 3rd place getter Chris Blose. Blose will be joined by World Supercross Championship newcomer and four-time AMA Arenacross Champion Kyle Peters, who will also compete in the SX2 class for Honda NILS.

MotoConcepts’ mainstay Vince Friese, who finished 3rd on the podium in the WSX class in 2022 after a controversial finish, will be joined by seasoned AMA 250cc and 450cc winner Cole Seely, who is stepping up to the premier WSX class.

In SX2, Mitchell Oldenburg also returns to the MotoConcepts squad alongside veteran racer Michael Alessi, who will make his return to supercross competition.

The Yarrive Konsky-led Fire Power Honda team further strengthens its competitive lineup with international supercross specialist and AMA 450cc race winner Justin Brayton joining teammates Max Anstie and Dean Wilson.

Justin Brayton has experienced great success under Konsky’s management in the Australian and AMA Supercross Championships. He moves across to Konsky’s WSX team to compete on the Fire Power Honda-built Honda CRF450R.

Having had a breakout season in this year’s AMA Supercross 250cc West Coast Championship, Enzo Lopes will give the Brazilian fans a reason to cheer. He’s returning to the Club MX FXR team and competing in the SX2 class.

Canadian Cole Thompson will join Lopes in SX2, while Matt Moss (making a recent switch from MDK Motorsports) and Luke Neese will represent the team in the WSX class.

The MDK Motorsports squad will see former AMA 250cc East Coast Champion and fan favourite Justin Bogle return to the team to contest the SX2 class and welcome newcomer Cade Clason, who will race in the WSX class.

Tickets for the 2023 FIM World Supercross Championship season-opening rounds are on sale now. Visit the WSX Championship website to find out more.

Chase Sexton Wraps Up 2023 Supercross Title with Utah Win

Jett Lawrence Tops 250SX Class Racers in East/West Showdown

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton nabbed the final win of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross indoor stadium season to cap his first 450SX Class championship with a victory in front of a sold-out crowd of 49,871 fans inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Salt Lake City Supercross

Rice-Eccles Stadium hosted its 22nd Monster Energy Supercross, and its fourth Supercross season finale, in Utah’s inspiring “State of Sport” spirit. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger took the race’s runner-up spot at the Supercross Championship Final Presented by Utah Sports Commission. And Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill took third place and his career-first 450SX Class podium to conclude the Supercross season and also earn points toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the 250SX Class season finale, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence earned his sixth victory of the season in the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Showdown that pit both regions against each other for the second time in 2023.

Chase Sexton - Salt Lake City Supercross

Chase Sexton used speed and determination to take his first Supercross Championship. He finished the season on top with a nearly 20-second win at the finale in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

On the podium, the AMA awarded Chase Sexton the Monster Energy Supercross Champion title. He entered the race with the championship mathematically won but received the official #1 plate after the race. With Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence wrapping the two 250SX Class championships at previous rounds, 2023 marked only the third time ever, and second time for Honda, that a manufacturer has captured all three Supercross championships in the same season. The 2023 season marks the 50th Anniversary of Supercross racing in America.

When the gate dropped Chase Sexton grabbed the holeshot ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, FXR General Grind & Machine’s Justin Starling, Twisted Tea Suzuki Progressive Insurance’s Kyle Chisholm and Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen. Roczen was on the move early but just a few turns in he injured his knee in a rutted corner. Roczen’s injury took him out of the race and he lost a chance to earn the two points needed to secure third overall in the championship.

Cianciarulo was into second place just a few laps into the race with Chisholm right behind. Just over three minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Aaron Plessinger took over third and set his sights on Cianciarulo while Justin Hill was into fourth place and on the charge. As the race clock ticked past 12 minutes Plessinger moved past Cianciarulo to take over second, and a lap and a half later Justin Hill was around Cianciarulo and into third place.

As Sexton stretched out his lead up front, Cianciarulo mounted a charge to take back third. But with five minutes left on the race clock the final positions appeared settled. Chase Sexton took his sixth win of the season and brought Honda its first Supercross title since 2003. Sexton’s late-season surge was one of the sport’s great title comebacks, with parallels to David Bailey’s 1983 season that also included a third-to-first drive in the final five races of the season.

Jett Lawrence - Salt Lake City Supercross

Jett Lawrence took the win in what is likely his final 250SX Class race. He moves up to race the 450SX Class next year. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In the final 250SX Class race of the season, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Coty Schock grabbed the holeshot but Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire was quickly into the lead ahead of Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle, Jett Lawrence, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen, and Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie as heavy rain came down in the stadium. Hunter Lawrence found himself with a mid-pack start and then got tangled up when Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes crashed. As Hampshire, Jett Lawrence and Kitchen slotted into the top three spots, Hunter Lawrence and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan worked their way up from outside the top ten.

Three minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race Jett Lawrence began applying pressure on Hampshire for the lead. At the same time, back on the track, Deegan broke into the top ten. Two minutes later Jett Lawrence was in striking distance of the front spot as his brother Hunter Lawrence climbed into the top ten. As the race clock ticked down to eight and a half minutes Jett Lawrence charged through the whoops and cut under Hampshire in the following corner. The riders made contact; Lawrence accelerated away clean but the disturbance led to a Hampshire mistake down the next rhythm lane.

From there Jett Lawrence was unchallenged for the lead. The win gives the Australian racer the distinction of being the winningest Honda rider in the 250SX Class, surpassing racing legends Eli Tomac, Jeremy McGrath and Hunter Lawrence. Hampshire held second to the checkered, and Kitchen took the final 250SX Class podium of the season.

With the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross indoor stadium season wrapped up, the racers have a two week break before the start of the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross outdoor season. Points earned from the Supercross season will combine with points earned in the motocross season to determine the top 20 riders who will gain entry into the all-new SuperMotocross World Championship. Riders in spots 21-30 in overall points, as well as single event winners not in the top 20, will get a spot on the line in the Last Chance Qualifier to battle for the final two spots on the 22-rider starting gate. In September two Playoff races and one Final, with increasing points payouts, will determine the first SuperMotocross World Champion and deliver a $1,000,000 win bonus to that rider. The 250 class racers will battle for a $500,000 win bonus. It’s the first ever playoff season for the sport and delivers a three-race post season that will be all-new for the fans, teams, and racers.

Before the Monster Energy Supercross season closes its books, one great event is yet to conclude: the 2023 St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction. The online auction offers unique, autographed, one-of-a-kind memorabilia donated by the teams, partners, and athletes. The auction runs until Monday, May 15th at 8:00 PM ET. All money raised goes directly to the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the St. Jude mission of Finding Cures. Saving Children. To bid on the auction items please go to: St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction.

St. Jude

All rounds of the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship will be streamed live on Peacock; rounds 29 and 31 will also be broadcast live on USA Network. Both Playoffs and the Final will be re-broadcast on CNBC. For the full race schedule and ticket sales, as well as 2023 Supercross highlight videos, recap race reports, and post-race press conferences, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Salt Lake City Supercross

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Aaron Plessinger, Chase Sexton, and Justin Hill.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  2. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  3. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
  4. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  5. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
  6. Josh Hill, Huntersville, N.C., KTM
  7. Shane McElrath, Oakland, Fla., Suzuki
  8. Justin Starling, Riverview, Fla., GASGAS
  9. Devin Simonson, Laurinburg, N.C., Kawasaki
  10. Grant Harlan, Decatur, Tex., Yamaha

450SX Class Championship Final Standings

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (372)
  2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (339)
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)
  4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (304)
  5. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (267)
  6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (242)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (236)
  8. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (212)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (210)
  10. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (200)

250SX Class podium - Salt Lake City Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Levi Kitchen, Jett Lawrence, and RJ Hampshire.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

East/West Showdown Results

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (West)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (West)
  3. Levi Kitchen, Havana, F., Yamaha (West)
  4. Jo Shimoda, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki (East)
  5. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (East)
  6. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (East)
  7. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (East)
  8. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (East)
  9. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (West)
  10. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki (West)

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Final Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (241)
  2. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (183)
  3. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (182)
  4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (159)
  5. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (143)
  6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (132)
  7. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (120)
  8. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (120)
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (117)
  10. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (94)

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Final Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (223)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (186)
  3. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (156)
  4. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (149)
  5. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (131)
  6. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (121)
  7. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (101)
  8. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (98)
  9. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (87)
  10. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha (87)

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Extends Malcolm Stewart Contract through 2025

SET TO CONTINUE IN BOTH THE AMA SUPERCROSS AND PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR ANOTHER TWO SEASONS

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team is pleased to announce that Malcolm Stewart has signed a two-year contract extension to continue in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, including the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross series.

230512 Malcolm Stewart - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (2)

After joining Husqvarna Motorcycles in 2022, 30-year-old Stewart has underlined his podium capabilities onboard the FC 450 Rockstar Edition at the highest level of Supercross and finished third in his inaugural 450SX campaign with the brand last season.

In continuing to build upon that form earlier this year, Stewart displayed race-winning speed in the opening rounds of the new season – including leading laps at Anaheim 1 and then qualifying fastest and winning his Heat race in San Diego – before he was unfortunately sidelined in late January and underwent knee surgery.

Stewart has since continued to go above and beyond with his rehab program, determined to reach 100 percent before getting back on the bike and making his competitive return, fully supported by the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team in his recovery.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Malcolm sign for two more years,” commented Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager. “It was clear to us before Malcolm’s injury that he was ready to win races and compete for the championship in 2023. Malcolm is not only a fan favorite, but also a pleasure to have as a part of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team, and we strongly believe that Malcolm will return to racing and be better than ever.”

230512 Malcolm Stewart - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (3)

For more information on the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team and its athletes, visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com.

Husqvarna Motorcycles.

Husqvarna Motorcycles is widely known for leading innovation and providing exceptional performance across its street and offroad products, as well as being present in all top-level racing disciplines. With the brand originally founded in Sweden in 1903, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ machines have been designed and manufactured in Mattighofen, Austria since 2013.

Source: Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH

230128 Husqvarna SX sponsor logos

Ken Roczen Announces Commitment to World Supercross Championship

Roczen returns to defend WSX 450cc Class World Title in 2023 and beyond

Ken Roczen has today confirmed his commitment to the FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX), announcing via a virtual media conference he will race in the Championship until 2025.

Already a rider for the Dustin Pipes-led Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki team in the US, Roczen will compete under the Pipes Motorsports Group banner in 2023, where he’ll defend his current WSX (450cc) class World Title.

Roczen says returning to the World Supercross Championship for the next three years represents his commitment to becoming a supercross specialist and growing the discipline around the world.

“I had a great time in Cardiff and Melbourne last year, which made it easy to commit to the World Supercross Championship. I’m hungrier than ever for race wins and will be giving it my all with my team to be standing on the top step when the season ends in Melbourne this November.”

Ken Roczen | Defending WSX 450cc World Champion

“For supercross to grow as a sport around the world, I think it’s really important that more riders focus solely on the discipline, which is why I’m concentrating on the World Supercross Championship and the AMA Supercross Championship in the coming years. I feel like my riding this year has been as good as ever, and I’m excited to see what I can do when focusing on one speciality.

“I’m particularly proud of what we’ve achieved this year with the Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki Team. Dustin, Larry and the whole team have put in a huge effort to make me as comfortable as I have been to race at the front all season long.

“For us to continue our supercross momentum together and take the sport we love to fans around the world is an amazing opportunity that I’m very grateful for. I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to compete for a World Title at home in Germany, which is something I could only dream about until now.”

SX Global CEO Adam Bailey said that today’s announcement was not only a huge win for the sport but for fans who might not have had an opportunity to see one of the biggest names in supercross race in their country before.

“Supercross has an incredible following across the globe, and we know Ken is one of the most popular riders in the world, so having him commit to WSX for the next three years is a fantastic step towards our mission to build a truly global World Supercross Championship that fans, athletes, teams, sponsors and media partners are passionate about.

“I can’t wait to see fans in new regions enjoy the best sport in the world firsthand. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the enjoyment they get witnessing these incredible athletes race in person,” said Bailey.

Pipes Motorsports Team Principal Dustin Pipes said Roczen’s professionalism and experience are qualities the team is already familiar with. Now, they can build on that foundation as they embark on a new season of WSX racing.

“Ken is a champion in supercross both on and off the track, and we’ve already seen what he can achieve with our team in the States. That relationship and consistency now transfer to our World Supercross Championship team, so we’re confident that Ken can deliver another World Title win, this time on a Suzuki, in 2023,” said Pipes.

Watch the full press conference here.

Fans can witness Roczen defend his WSX World Title at six World Supercross Championship rounds in the United Kingdom, France, Southeast Asia, Germany, Canada and Australia. To buy tickets, visit WSXChampionship.com

About WSX

The FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) is an international Championship led by SX Global in Australia. The World Supercross Championship was primarily based in the USA before the world governing body for motorcycle sport, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), awarded SX Global the exclusive organisational and commercial rights to stage and promote the World Supercross Championship from 2022 onwards.

Last year, the WSX pilot season was launched at Principality Stadium in Cardiff to over 35,000 fans before it headed down under, where 50,000 fans witnessed the finale across two nights at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. The 2022 Championship saw Ken Roczen from Germany win the WSX class, and Shane McElrath from the USA win the SX2 class.

WSX offers the biggest prize money in World Supercross Championship history, with US$250,000 to be won at each round across the two racing classes – WSX (450cc) and SX2 (250cc). Under its independent team franchise model, the Championship also features unprecedented financial support for teams and riders. WSX provides an elevated experience for fans through unique race formats, broadcast innovations, and in-stadium entertainment suitable for people and families of all ages.

Source: FIM World Supercross Championship

FIM WSX Logo