In an electrifying climax to a summer brimming with fierce competition, the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship Finals, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, showcased the prowess of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton as he clinched the prestigious 450 Class title with a stunning 1-1 performance at the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National. The Indianapolis area witnessed a banner day for KTM, further solidified by Frenchman Tom Vialle's triumph in the 250 Class, capping off a sweep for the Austrian brand.
Chase Sexton dominated at Ironman to capture the 450 Class title with an emphatic 1-1 effort for his sixth straight victory. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Kicking off the action, Phil Nicoletti of Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha grabbed the MotoSport.com Holeshot in his final Pro Motocross race. However, it was Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger who quickly took command. Chase Sexton swiftly advanced to third place, closely trailed by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac. Plessinger took an early lead, but Sexton’s relentless pursuit paid off as he surged past Lawrence, marking a crucial championship-winning move. Within the race’s initial ten minutes, the top four riders were separated by just seconds, amplifying the intense showdown.
Aaron Plessinger finished in the runner-up spot to secure a KTM 1-2 finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Sexton adeptly maneuvered into first place, despite persistent pressure from Plessinger and a resurgent Lawrence. Establishing a decisive lead, Sexton clinched his 12th moto win of the season with a gap of 4.8 seconds over Plessinger, ensuring his first 450 Class title with one race still to go.
Eli Tomac grabbed his 72nd career podium in just his second start of the season. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The final moto saw Justin Cooper of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing taking the MotoSport.com Holeshot. Sexton showcased his brilliance once again, surging to the front within the opening lap. Cooper settled into third, with Lawrence, Tomac, and Plessinger in hot pursuit. Although Sexton briefly stalled his bike at one point, he quickly regained his lead and never looked back. His flawless ride culminated in another dominant win by 26.1 seconds over Plessinger.
Sexton’s unparalleled consistency culminated in a six-race winning streak, propelling him to the 450 Class title. Plessinger finished second overall, maintaining his impressive form, while Tomac secured third - a commendable comeback after his injury hiatus.
Tom Vialle broke through for his first win of the season to give KTM a sweep of the day’s victories. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
In the 250 Class, Tom Vialle wrapped up his season with a remarkable performance. The Frenchman rode his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing bike to his first win of the season, achieving a 1-4 result, to end the season on a high note.
Tom Vialle began Moto 1 strongly, securing the MotoSport.com Holeshot and leading from start to finish. Despite challenges from Team Honda HRC’s Chance Hymas and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, Vialle maintained a decisive lead. Misfortunes for competitors like Ty Masterpool further cleared Vialle’s path to a 4.4-second victory over Levi Kitchen of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki.
Chance Hymas ended a four-race podium drought with a runner-up finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The last moto mirrored the first, with Vialle once again at the front. This time, despite fierce battles with Hymas and Haiden Deegan, Vialle showcased tactical mastery. As the race progressed, Deegan’s surge saw him clinch the win, but Vialle’s fourth-place finish was enough to secure the overall victory.
RJ Hampshire landed on the overall podium in just his second race of the season. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
As the season concludes, all eyes now turn to the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals, set to commence on September 7th at Charlotte Motor Speedway. With fresh titles on their belts, Sexton and Deegan lead the charge in what promises to be another exhilarating chapter in motocross history.
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