Sexton Surges, Kitchen Breaks Through at Spring Creek National

The 2024 Pro Motocross Championship roared back to life at Spring Creek MX Park in Minnesota for a day of challenging weather and thrilling racing. In the premier 450 Class, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Chase Sexton continued his dominance, sweeping both motos to extend his championship lead. The 250 Class saw a new face atop the podium, as Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Levi Kitchen captured his first career Pro Motocross victory with a 1-1 performance.

Chase Sexton – First Place 450 Class - FXR Spring Creek National

Chase Sexton asserted himself once more with a sweep of the motos. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc. 

Sexton Takes Control in the 450 Class

High humidity and scorching temperatures greeted riders in the 450 Class, giving way to dramatic late-race thunderstorms that transformed the track into a demanding test of skill and endurance. Sexton, fresh off his victory at the previous round, wasted no time asserting his dominance. After a strong start in Moto 1, he patiently stalked championship rival Hunter Lawrence (Team Honda HRC) before making a decisive pass for the lead midway through the race. He never looked back, cruising to a comfortable victory.

Hunter Lawrence – Secind Place 450 Class - FXR Spring Creek National

Hunter Lawrence continued his incredible consistency with a runner-up finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Moto 2 saw Sexton face a slightly different challenge. A less-than-ideal start left him outside the top five early, but he remained composed and methodically worked his way through the field. By the halfway point, he had overtaken third place and set his sights on the leaders, Lawrence and Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing). Another patient and calculated move put him in front, and he rode away to secure his second straight moto win and solidify his position atop the championship standings.

Justin Cooper – Third Place 450 Class - FXR Spring Creek National

Justin Cooper (32) parlayed a holeshot in Moto 2 into a podium result in third. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Kitchen Makes History in the 250 Class

Levi Kitchen – First Place 250 Class - FXR Spring Creek National

Levi Kitchen broke through for his maiden victory in Pro Motocross competition. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Haiden Deegan – Second Place 250 Class - FXR Spring Creek National

Haiden Deegan once again showed his resiliency in a runner-up effort. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

The 250 Class saw a season-defining performance from Levi Kitchen. After a challenging start to the season, Kitchen found his rhythm at Spring Creek, battling for the lead throughout both motos. In Moto 1, he capitalized on a mistake by early leader Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) to take the lead and hold on for his first career moto win. Moto 2 followed a similar script, with Kitchen battling back from an early setback to overtake rookie Casey Cochran (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and claim another victory. This dominant 1-1 performance cemented Kitchen's place in history as the 94th rider to win a 250 Class moto and the third different winner this season.

Casey Cochran – Third Place 250 Class - FXR Spring Creek National

Rookie Casey Cochran emerged with the first podium result of his career. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Looking Ahead

The Pro Motocross Championship continues next weekend with a return to the West Coast for Round 8 at the famed Washougal MX Park in Washington. With Sexton firmly in control of the 450 Class and the 250 Class wide open, the next few rounds promise even more intense racing as riders vie for championship glory. Get your tickets at www.MOTO.events.

Gear up for the 2024 Season

Rev your engines and brace yourselves, folks! The 2024 season is gearing up to be the ultimate showdown of top talent! Here is a breakdown of what has unfolded in the off-season.

Red Bull KTM: Chase Sexton, the Defender

CHASE SEXTON - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING

The reigning 450SX Champion, Chase Sexton, is making a move that's sending shockwaves through the motocross motoverse. Sexton, now donning the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors, is set to defend his 2023 AMA Supercross Championship.

Sexton, with a bold career move, is eager to work with the KTM powerhouse. "I think we have a bright future together," he declared. The union of Sexton's talent and KTM's legacy is a concoction destined for glory.

 

Team Honda HRC: Hunter Lawrence's Grand Ascent to 450 Premier Class

220619 Hunter Lawrence Extends Contract with Honda (3)

Hunter Lawrence, the Australian prodigy who conquered the 250 scene last season, is moving up to the big leagues for 2024. The 24-year-old speed demon is saddling up on the CRF450RWE, ready to battle it out in the AMA Supercross, Pro Motocross, and SuperMotocross series.

Lawrence, after clinching 250 titles last season, expressed his excitement about the promotion. "I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in my 250 career, but it’s exciting to move up to the premier class for 2024," he shared. With off-season testing promising, and the Lawrence brothers reunited on the big bikes, Team Honda HRC is revving up for a show-stopping season.

 

Honda's Rising Sun: Jo Shimoda's Journey Continues

Shimoda Honda 10

Jo Shimoda, the Japanese sensation, is set to ride the CRF250R for Honda’s factory squad in 2024 and ’25. The 22-year-old, with a history of breaking barriers, aims to add another chapter to his impressive career. Shimoda's return to Honda is a reunion worth celebrating, and with teammates like Jett and Hunter Lawrence, this squad is a force to be reckoned with.

Shimoda, beaming with enthusiasm, said, "I’m super-stoked to join Honda’s factory team." His eyes are set on an AMA championship, and the chemistry with his teammates could turn this season into a Japanese motocross revolution.

 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna: Farres Joins the 250 Class

231016 Guillem Farres - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna (3)

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is turning up the heat with the addition of Guillem Farres to their 250 Class program. The 20-year-old Spaniard is ready to make waves in 250SX.

Farres, after showcasing his potential in the latter part of the 2022 season, is thrilled to be part of the Husqvarna family. Nathan Ramsey, Team Manager, sees Farres as a rising star, and with the Baker’s Factory program in the mix, the Spaniard is geared up for a spectacular debut in 2024.

 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna: Casey Cochran's Pro Debut

Casey Cochran - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is also adding 17-year-old Casey Cochran in the 2024 season. After a stellar amateur career, Cochran is ready to step into the spotlight, making his mark in the SuperMotocross World Championship on the FC 250.

Nathan Ramsey, Team Manager, expressed his excitement, saying, "He’s a very hard worker and is full of potential for a great future." The anticipation for Cochran's pro debut is palpable, and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna squad is ready to nurture this budding talent.

 

Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS: Ryder DiFrancesco's Rookie Quest

Ryder DiFrancesco - Troy Lee Designs_Red Bull_GASGAS Factory Racing

Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing has a new prodigy in town, and his name is Ryder DiFrancesco. The 18-year-old is set to embark on his rookie 250SX campaign, bringing his explosive talent to the tracks.

Max Lee, Team Manager, is thrilled about DiFrancesco joining the team, stating, "He has a lot of talent and a good work ethic." With DiFrancesco transitioning from a decorated amateur career to the professional ranks, the 2024 season promises to be a captivating chapter in his motocross journey.

 

Get ready, the 2024 Supercross season is on the horizon, and with these riders and teams, we're in for a wild ride. Stay tuned for the twists, turns, and high-flying action that will define this thrilling season. The countdown to Anaheim 1 has never felt this electrifying! Secure your A1 tickets now.

Daxton Bennick Wins Supercross Futures Amateur Race at Anaheim Supercross

Amateur Program Delivers Great Racing Under the Lights at Angel Stadium

ANAHEIM, CA – January 30, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Daxton Bennick showed the form and composure of a seasoned Supercross pro on his way to a strong victory in the first round of the 250SX Futures Class of Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Angel Stadium of Anaheim was packed and loud for Round 4 of the pro season and the Supercross Futures race that took place midway through the night’s racing program. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran, who was competing in the B Group, earned second overall while teammate Talon Hawkins grabbed the holeshot and had an eventful race to garner the final podium position.

The Supercross Futures program was conceived to provide a stadium Supercross experience and path to the pros for the next generation of racers. Four rounds are held throughout the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season with the top five finishers qualifying for an AMA Amateur National Championship held in Salt Lake City, Utah during the final event of the full 17-round pro season.

When the gate dropped Talon Hawkins nabbed the holeshot in front of 17 other racers. He mis-timed the first rhythm section and Casey Cochran took over the lead spot with Hawkins and Altherm JCR Yamaha’s Cole Davies right behind. Davies’ wild ride through the whoops on the opening lap allowed Daxton Bennick and EBR Racing Yamaha’s Julien Beaumer to get around Davies. Beaumer landed hard on a following jump and his handlebar rotated in the clamps; he was forced to slow his pace.

Cochran led the field of young racers until, similar to Davies’ opening lap troubles, Cochran had a bobble in the whoops that allowed Hawkins to re-take the lead in the next rhythm lane. With 3:38 remaining on the race clock of the six-minute plus one lap race, Bennick made an inside move under Cochran to take second while just behind them Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan crashed trying to re-take fifth position from KTM USA’s Preston Boespflug. The mistake sent Deegan, a race-win favorite, back to ninth.

Bennick steadily reeled in Hawkins and with just over a minute left on the race clock, Bennick used a fast run through the whoops to get cleanly into the lead. On the final lap Hawkins ran into trouble, allowing Cochran to grab the runner up spot as Hawkins recovered to finish in third place.

The 250SX Futures Class races again in Arlington, Texas on February 25th, which will also be the second of three Triple Crown-format events for the professional racers. All Monster Energy AMA Supercross events are streamed live on Peacock with select events also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. For the full schedule, results, video highlights, and ticket sales to any of the remaining Monster Energy AMA Supercross events, please visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

250SX Futures Class podium

250SX Futures Class podium (riders left to right) Casey Cochran, Daxton Bennick, and Talon Hawkins. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

SX Futures Class Results

  1. Daxton Bennick, Morganton, N.C., Yamaha
  2. Casey Cochran, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
  3. Talon Hawkins, Temecula, Calif., Husqvarna
  4. Cole Davies, Waitoki, NZ, Yamaha
  5. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  6. Preston Boespflug, Winchester, Calif., KTM
  7. Gage Linville, Park Lake, Ga., Honda
  8. Slade Varola, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki
  9. Braden Spangle, Mead, Wash., Yamaha
  10. Dylan Cunha, Modesto, Calif., Yamaha

Assets:
2023 Anaheim 2 Photo Gallery
Anaheim 2 Press Conference
Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Media Contacts:
Sean Brennen
Feld Motor Sports – Senior PR Manager – Supercross
sbrennen@feldinc.com

About Feld Motor Sports:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Source: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

230105 SX sponsor logos

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U.S. Team Victorious at 2022 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship

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Win in Vantaa, Finland, becomes fifth title won by Team USA

PICKERINGTON, OH – September 7, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) –  Although they were nearly halfway around the world, Team USA’s seven-rider roster made the United States proud as they finished atop the nations’ standings at the 2022 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship in Vantaa, Finland.

“This year was a great opportunity for our team, and they seized the moment on the world stage,” said AMA Deputy Director of Racing Mike Burkeen. “I am truly proud of every member of this team, and they reaffirmed what we knew when we selected them to this team: they are some of the brightest young stars in motocross.”

The U.S. Team finished the event, which spanned Aug. 26-28, with 17 points — edging out the host country Finnish team, which took second with 25 points. The Netherlands rounded out the podium with 26 points.

This year marked Team USA’s first appearance in the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship since 2019 and its first win since 2014. Team USA now has five FIM Junior Motocross World Championship titles.

Tayce Morgan of Clermont, Fla., and Maddox Temmerman of Visalia, Calif., represented the team in the 65cc FIM Junior Motocross World Cup Class. The 85cc FIM World Championship Class included Carson Wood of Zephyrhills, Fla., Seth Dennis from Port Saint Lucie, Fla., and Landon Gibson of Peachtree City, Ga. Finally, the 125cc FIM Junior Motocross World Championship Class included riders Casey Cochran of Clermont, Fla., and Collin Allen of Clayton, N.C.

Jeff Cernic, longtime amateur motocross supporter who managed the U.S. team in its last appearance in 2019, served as team manager. Roost MX and MXtire sponsored the team.

The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship hosts competitors between 11 and 17 years of age. Countries select their own best and brightest motocross stars to participate in individual classes and team events.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Source: American Motorcyclist Association

AMA Logo 2019

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AMA Announces U.S. Team for 2022 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship

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AMA Announces seven riders will race as U.S. Team returns for 2022 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship.

Seven riders will race as U.S. Team returns to competition for the first time since 2019

PICKERINGTON, OH – August 25, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The American Motorcyclist Association announced the seven riders who will compete for the United States at the 2022 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship held Aug. 26-28 in Vantaa, Finland.

AMA Youth Motocross Racer of the Year Casey Cochran among seven members of U.S. Team competing in 2022 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship
Casey Cochran

“This is a great opportunity for our young riders to compete and show what they are made of on the world stage,” said AMA Deputy Director of Racing Mike Burkeen. “Each one of our seven riders earned a spot on this team, and I am excited to see how they perform.”

Attending the event for the first time since 2019, the United States team is composed of riders in three classes.

Tayce Morgan of Clermont, Fla., and Maddox Temmerman of Visalia, Calif., will be the team’s representatives in the 65cc FIM Junior Motocross World Cup Class. The 85cc FIM World Championship Class includes Carson Wood of Zephyrhills, Fla., Seth Dennis from Port Saint Lucie, Fla., and Landon Gibson of Peachtree City, Ga. Finally, the 125cc FIM Junior Motocross World Championship Class will have Casey Cochran of Clermont, Fla., and Collin Allen of Clayton, N.C.

Jeff Cernic, longtime amateur motocross supporter who managed the U.S. team in its last appearance in 2019, will serve as team manager. The team is sponsored by Roost MX and MXtire.

The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship hosts competitors between 11 and 17 years of age. Countries select their own best and brightest stars to participate in individual classes and team events.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Source: American Motorcyclist Association

AMA Logo 2019

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