Jett Lawrence Wins Post-Season Final and SuperMotocross World Championship

Haiden Deegan Takes 250 Class Title with Victory at Final

Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence won both motos at the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals Fueled by Monster Energy inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Australian racer earned the win on the night and the points needed to become the sport’s first SuperMotocross World Champion.

The 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship season wrapped up

The 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship season wrapped up where the sport of Supercross got its start, inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.  

Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen finished a close second place in both motos and with that the points for the runner-up position in the inaugural post-season championship. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton, the points leader heading into the round, led the final moto but a bad crash in the track’s sand section relegated him to third position in the championship. It was Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb who took home the third place spot at the Los Angeles Final and with that secured the fourth place spot in the championship. In the 250 Class, rookie Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan won the night as well as the 250 Class title to wrap up his first year of professional racing as a World Champion.

Jett Lawrence's 1-1 moto scores did not come easy

Jett Lawrence’s 1-1 moto scores did not come easy. The Honda rider pushed hard to win the first-ever post-season race series and it’s $1,000,000 bonus. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.  

The first moto of the 450 Class was off to an exciting start, but just after taking over the lead in the opening laps Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia crashed hard and the race was red-flagged. The racers then lined up for a staggered re-start with 16 minutes remaining on the race clock. After the re-start Ken Roczen went after leader Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson while Lawrence moved past Sexton to take over third. Roczen cut under Anderson in the bowl turn after the sand section to take the lead with 12:43 left on the clock. Lawrence was launching a large quad jump and used it to make up the gap and put an inside pass attempt on Roczen in the following corner. The riders came together; Lawrence nearly fell, and Roczen held the lead. On the next lap Lawrence used his advantage with the quad jump to make the pass into the lead while behind him Sexton had passed Anderson for third place. Roczen later said he knew about the quad jump option, and with Lawrence inching away he decided to also launch the long jump each lap. Roczen closed from 1.8 seconds back to bring the lead to just one second, but the German rider could not get close enough to make a pass attempt. At the checkered flag Lawrence took the moto win ahead of Roczen, Sexton, and Anderson. The first moto finishing positions would combine with the second moto results to determine the World Championship and its $1,000,000 bonus.

Chase Sexton grabbed the holeshot of the second 450 Class moto and with it put himself in the points lead for the title. He led Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, Jason Anderson, Cooper Webb, Jett Lawrence, and Ken Roczen. By the third corner, Lawrence was up into third place while Roczen worked on Webb in the early, tight racing. With just over two minutes off the clock in the 20-minute plus one lap moto, Roczen pushed his way into third place and the stage was set perfectly for the top three in points to settle the fight for World Champion. Sexton had pulled out more than a four second lead at the race’s midpoint, then made a dramatic mistake in the sand section; Sexton got leaned over going off a sand jump, landed hard, and was out of the race. It was then down to two, with Lawrence maintaining a lead over Roczen of just over one second. Roczen would close the gap in some parts of the track, but overall Lawrence maintained a small bit of breathing room. As the clock neared zero Roczen got held up by a lapper and dropped back three seconds. In the final two laps Roczen tightened the gap back up but never got in range to make a pass. Lawrence launched off the finish line double, setting of the winner’s pyrotechnics on the track and a string of fireworks around the legendary stadium. With 1-1 moto scores, Lawrence took the Final win and with it the SuperMotocross World Championship and its $1,000,000 bonus. Roczen earned second place in both the race and championship and pocketed $500,000 for himself, and Chase Sexton took third place in the championship and a $250,000 bonus. At the final event podium, it was Cooper Webb who stood third on the night with 5-3 moto scores and enough points to finish fourth in the championship and its $200,000 bonus.

Haiden Deegan, in his rookie year, notched a World Championship

Haiden Deegan, in his rookie year, notched a World Championship with a strong and smart ride at the season’s Final and took home a $500,000 bonus. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.  

The first 250 Class moto was a thriller from the drop of the gate. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jalek Swoll grabbed the holeshot ahead of Haiden Deegan, Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper, and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ryder DiFrancesco. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda sat in ninth. Post-season points-leader Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence was not racing due to an injury during qualifying. Vialle was into the lead early but Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith was the rider on the move, pushing into third place five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap moto. The lead pack stayed close. Then, with just over eight minutes left on the race clock, Smith pushed past Deegan for second and went after Vialle. In less than a lap Smith railed an outside line and charged side by side with Vialle through a jump section and up the legendary Peristyle. Smith took the lead and never looked back. Soon after, Deegan tried to square up a turn to get under Vialle, but Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire cut under and took third place away from Deegan. The two put up a back-and-forth exchange of passes as Shimoda closed in on both riders. With just over five minutes remaining on the clock the top five riders occupied the same rhythm lane. Deegan tried to bump his way past Vialle in a bowl turn, but the pass was unsuccessful and in the next corner Shimoda pushed his way by Deegan while he pushed the rookie wide at a corner exit. The final laps provided intense battles for both the lead and for third, with every rider pushing their hardest to be in the best position to win the World Championship. At the checkers Smith held on for the win, Hampshire was close in second, Vialle took third, Shimoda earned fourth, and Deegan crossed the line in fifth.

In the second 250 Class moto, Deegan was the first to pass the holeshot stripe but his teammate Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen took over the lead before the second corner. Kitchen led Deegan, Justin Cooper, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Talon Hawkins, and Jo Shimoda. In the second corner, moto-one winner Jordon Smith went down, and Tom Vialle was off the track just one turn after that. Three laps into the race Shimoda took over fourth place, and from there the top four circled the track with none close enough to make a pass attempt on the rider ahead. Just before the midpoint Deegan looked to be making a move on Kitchen, but after nearly falling in a turn appeared to settle into second and prepare for a possible late-race battle. Jo Shimoda fell back to nearly seven seconds off the leader, but in the closing laps he put on one of his late-race surges. Shimoda closed in but never got close enough to challenge for third. At the checkered flag Kitchen took the moto win. Deegan earned second in the moto and with that enough points to win the overall for the event and, more significantly, win the first-ever 250 Class SuperMotocross World Championship by five points over Jo Shimoda. RJ Hampshire took third place honors in the post-season series.

Drew Adams took the win in the 250 World All-Stars Main Event

Drew Adams took the win in the 250 World All-Stars Main Event that kicked-off the night’s racing. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. 

The evening’s racing kicked-off with the 250 World All Stars Main Event, an invitational field composed of up-and-coming racers aged 15-19. Kawasaki’s Slade Varola grabbed the holeshot ahead of SLR Honda’s Noah Viney, Monster Energy Star Yamaha’s Gavin Towers, KTM Orange Brigade’s Preston Boespflug, and Kawasaki’s Drew Adams. In the early laps Viney tangled with Adams in a rhythm section and went down while Towers crashed in the same section right behind them. Adams kept his Kawasaki on two wheels; he caught Varola’s rear fender and applied heavy pressure with GASGAS Fly Racing’s Mark Fineis also in striking distance. Three minutes into the eight-minute plus one lap race Adams and Fineis pushed past Varola exiting a track section that was under a cross-flag, no-jump safety restriction. Adams pushed out a 1.5 second lead ahead of Fineis. Just behind, Team Green Kawasaki’s Krystian Janik was on Varola’s fender and pushing hard for second. The two riders put on a great battle, with Varola holding strong against the pressure and several pass attempts. At the checkers, 15-year-old Adams took the win, Fineis took second, and Varola held on for the final podium spot.

The exciting racing inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum concluded the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship. The event will re-air twice, first on Sunday, September 24th at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC and then on Monday, September 25th at 1:00 a.m. ET on CNBC.

The inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship

The inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship brought thrills with the sports’ first-ever post season racing. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Notable on the night, Jett Lawrence moved from the 250 Class to the 450 Class mid-season after winning the 2023 Western Regional 250SX Class title; he won the World Championship in his 450 Class rookie year. Similarly, Haiden Deegan was in his rookie pro racing season, and in fact started it a few races into the Supercross season. Haiden Deegan also shares a history now with his father, Brian Deegan, who earned a Supercross win and landed the first 360 freestyle motocross jump both inside the storied stadium. With the SuperMotocross World Champions crowned and the full 2023 purse of $10 million dollars paid out, race fans look ahead toward 2024 racing; the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season and 11-round AMA Pro Motocross season schedules have been released.

The 2024 Supercross ticket pre-sale begins Monday, October 3rd at 10 a.m. ET for preferred customers and will run through Monday, October 9th. On Tuesday, October 10that 10 a.m. ET and then 10 a.m. in each subsequent time zone, tickets for all Supercross and Pro Motocross races will become available for sale to the public. For 2024 all Pro Motocross event ticketing will be done through Ticketmaster. Fans can find the race schedules, sign up for preferred access (Supercross), and make ticket purchases online at SupercrossLIVE.com and promotocross.com. The SMX World Championship Playoff and Final dates, locations, and venues will be announced at Round 1 in Anaheim in January.

All rounds in 2024 will be streamed live domestically on Peacock, while broadcast coverage will be shared between NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. Internationally, all rounds will be available to stream live and on-demand via the SuperMotocross Video Pass, available everywhere outside the U.S. Visit Peacock (Domestic) and SuperMotocross.tv(International) for details.

For video highlights, news, results, and to watch for the Playoffs and Final events schedule, please visit supermotocross.com.

450SX Class podium - SuperMotocross

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Ken Roczen, Jett Lawrence, and Cooper Webb.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SMX Final Results

  1. Jett Lawrence, Australia, Honda (1-1)
  2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (2-2)
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha (5-3)
  4. Adam Cianciarulo, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki (7-4)
  5. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, OK, Kawasaki (8-5)
  6. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Yamaha (6-7)
  7. Ty Masterpool, Paradise, Tex., Kawasaki (9-9)
  8. Fredrik Noren, Lidkoping, Sweden, Suzuki (11-8)
  9. Phillip Nicoletti, Bethal, N.Y., Yamaha (12-10)
  10. Chase Sexton, LaMoille, IL., Honda (3-20)

450SMX Class Championship Final Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Australia, Honda (163)
  2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla. Suzuki (146)
  3. Chase Sexton, LaMoille, IL., Honda (126)
  4. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha (120)
  5. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (104)
  6. Adam Cianciarulo, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki (96)
  7. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Yamaha (92)
  8. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (91)
  9. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, OK, Kawasaki (90)
  10. Ty Masterpool, Paradise, Tex., Kawasaki (84)

250SX Class podium - SuperMotocross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Jo Shimoda, Haiden Deegan, and RJ Hampshire.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

250 SMX Final Results

  1. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (5-2)
  2. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (4-4)
  3. RJ Hampshire, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Husqvarna (2-6)
  4. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (7-3)
  5. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (10-1)
  6. Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Yamaha (1-10)
  7. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (8-5)
  8. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Husqvarna (6-8)
  9. Maximus Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (9-7)
  10. Tom Vialle, France, KTM (3-13)

250SMX Class Championship Final Standings

  1. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (157)
  2. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (152)
  3. RJ Hampshire, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Husqvarna (122)
  4. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (114)
  5. Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Yamaha (110)
  6. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (101)
  7. Maximus Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (98)
  8. Tom Vialle, France, KTM (90)
  9. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (89)
  10. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Husqvarna (88)

SMX 250 World All Stars Results

  1. Drew Adams, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kawasaki
  2. Mark Fineis, Westfield, Ind., GASGAS
  3. Slade Varola, Simi Valley, Calif. Kawasaki
  4. Krystian Janik, Oak Lawn, Ill., Kawasaki
  5. Blake Gardner, Canyon Country, Calif., Kawasaki
  6. Preston Boespflug, Battle Ground, Wash., KTM
  7. Jaxon Pascal, Hudson, Colo. Honda
  8. Enzo Temmerman, Visalia, Calif., Kawasaki
  9. Noah Viney, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
  10. Dilon Blecha, Fruita, Colo., Yamaha

Jett Lawrence Wins SMX World Championship Playoff 2 at Chicagoland Speedway

Hunter Lawrence Takes 250 Class Win and Reclaims Points Lead

Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence was back on the top step of the podium with a strong overall win at the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff 2 inside Chicagoland Speedway. Lawrence’s victory came via 1-2 moto scores in the event’s two-race format.

SMX Chicagoland Speedway

The uniquely created track built inside Chicagoland Speedway was long, fast, and rough. The second-ever SuperMotocross World Championship track challenged the racers and teams in the sport’s first post season racing. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.  

Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen earned an emotional second place overall finish just days after the birth of his second child; the win moved Roczen into third place in points with a clear path to winning the championship next weekend. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton earned third place overall on the high-speed, SuperMotocross track that stretched across the storied auto raceway. In the 250 Class, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence was back on top, winning both motos and recapturing the 250 Class points lead.

Jett Lawrence - SMX Playoff 2

Jett Lawrence looked at home on the track that favored motocross technique over Supercross finesse. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. 

Jett Lawrence grabbed the holeshot in the first 450 Class moto with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia, Sexton, Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Phil Nicoletti, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis right behind. Sexton, the winner of both motos at Playoff 1, was quickly on the attack to take the lead, but Lawrence held his spot. Just before five minutes had ticked off the race clock Sexton made a tiny mistake exiting one of the sand turns; that was all it took for Lawrence to break free and sprint out of striking distance. The two Honda teammates put in similar lap times, each taking a different bike set-up approach to their race bikes. Sexton was running a stiff Supercross-style suspension set-up and Lawrence had on his more compliant motocross-style suspension. The difference demonstrated the challenge of all the teams to find an ideal bike set-up for the custom built SMX track. Just past five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap moto, Ken Roczen took over third place from Barcia in a thrilling back-and forth that had the riders trade the lead multiple times through several sections. The lead group looked mostly settled at that point, but Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger was on the move after a bad start that had him outside the top ten at the beginning of the race. Plessinger reached sixth place with just over six minutes on the clock and charged after Ferrandis. On the final lap Plessinger made the move into fifth. At the checkered flag it was Lawrence, Sexton, Roczen, Barcia, then Plessinger.

The 450 Class moto two roared off the line and race veteran Nicoletti grabbed the holeshot and led Barcia, Lawrence, Sexton, and Roczen. Lawrence and Roczen were both on the move on the opening lap. Lawrence took the lead from Nicoletti before a minute and a half was off the race clock. Roczen was past Nicoletti forty seconds later and then right on Lawrence’s rear fender and pressing for the lead. Sexton eased into third place but the battle was just out of reach as Lawrence’s and Roczen’s pace pushed the front two into a race of their own. Behind Sexton, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb reached fourth place with Ferrandis right behind. Throughout the race Roczen would fall back two seconds, then make a push and get right back up to Lawrence. With just over eight minutes left on the race clock Plessinger moved into fourth and the front group looked settled. But in the closing laps Roczen closed the gap again and pressured Lawrence. With just over a minute left on the clock Lawrence waved Roczen past, relinquishing the lead but also eliminating the pressure. Fans suspected a mechanical issue, but Lawrence explained later it was an attempt to help Roczen finish ahead of Sexton in the overall results; it was a strategy to gain maximum points on series-leader Sexton. Roczen pulled a comfortable gap while Lawrence maintained his lead over Sexton. Lawrence did earn the overall win and Roczen did finish second overall with Chase taking third. However, Lawrence’s unconventional race strategy did not impact the overall finishing order. Going into the Final next weekend, which pays triple points, Sexton leads Lawrence by just two points and Roczen sits in third only ten points back from the top spot. This creates a ‘winner take all’ finale between Lawrence and Sexton, with Roczen positioned to take the championship if he wins the Final and Sexton fails to finish in second.

Hunter Lawrence - SMX Playoff 2

Hunter Lawrence took back the 250 Class points lead with strong 1-1 moto scores to win at Chicagoland Speedway. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for moto one of the 250 Class Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan rocketed into the lead ahead of Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle, Hunter Lawrence, and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda. Shimoda, Playoff 1 winner, looked aggressive going after third but Lawrence held him off. On the opening lap of the 20-minute plus one lap moto Lawrence made the move on Vialle to take over second at the same time Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire got around Shimoda to push him back to fourth. For the first half of the race all eyes were on the fluctuating gap between Deegan in the lead and Lawrence in close pursuit; it grew and tightened between 1.3 to 2.2 seconds. Seven minutes into the race Shimoda dialed up his aggression and took back fourth place. Thirteen minutes into the race Lawrence pulled up on Deegan’s wheel in a move for the lead. A minute later Deegan made a mistake in one of the track’s deep-rutted corners and wasn’t able to jump the finish line double. Lawrence flew past and soon after pulled a small gap on Deegan. With 2:15 remaining on the race clock Shimoda moved past Vialle and set his sights on Deegan. The racer from Japan put in blistering laps and used momentum from an outside line to jump past Deegan. Shimoda set his sights on Lawrence, who had a two second lead at the white flag. Shimoda quickly closed the gap and got right on Lawrence’s rear tire. Then Shimoda took a hard jolt on an outside rut with a sharp hook in it. Shimoda bit his tongue and cut his chin on his handlebar; and so he dialed back his last-lap attack. Lawrence took the moto one win, Shimoda cruised to second and Deegan held on for third.

The second 250 Class moto provided even more excitement. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper nabbed the holeshot with Shimoda, Lawrence, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ryder DiFrancesco, and Hampshire in tow. In just the opening lap Lawrence bumped past Shimoda in a corner, only to get re-passed by Shimoda in an immediate counterattack. Shimoda set his sights on Cooper and four and a half minutes into the race Shimoda took over the lead while Lawrence sat third and Deegan had reached fourth. A minute later Lawrence overtook Cooper momentarily, but it took another lap of racing to secure the spot. Lawrence now sat just one second back; between he and Shimoda, the winner of the moto would take the event overall and the $50,000 race win bonus. Vialle put in a strong push and got up to third place with eight and a half minutes left on the race clock. But Vialle broke his shift lever and, with his bike stuck in second gear, was out of the hunt for the race win. With less than five minutes left on the clock the battle for the lead took a dramatic turn when Shimoda sensed something wrong with his bike. He later said that he backed down his pace to take the stress off his bike and ensure a finish. Lawrence rode smooth to the checkered flag, the moto win, and with that the overall victory as well. The win gave Lawrence back the points lead going into the SuperMotocross World Championship Final next weekend.

Carson Wood took the win in the dramatic 112cc Supermini World All-Stars race

Carson Wood took the win in the dramatic 112cc Supermini World All-Stars race.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. 

At the event’s midpoint the Supermini World All-Stars Main Event dropped the gate for the top racers between the ages of 12-16 aboard 112cc-displacement race bikes. Monster Energy Team Green Kawasaki’s Carson Wood grabbed the holeshot with MTF Ogio Dunlop’s Benjamin Moya, B’s Moto Lab JM Racing’s Darren Pine, and Husqvarna Answer Racing’s Vincent Wey ahead of the screaming pack of two-stroke race bikes. Wey moved into third less than a minute into the eight-minute plus one lap race. The battling was fierce and the racer making the most progress was Fasthouse X Hot Wheel’s Max Shane. At the race’s midpoint Shane took over second place. Late in the race Wey shorted a large double and crashed on the landing, taking down KTM Orange Brigade’s Seth Dennis, who was right behind him. With under a minute left on the race clock Wood held control over the race with a comfortable lead. At the checkered flag the podium finishers were Woods, Shane, and Moya with Dennis recovering nicely from his crash to finish fourth.

The inaugural season of the SuperMotocross World Championship wraps up and crowns two champions next weekend on September 23rd inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The SuperMotocross World Championship Final will pay out triple-points for finishing positions to weigh the final event of the year as the most significant. The purses are the largest in the sport’s history, including a $1,000,000 bonus to the 450 Class champion and $500,000 to the 250 Class champion. Every position pays out more than any other series in two-wheeled off-road racing as part of the total 2023 purse of $10,000,000.

Coverage of the Final begins with the Race Day Live show that covers qualifying, team and rider news, a look at the track, and LCQ live coverage; it starts at 4:30PM Eastern Time on Peacock. Then the event kick-off and updates are covered live on the Pre-Race Show coverage at 9:30PM Eastern Time. Directly following that, the racing will air live on both Peacock and USA Network beginning at 10:00 PM Eastern Time. The race coverage will re-air on September 25th at 1:00 AM Eastern time on CNBC.

Tickets are on sale now to witness the final round of the sport’s first post season with the SuperMotocross World Championship Final at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the same stadium that kicked off the sport of Monster Energy Supercross back in 1972 with the Superbowl of Motocross. For ticket sales, race information, video highlights, updates, track maps, and more about the September 23rd event, please visit SuperMotocross.com.

450SX Class podium - SMX Playoff 2

450 Class podium (racers left to right) Ken Roczen, Jett Lawrence, and Chase Sexton.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SMX Playoff 2 Results

  1. Jett Lawrence, Australia, Honda (1-2)
  2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (3-1)
  3. Chase Sexton, LaMoille, IL., Honda (2-3)
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (5-4)
  5. Dylan Ferrandis, Bedarrides, France, Yamaha (6-5)
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (4-10)
  7. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha (8-7)
  8. Phillip Nicoletti, Bethal, N.Y., Yamaha (7-9)
  9. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (13-6)
  10. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, OK, Kawasaki (12-8)

450SMX Class Championship Standings

  1. Chase Sexton, LaMoille, IL., Honda (90)
  2. Jett Lawrence, Australia, Honda (88)
  3. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla. Suzuki (80)
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (74)
  5. Dylan Ferrandis, Bedarrides, France, Yamaha (71)
  6. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha (60)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (59)
  8. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (58)
  9. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Yamaha (44)
  10. Adam Cianciarulo, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki (42)

250SX Class podium - SMX Playoff 2

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Jo Shimoda, Hunter Lawrence, and Haiden Deegan.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

250 SMX Playoff 2 Results

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (1-1)
  2. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (2-2)
  3. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (3-3)
  4. RJ Hampshire, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Husqvarna (5-4)
  5. Maximus Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (8-5)
  6. Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Yamaha (10-8)
  7. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki (9-9)
  8. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (6-12)
  9. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (12-7)
  10. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Husqvarna (7-13)

250SMX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (89)
  2. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (86)
  3. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (82)
  4. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (63)
  5. RJ Hampshire, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Husqvarna (62)
  6. Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Yamaha (62)
  7. Maximus Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (59)
  8. Tom Vialle, France, KTM (54)
  9. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (54)
  10. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki (49)

SMX Supermini World All Stars Results

  1. Carson Wood, Zephyrhills, Fla., Kawasaki
  2. Max Shane, Oceanside, Calif., KTM
  3. Benjamin Moya, Santiago, Chile, GASGAS
  4. Seth Dennis, Brooksville, Fla., KTM
  5. Logan Mortberg, Pierson, Fla., KTM
  6. Darren Pine, Montgomery, Tex., GASGAS
  7. Jayce Wolf, Franklin, Wis., KTM
  8. Wyatt Duff, Lexington, Ky., KTM
  9. Carson Millikan, Surprise, Ariz., KTM
  10. Kane Bollasina St. Louis, Mo., KTM

Chase Sexton Wins SuperMotocross Playoff 1 in Inaugural Post-Season Race

Jo Shimoda Claims first 250 Class Playoff Victory

The SuperMotocross World Championship kicked off with Playoff 1 of the inaugural post-season, a culmination of Supercross and Pro Motocross seasons. The racing was thrilling on a racetrack built along and across the four-lane zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 2023 Monster Energy Supercross Champion Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton earned two convincing Moto wins to take the Playoff 1 event overall victory.

Chase Sexton earned perfect 1-1 Moto scores in Charlotte

Chase Sexton earned perfect 1-1 Moto scores in Charlotte to prove he’s the racer to beat in the sport’s first ever post-season. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen returned to racing after taking most of the AMA Pro Motocross season off; he earned second overall with 3-3 moto scores. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis showed top speed as he took home third overall in Concord with 2-4 moto finishes. In 250 Class racing, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda earned the event win through 4-1 Moto scores in the highly competitive and aggressive 250 class.

The first-ever post season event treated fans to a great start of the premiere off-road motorcycle series. The SuperMotocross World Championship is composed of two Playoff rounds and one Final, raced over the three consecutive weekends. The points payout will double at Playoff 2 and be awarded at triple their normal payout at the Final. When the dust has settled, the 450 Class SMX Champion will earn a cool $1,000,000 championship win bonus and the 250 Class SMX Champion will take home $500,000. The riders competing were seeded based on their combined points of the two 2023 race seasons and allotted points equivalent to one race prior to the start of the post-season.

Ken Roczen led the early laps of the second moto in the 450 Class

Ken Roczen led the early laps of the second moto in the 450 Class.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In the 450 Class’ first moto Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia grabbed the early lead out of the unique split start that funneled 22 riders together at the corner exits of two separate first turns. HBI Racing’s Ty Masterpool ran in second with Chase Sexton in third, Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger in fourth, and Dylan Ferrandis rounding out the top five. Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence, who had just completed an undefeated AMA Pro Motocross season two weeks prior, was off to a mid-pack start. Within a few laps of the 20-minute plus one lap moto Sexton used the track’s split lane to take the lead from Barcia. From there Sexton put down smooth, fast laps and pulled clear of the field. Just before the Moto’s midpoint Jett Lawrence tipped over on the track’s off-camber corner and remounted back in tenth place. Roczen was the rider on the move, getting up to third place behind Ferrandis as Barcia found himself back in fourth. As the race clock ticked down, Sexton held a lead of more than eight seconds while behind him the battle tightened up for second place. At the checkered it was Sexton, followed by Ferrandis, Roczen, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, and Plessinger. Lawrence managed to climb back to seventh at the finish.

The second 450 Class Moto and final race of the day saw privateer Ty Masterpool grab the Holeshot ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, Roczen and Plessinger. Roczen wasted no time, slipping into second in the first few turns then taking over the lead in the first pass through the track’s long rhythm section. One lap into the Moto Roczen was pulling a gap on the field of Masterpool, Cianciarulo, Anderson, Sexton, and Barcia while Jett Lawrence sat in tenth. On the next pass through the rhythm lane Cianciarulo crashed, handing third place to Anderson. Sexton was on the charge and moved into third as Lawrence reached seventh place back in the pack. Before five minutes was off the race clock Sexton was into second place and looking up the track at Roczen, who held a 5.5 second lead. Sexton inched up on Roczen, then just after the Moto’s mid-point he quickly closed the gap. Sexton used an inside line on the off-camber turn to take over the lead and pull out a comfortable gap. With just over two minutes left on the race clock Lawrence leapt past Roczen to grab second place. Sexton went unchallenged to the checkers to sweep both Motos, take the event overall win and its $100,000 win bonus, and extend his points lead in the post-season.

Jo Shimoda (#30) used 4-1 moto scores to earn the 250 Class victory

Jo Shimoda (#30) used 4-1 moto scores to earn the 250 Class victory at the sport’s first post-season race. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In the 250 Class’ first Moto, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker grabbed the Holeshot ahead of three Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing teammates Levi Kitchen, Justin Cooper, and Haiden Deegan, as well as Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ryder DiFrancesco. Kitchen used the track’s split lane to take over the lead on the first lap. Just two minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap Moto the 2023 Eastern Regional 250SX Class and 250 AMA Pro Motocross Champion, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence, washed out his front end and fell, going from a mid-pack spot to last place in the 22-rider field. Hammaker was next to crash, in a near replay of Lawrence’s fall the lap before. Hammaker’s slide-out dropped him from second place back to sixth. Five minutes into the Moto, Kitchen held first place ahead of Deegan, DiFrancesco, Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle, and Jo Shimoda. Just past the race’s midpoint Deegan started applying heavy pressure on Kitchen for the lead while about eight seconds behind them DiFrancesco and Vialle scrapped for third. With just over five minutes left on the race clock Deegan took the lead via a different option in the split lane. Shortly after, a battle for third place saw Vialle emerge with the spot. At the checkers Haiden Deegan grabbed the first-ever SuperMotocross post-season victory, Kitchen earned second, and Vialle took third.

Ryder DiFrancesco took the Holeshot in the second 250 Class Moto but Vialle was around him just after the holeshot stripe. Shimoda, Hammaker, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith were close in tow. First moto-winner Deegan was in 13th and post-season favorite Hunter Lawrence was 19th after tipping over in the first corner. Shimoda put early pressure on Vialle but could not break through. Between the two racers, the Moto winner between them would take the overall victory and the $50,000 race win bonus. Deegan reached fifth place before the race’s midpoint and, with the front pack still running very close, had the lead within sight. Further back, Hunter Lawrence seemed unable to climb higher than 12th place. With just over six minutes left on the race clock Shimoda used an outside line to pass Vialle in one of the tracks’ wide, sweeping turns. Shortly after that the top four broke away from Deegan, putting the rookie’s chance at an overall win out of reach. Shimoda built a 2.6 second lead by the final lap and cruised into the sport’s history books as the first event winner in SuperMotocross post-season racing.

Jackson Vick earned the win in the SMX World All Stars race

Jackson Vick earned the win in the SMX World All Stars race, a 65cc class of young racers between the age of 8-12. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Between the 450 and 250 Class motos a 65cc World All-Stars invitational race was run on the full SMX track. Cobra Elite’s Gavin McCoy grabbed the early lead of the 22-racer field composed entirely of riders between the ages of 8-12. Munn Racing’s Brycen DeJonge held second early but JK Cycles’ Jackson Vick was on the move and took over second a few turns into the race in the motocross-style section of the course. Within the opening lap Vick had moved into the front spot and from there he pulled away from the field. Late in the 8-minute plus one lap race, Dunlop’s Easton Graves moved into second place and held it to the end with McCoy earning third place.

The SuperMotocross League holds Playoff 2 next weekend, September 16th, in Joliet, Illinois at Chicagoland Speedway. The same seeded riders are guaranteed a spot on the gate and the same LCQ racers will have to battle their way into the points-paying Motos. The overall finishing positions for Playoff 2 will pay double points to the racers. 450 Class racers will rack up points toward winning the $1,000,000 championship win bonus. 250 Class racers will vie for the championship prize of $500,000. With large finishing bonuses all the way down to the 22nd position, the racers will battle harder than ever on the world’s most challenging tracks for their piece of 2023’s total purse of $10,000,000.

Opening Ceremonies at Chicago’s SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff 2 begin at 7:30PM Eastern Time. The event will be broadcast live on Peacock, with two race re-airs – the first on NBC on September 17th at 12:00PM ET and the second airing on CNBC on September 18th at 1:00 AM ET.

Tickets are on sale now to be a part of the sport’s first post season with Playoff 2 up next and then the Final in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 23rd, where the sport of Monster Energy Supercross got its start back in 1972 with the Superbowl of Motocross. For ticket sales, race information, updates, track maps, and more please go to SuperMotocross.com.

450 Class podium - SuperMotocross - Charlotte

450 Class podium (riders left to right) Ken Roczen, Chase Sexton, and Dylan Ferrandis.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450 Playoff 1 Results

  1. Chase Sexton, LaMoille, IL., Honda (1-1)
  2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (3-3)
  3. Dylan Ferrandis, Bedarrides, France, Yamaha (2-4)
  4. Jett Lawrence, Australia, Honda (7-2)
  5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (4-5)
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (5-6)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (6-8)
  8. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha (8-7)
  9. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Yamaha (10-9)
  10. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, OK, Kawasaki (12-10)

450SMX Class Championship Standings

  1. Chase Sexton, LaMoille, IL., Honda (50)
  2. Jett Lawrence, Australia, Honda (38)
  3. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (38)
  4. Dylan Ferrandis, Bedarrides, France, Yamaha (37)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla. Suzuki (36)
  6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (32)
  7. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha (30)
  8. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (27)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki (24)
  10. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Yamaha (22)

250 Class podium - SuperMotocross - Charlotte

250 Class podium (riders left to right) Haiden Deegan, Jo Shimoda, and Tom Vialle.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

250 Playoff 1 Results

  1. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (4-1)
  2. Tom Vialle, France, KTM (3-2)
  3. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (1-5)
  4. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (7-3)
  5. Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Yamaha (8-4)
  6. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki (5-8)
  7. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (2-11)
  8. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (9-7)
  9. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (12-6)
  10. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (11-10)

250SMX Class Championship Standings

  1. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (42)
  2. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (42)
  3. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (39)
  4. Tom Vialle, France, KTM (38)
  5. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (35)
  6. Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Yamaha (30)
  7. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (28)
  8. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (27)
  9. RJ Hampshire, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Husqvarna (26)
  10. Maximus Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (25)

SMX World All Stars Results

  1. Jackson Vick, KTM
  2. Easton Graves, KTM
  3. Gavin McCoy, Cobra
  4. Brayton Kreglow, Yamaha
  5. Joseph Vicari, KTM
  6. Carter Gray, Cobra
  7. Jaydin Smart, Cobra
  8. Anderson Waldele, KTM
  9. Beckham Smith, KTM
  10. Brody Bircher, KTM

Another 1-1 at Washougal Extends Jett Lawrence’s Perfect Season Through Eight Rounds in 2023 Pro Motocross Championship

Rookie Haiden Deegan Captures First Career Moto Sweep in 250 Class to Tighten Championship Battle

The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, made its final appearance on the West Coast on Saturday with its annual visit to the Pacific Northwest and the scenic landscape of Washougal MX Park. Abundant sunshine and temperatures in the mid-80’s provided ideal conditions for the MotoSport.com Washougal National, presented by Peterson CAT, as the perfect season by Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence in his first 450 Class campaign continued with another assertive performance from the young Australian for his eighth straight overall win and 15th and 16th moto victories. In the 250 Class, rookie Haiden Deegan enjoyed the best outing of his young career with an impressive effort that saw the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider go 1-1 for the first time to tighten up the championship battle with his second win of the season.

450 class banner bl

Moto 1

The opening moto of the premier class began with the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine of Dylan Ferrandis out front just ahead of Lawrence while his Team Honda HRC teammate Chase Sexton battled his way into third. Ferrandis kept Lawrence at bay to lead the opening lap, which made him just the third different rider to do so this season and ended a 105 laps-led streak by Lawrence.

The Frenchman maintained his hold of the lead for another lap but Lawrence was able to make the pass and grab control of the moto. Ferrandis gave pursuit from second as Sexton looked to close in from third. As the moto continued the lead trio settled into their respective positions on the track while Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson kept them honest in fourth.

At the 15-minute mark Sexton mounted his attack on Ferrandis and seized the moment to grab second. At that point, Sexton sat 6.5 seconds behind his teammate and looked to log his fastest laps of the moto to try and close the gap. However, Lawrence didn’t let up and extended the lead to 7.5 seconds.

Lawrence maintained his lead the rest of the way and extended his undefeated streak to 15 motos, crossing the finish line 7.9 seconds ahead of Sexton, who was never challenged in second. Ferrandis fended off a pair of challenges by Anderson to secure third, while Anderson settled for fourth and his Monster Energy Kawasaki teammate Adam Cianciarulo in fifth.

Jett Lawrence - Washougal National

Jett Lawrence captured moto wins 15 and 16 to continue his perfect
season with his eight straight overall victory.
Photo: Align Media

Moto 2

The second and final moto of the afternoon got underway with a gate malfunction, which necessitated a red flag and restart for the 40-rider field. On the restart it was Plesssinger out front for the MotoSport.com Holeshot as Lawrence and Sexton duked it out for second, from which Lawrence grabbed control of the position. Anderson slotted into fourth with Ferrandis in fifth.

The clear track paid dividends for Plessinger as he was able to maintain his hold of the lead through the opening five minutes as Lawrence appeared to settle in and bide his time, maintaining his advantage over Sexton in third. With about 10 minutes down in the moto Lawrence closed in, looked for a way by and made a quick and decisive pass on Plessinger to take control of the moto. Plessinger then waged battle with Sexton for second, with the Honda rider able to make a quick pass to try and keep his teammate within reach.

About 2.5 seconds separated the Honda riders as the moto approached the halfway point, with both riders trading momentum. Sexton appeared to be the slightly faster rider and was able to cut the gap to under two seconds. The distance between the duo continued to tighten as the moto surpassed the 15-minute mark.

The lead stabilized between 1.3 to 1.5 seconds through the heart of the moto as both riders continued to play the on-track chess match. As they approached lapped riders the battle shifted into Lawrence’s favor as the lead grew to two seconds. With three minutes to go the teammates were closer than they’d been all moto, separated by just over a second. Both riders waited for the moment to pick up the pace for one final push, but the potential battle ended when Sexton briefly tipped over.

The lead grew to nearly 10 seconds by the time Sexton resumed, which allowed Lawrence to keep the unbeaten streak intact. Lawrence wrapped up moto win 16 by three seconds over Sexton, while Plessinger parlayed his holeshot into a third-place effort, just ahead of Anderson.

Chase Sexton - Washougal National

Chase Sexton settled for his fourth straight runner-up finish (2-2).
Photo: Align Media

Overall

Lawrence’s latest 1-1 performance signified his first ever moto wins at Washougal as his quest for a perfect season has surpassed eight rounds, with three remaining. His eighth career win breaks the Aussie into the top 20 on the all-time wins list. Sexton settled for his fourth straight runner-up effort (2-2), while Anderson became the newest rider this season to finish on the overall podium in third (4-4).

Lawrence’s massive lead in the 450 Class standings has grown to 95 points over Ferrandis, who finished fourth overall (3-5), while Plessinger’s fifth-place finish (7-3) allowed him to maintain his hold of third, 120 points behind Lawrence.

Jason Anderson - Washougal National

Jason Anderson earned his first podium finish of the season (4-4)
in his fourth start since returning from injury.
Photo: Align Media

Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“There’s a first time for everything [winning at Washougal]. I was pumped to make my way around Chase [Sexton] on the start. I was a little down on myself [in the final moto] and I was hoping [Sexton] was feeling as [tired] as I was. Then he went down, so that’s a bummer. This has been a surreal season so far.”

Chase Sexton, Team Honda HRC
“I was starting to get closer [to Lawrence] in the later stages of that [last] race. I came into a corner and stalled it. I felt like I had good speed and could put in a charge to catch him, but I didn’t know where I’d pass him. Another solid weekend, not what I wanted, but we’ll keep trying to get better.”

Jason Anderson, Monster Energy Kawasaki
“It’s been a long year, getting hurt and coming back. These outdoors don’t get any easier as I get older, but I’m enjoying it. I want to be battling those guys up front, but I’m so happy to be up here.”

450 Podium - Washougal National

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. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Kawasaki (4-4 // 36)
  4. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha (3-5 // 36)
  5. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (7-3 // 34)
  6. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (5-7 // 30)
  7. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Yamaha (8-6 // 28)
  8. Ty Masterpool, Fallon, Nev., Kawasaki (6-8 // 28)
  9. Phil Nicoletti, Cochecton, N.Y., Yamaha (11-9 // 22)
  10. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Kawasaki (10-10 // 22)

450 Class Championship Standings (Round 8 of 11)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda – 400
  2. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha – 305
  3. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 280
  4. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 236
  5. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 218
  6. Ty Masterpool, Fallon, Nev., Kawasaki – 190
  7. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Yamaha – 174
  8. Fredrik Noren, Lidköping, Sweden, Suzuki – 169
  9. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 147
  10. Jose Butron, Cadiz, Spain, GASGAS – 132

450 Class Highlights – MotoSport.com Washougal National

250 class banner

Moto 1

The first 250 Class moto began with Deegan leading the field through the first turns and to the MotoSport.com Holeshot aboard his Yamaha, followed closely by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing teammate Justin Cooper and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Max Vohland. Further back, championship leader and Team Honda HRC rider Hunter Lawrence looked to move forward from a start deep inside the top 10.

A clear track serves as a major advantage at Washougal, and it allowed Deegan to quickly establish a multi-second lead over Cooper, who soon settled into second. As the moto surpassed its first 10 minutes Deegan extended his lead even further, to more than five seconds on the field. Cooper continued to maintain control of second, while Vohland gave chase from third. Not far behind Lawrence was on a march to the front, picking off riders to break into the top five.

Just past the halfway point of the moto Lawrence made the pass on Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker for fourth and quickly closed in on Vohland to apply pressure on third. Lawrence was patient and made the pass to take control of third and then looked to close in on Cooper. As they entered the final five minutes of the moto Lawrence’s pursuit of Cooper allowed both riders to erase some of the deficit to Deegan.

A determined Lawrence made a savvy pass on Cooper to move into second and had just over two minutes and two laps to try and catch Deegan as the leaders started to navigate heavy lapped traffic. Deegan’s lead stabilized at around four seconds during the final two laps, and he carried on to capture his second career moto win. He crossed the finish line 2.7 seconds ahead of Lawrence, with Cooper in third. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire followed in fourth, while Vohland held on for fifth.

Haiden Deegan - Washougal National

Haiden Deegan enjoyed the best outing of his young career,
going 1-1 to capture the second victory of his rookie season.
Photo: Align Media

Moto 2

The second and deciding moto kicked off with a trio of Monster Energy Yamahas at the head of the pack as Cooper secured the MotoSport.com Holeshot just ahead of Washougal native Levi Kitchen and Deegan, who gave up third to Hammaker. Lawrence started just outside the top five in sixth behind Hampshire.

After Deegan made the pass on Hammaker for third the field settled in through the opening five minutes of the moto until Hampshire tucked his front end and tipped over, which allowed Lawrence to assume fifth. The battle back up front intensified as Kitchen looked to put pressure on Cooper, which allowed Deegan to close in from third. Behind the leaders Lawrence made the pass on Hammaker for fourth and quickly closed in on Deegan’s rear fender to establish a four-rider battle out front, separated by less than four seconds.

In his pursuit of Deegan as miscue by Deegan put Lawrence on the ground. He remounted quickly but dropped to fifth as Hammaker re-assumed fourth. Back up front, Deegan refocused his attention on his teammates and looked to mount an attack on Kitchen for second. The rookie showed patience and took advantage of an alternate line to cut under Kitchen and take over the runner-up spot for a pass that was significant in the overall classification.

Just past the halfway point of the moto 4.9 seconds separated Cooper and Deegan. A few positions behind Lawrence was able to track down Hammaker and reclaim fourth. As Kitchen and Lawrence engaged in a battle for third, Deegan started to chip away at his deficit to Cooper.

As the moto clock entered its final three minutes Deegan had closed in to within just over two seconds of Cooper. He continued to inch closer as his late charge got the rookie within a second of Cooper. Once there Deegan posted the single-fastest lap of the entire event to storm past Cooper and seize the lead with less than a minute remaining.

Deegan closed out the moto emphatically, with lap times multiple seconds faster than anyone else on the track. His lead surged to nearly double digits as he took the white flag. Deegan cruised home to wrap up his first career moto sweep, taking the checkered flag 7.9 seconds ahead of Cooper, while Kitchen completed the Yamaha sweep of the moto podium in third, just ahead of Lawrence.

Justin Cooper - Washougal National

Justin Cooper captured his fourth straight runner-up finish (3-2).
Photo: Align Media

Overall

The first ever 1-1 effort by Deegan was also the first in the division for the 2023 season. The rookie’s second career victory came on a day in which Yamaha kicked off the global 50th anniversary celebration of its YZ motocross model, Deegan’s YZ250F adorned in white, purple, and pink plastics that harkened back to the vibrant aesthetic of the 90’s era of the sport. Cooper earned his fifth runner-up finish of the season (3-2), while Lawrence held on for third (2-4).

Deegan’s dominant afternoon allowed him to gain 10 points on Lawrence in the 250 Class standings, as now just three points sit between the two most successful riders in the division this summer with three rounds and six motos remaining. Cooper’s second-place finish vaulted him up to third, 19 points out of the lead.

Hunter Lawrence - Washougal National

Hunter Lawrence settled for third overall (2-4) to retain the points lead.
Photo: Align Media

Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“Those last few laps I put my heart into this thing. It’s nerve wracking [for me] and I’m sure it is for Hunter [Lawrence] as well [as we battle for the championship]. I’m glad to put America back on top of the podium.”

Justin Cooper, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I felt good all day during the motos. All the way up until 25 minutes in the second moto. I was pushing and trying to pull a gap, but I could tell I was fading to Haiden [Deegan]. I did all I could, but he was flying, so I just settled in from there.”

Hunter Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“Tough day at the office. I’ve just got to be better. This is a very tough track. I didn’t get a great start, so we got to go back, get back to 100-percent health, and come out swinging for the final three rounds.”

250 Podium - Washougal National

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

  1. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (1-1 // 50)
  2. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (3-2 // 42)
  3. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda (2-4 // 40)
  4. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna (4-5 // 34)
  5. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (8-3 // 33)
  6. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki (7-6 // 29)
  7. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (6-7 // 29)
  8. Max Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., KTM (5-8 // 29)
  9. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki (9-9 // 24)
  10. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (12-11 // 19)

250 Class Championship Standings (Round 8 of 11)

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda – 300
  2. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 297
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 281
  4. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 274
  5. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki – 269
  6. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha – 247
  7. Max Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., KTM – 219
  8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM – 210
  9. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki – 146
  10. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Husqvarna – 144

250 Class Highlights – MotoSport.com Washougal National

The Pro Motocross Championship will observe its final break in action for the 2023 season before returning for its three-round stretch run, which will begin on Saturday, August 12, from one of American motocross’ most storied venues. The iconic rolling plains of Central New York’s Unadilla MX, in New Berlin, will welcome the world’s fastest racers at the Honda Unadilla National for Round 9 of the summer campaign, which will stream live in its entirety, with uninterrupted motos on Peacock, kicking off with Race Day Live, presented by MotoSport.com, at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET, followed by race coverage beginning at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. A live network showcase of the final 250 Class and 450 Class motos will air on NBC, beginning at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET.

Jett Lawrence Remains Undefeated in 2023 Pro Motocross Championship with Fourth Consecutive Win at High Point

Hunter Lawrence’s Moto 2 Prowess Continues for Fourth Straight 250 Class Win

Famed High Point Raceway hosted the East Coast debut of the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, on Saturday, which featured the sport’s own unique Father’s Day celebration at the GEICO Motorcycles High Point National. The 46th running of the legendary event welcomed its largest crowd ever as rain on Friday coupled with dense morning cloud cover resulted in wet conditions that continued to evolve as sunshine emerged and started to dry out the racing surface. The most competitive afternoon of racing of the young season ended with the same result, as Australia’s Lawrence brothers both stood atop the overall podium for the fourth time to remain unbeaten and continue the dominance by Team Honda HRC, as Jett Lawrence remained perfect  in the 450 Class and Hunter Lawrence continued his unbeaten streak in the 250 Class.

450 class banner bl

Moto 1

The first moto of the day began with Jett Lawrence out front for his sixth MotoSport.comHoleshot ahead of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb and Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha’s Garrett Marchbanks. Behind them, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, making his first start of the season, slotted into fourth but made several quick moves on the opening lap to claw his way up to second.

Lawrence’s lead was three seconds at the completion of the opening lap, but Roczen went to work on chipping away at the deficit. While the German veteran was able to keep the Aussie upstart honest, Lawrence comfortably maintained the advantage until the halfway point of the moto. Roczen closed to within 1.5 seconds and as Lawrence looked to respond he tucked his front end on a downhill and went down. That allowed Roczen to take control of the moto and Marchbanks to move up into second as Lawrence remounted in third. With Roczen out front, it marked the first time this season that a rider other than Lawrence led a lap.

Lawrence went into rebound mode and was able to wrangle second from Marchbanks. At that point, with about a dozen minutes left in the moto, Roczen and Lawrence were separated by 5.1 seconds. Lawrence rode consistent, clean laps to close back in on the Suzuki and with six minutes to go the lead pair was separated by less than a second. Lawrence was patient and was able to reclaim the lead, but Roczen countered to put himself up front again. The Honda rider mounted another attack about a half lap later and secured the top spot for a third time. The battle was poised to continue with two laps to go, but Roczen tucked his front end and went down. He got back up quickly, but needed an extended period of time to get his Suzuki restarted, which cost him multiple positions on the track. He eventually resumed in seventh.

With the pressure gone, Lawrence cruised home to his seventh moto win in a row, which established a new record to open a 450 Class career. He took the checkered flag 26.2 seconds ahead of Marchbanks, who earned a career-best finish in second, while Webb rounded out the moto podium in third. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo was fourth, followed by Sport Clips/Beachview Treatment/Airline Vacuum Kawasaki’s Ty Masterpool in fifth.

Jett Lawrence - High Point National

Jett Lawrence is off to a historic start in his 450 Class career
with eight moto wins and four straight overall victories.
Photo: Align Media

Moto 2

The deciding moto saw Roczen storm out to the early lead with the MotoSport.comHoleshot, followed by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger and Cianciarulo, while Lawrence experienced his worst start of the season in fourth. Known for his first lap speed, Roczen put the hammer down to open the moto and build a gap on the field. Cianciarulo was able to pass Plessinger for second, while Lawrence felt the pressure from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis from fifth.

A three-rider battle soon started to unfold between Cianciarulo, Plessinger and Lawrence. As Plessinger looked to make a move on Cianciarulo he slid out, which caused Lawrence to stop to avoid hitting him. That moved Ferrandis into third, briefly, before Lawrence reclaimed the position.

As the first 10 minutes of the moto passed, the top three had distanced themselves from the rest of the field and were separated by 10 seconds. As the race carried on through the middle portion and approached the final 10 minutes Lawrence closed in on Cianciarulo for second and made the pass with relative ease. The lead duo were separated by 3.5 seconds as Lawrence sought to track down the top spot. Lawrence continued to ride the fastest laps on the track and it allowed him to make big gains on Roczen, which was further aided by lapped riders.

With six minutes to go Lawrence was within striking distance of Roczen and went on the attack as soon as the opportunity presented itself. An outside line on an uphill off-camber gave Lawrence the momentum he needed to surge past Roczen and put another moto win within reach. Roczen kept him honest for a while, but Lawrence closed out the moto strong to keep his undefeated record intact by 2.4 seconds over Roczen, with Ferrandis in third.

Ken Roczen - High Point National [2]

In his first race of the Pro Motocross season
Ken Roczen finished in the runner-up spot (7-2)
Photo: Align Media

Overall

Lawrence’s fourth straight 1-1 sweep equals the single-most-successful class start in the history of the sport as his eight consecutive moto wins to open his 450 Class career is shared with Hall of Famer David Bailey, who accomplished the same feat to start his 500cc career during the 1984 season. In his first start of the summer Roczen finished in the runner-up spot (7-2), while Cianciarulo finished in third (4-4) for his first podium result since the 2021 High Point National.

Lawrence added even more to advantage in the championship standings, which now sits at 49 points after four races over Ferrandis, while Webb sits third, 53 points out of the lead.

Adam Cianciarulo - High Point National

Adam Cianciarulo’s consistent 4-4 effort landed him
on the overall podium for the first time since the 2021 season.
Photo: Align Media

Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“It was tricky. You had to wait and be patient [with the track conditions]. It was sick being able to race with Kenny [Roczen]. I used to look up to him and now I got to race him, so I checked that off the list. It was a tough day. I didn’t feel too comfortable on the track with the ruts and everything, but I held on to go 1-1. It was a struggle of a day, but I’m pumped.”

Ken Roczen, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki
“I am beyond stoked. I appreciate all the support from the fans today. This was a tough one to come back to with the track conditions. I can’t believe I got second [overall] after that first moto with the crash. I felt good at the beginning [of Moto 2], but I struggled with lines and Jett was riding great. I think I’m going to have to do some more of these.”

Adam Cianciarulo, Monster Energy Kawasaki
“That’s back-to-back weeks where the track was really difficult. You had to be 100% focused the whole time out there. It really was a mental battle as much as it was a physical battle. I had good pace early in the moto and that almost means more to me than the result. I still have a long way to go but I’m so excited to be up here.”

450 Class podium - High Point National

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish // Points)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda (1-1 // 50)
  2. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Germany, Suzuki (7-2, 36)
  3. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (4-4 // 36)
  4. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha (6-3 // 35)
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (3-6 // 35)
  6. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Yamaha (2-8 // 35)
  7. Ty Masterpool, Fallon, Nev., Kawasaki (5-7 // 30)
  8. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (8-5 // 29)
  9. Grant Harlan, Justin, Texas, Yamaha (11-9 // 22)
  10. Derek Drake, San Luis Obispo, Calif., Suzuki (9-12 // 21)

450 Class Championship Standings (Round 4 of 11)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda – 200
  2. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha – 151
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 147
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 138
  5. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 134
  6. Ty Masterpool, Fallon, Nev., Kawasaki – 92
  7. Lorenzo Locurcio, Valencia, Venezuela, GASGAS – 85
  8. Fredrik Noren, Lidköping, Sweden, Suzuki – 81
  9. Derek Drake, San Luis Obispo, Calif., Suzuki – 79
  10. Grant Harlan, Justin, Texas, Yamaha – 78

450 Class Highlights – GEICO Motorcycle High Point National

250 class banner

Moto 1

The opening moto began with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire out front with the MotoSport.com Holeshot, just ahead of his teammate Jalek Swoll and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda. However, Shimoda tipped over in the second turn and caused a log jam for the rest of the field, including Hunter Lawrence, the championship point leader. Both riders resumed with starts outside the top 10.

The clear track proved to be a major advantage for Hampshire who sprinted out to an early multi-second lead over Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing’s Haiden Deegan, who passed Swoll for second. Behind the leaders, Lawrence and Shimoda began a climb through the field, with Lawrence able to carve his way up the running order.

Despite the tricky conditions Lawrence made it look easy as he picked off riders, one by one, and broke into the top five nearly halfway into the moto. Back out front, in full control of the moto, Hampshire crashed out of the lead, which allowed Deegan to assume the top spot as Hampshire quickly remounted in second, more than three seconds behind his Yamaha rival.

The  final minute of the moto saw Hampshire erase his deficit and mount a late attack for the lead. The rookie rider responded as Deegan looked to run clean, defined lines and force Hampshire to venture elsewhere. As a result, some minor bobbles by Hampshire allowed Deegan to extend his advantage. Hampshire closed in once more as they took the white flag. The Husqvarna rider bided his time and pulled the trigger on a pass with about a quarter lap to go. Their lines came together and resulted in some contact, which briefly halted Deegan’s momentum and allowed Hampshire to continue on.

Hampshire rebounded from his early misfortune to nab his second moto win of the season, 2.6 seconds ahead of Deegan, while Lawrence battled his way into podium position in third. Swoll followed in fourth, while Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryder DiFrancesco rounded out the top five.

Hunter Lawrence - High Point National

Hunter Lawrence’s fourth Moto 2 win of the season
vaulted him to a fourth overall victory with 3-1 finishes.
Photo: Align Media

Moto 2

The final moto got underway with several of the sport’s newest faces out front, as Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen grabbed the MotoSport.com Holeshot, but was quickly overcome by Team Honda HRC rookie Chance Hymas, which dropped Kitchen to second ahead of DiFrancesco. Behind them, many of the lead riders from the first moto found themselves on the ground, which included Hampshire, Deegan, and Swoll. Lawrence was also deep inside the top 20 off the start, but it didn’t take long for the point leader to move forward and slot into the top 10.

The clear track allowed Hymas to sprint out to a multi-second lead over the field, as Kitchen and DiFrancesco settled into second and third, respectively. As this unfolded, Lawrence put in a charge to break into the top five. He continued his push and eventually worked his way around DiFrancesco into third within the first 10 minutes.

Hymas continued to control the moto as it surpassed the halfway point, but Lawrence was on a tear forward, catching and passing Kitchen for second. Once there, it didn’t take long for the Australian to make big gains on the deficit to his teammate. Once he got within striking distance Lawrence wasted little time in making the move. He took advantage of some lapped riders to make an easy pass and seize control of the moto.

As Lawrence pulled away Hymas was forced to deal with pressure from behind from two-time world champion and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Tom Vialle. The Frenchman looked comfortable in the conditions and was able to make a quick, clean pass on Hymas to move into second. The Honda rookie continued to lose ground to his competitors and eventually lost hold of third to Kitchen late in the moto.

Out front, Lawrence continued to build on his lead in the closing stages of the moto and soon found himself more than 10 seconds clear of the field. He took his fourth straight Moto 2 victory by 18.6 seconds over Vialle, while a last-lap battle for third unfolded between Kitchen and Shimoda, from which the Japanese rider prevailed.

RJ Hampshire - High Point National

Another resilient outing for RJ Hampshire earned
him a runner-up finish following 1-7 moto scores.
Photo: Align Media

Overall

Lawrence’s impeccable Moto 2 efforts once again landed him atop the overall podium to remain unbeaten. It marked the third time this season that 3-1 finishes proved to be the winning formula for the Australian, who now has five career wins. After a resilient ride to recover from his first-lap crash, Hampshire secured the runner-up spot [1-7], while Deegan earned his third podium finish in four races this season in third [2-6].

At the conclusion of the race, officials reviewed footage to confirm that Lawrence had violated Section 2.10, Item b.iii., 9.c.** of the AMA Pro Racing Pro Motocross Rulebook pertaining to the adherence of signal flags. As a result, Lawrence was penalized seven championship points. Event results were not affected.

The impressive winning streak to open the season has put Lawrence 28 points ahead of Deegan, who moved into second, and 42 points ahead of Hampshire, who now sits third. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper, who entered the day second in points, was forced to miss the afternoon motos following a crash in practice and dropped to fifth in the championship standings.

Haiden Deegan - High Point National

Rookie Haiden Deegan captured his third podium finish in four rounds with 2-6 results.
Photo: Align Media

Hunter Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“It’s a good habit I guess [winning Moto 2]. I’m stoked. This track was wild. This is the country club of motocross so we’re going to watch Jett [Lawrence in Moto 2] and then we’ll go cheer on our buddy [golfer] Rickie Fowler at the U.S. Open. He loves moto and we should all support him.”

RJ Hampshire, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
“That’s all me [in the Moto 2 crash]. I got a decent start but I guess I came in too hot into the second corner. It’s a bummer I took out my teammate too. I’ll take it though. Second moto win of the season and another podium.”

Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“That was some crazy racing. I crashed on the start and got ran over. Kind of the whole nine yards. My thought after that was either crash or get on the podium today. I gave it my all and it paid off.”

250 Class podium - High Point National

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda (3-1 // 45)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna (1-7 // 39)
  3. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (2-6 // 37)
  4. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (7-3 // 34)
  5. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (11-2 // 32)
  6. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (8-5 // 29)
  7. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (5-8 // 29)
  8. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Husqvarna (4-11 // 28)
  9. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (12-4 // 27)
  10. Max Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., KTM (6-12 // 24)

250 Class Championship Standings (Round 4 of 11)

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda – 175
  2. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 147
  3. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 133
  4. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki – 129
  5. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 121
  6. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha – 115
  7. Max Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., KTM – 107
  8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM – 100
  9. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda – 92
  10. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki – 92

**Rule: 2.10. Signal Flags, b. Warning Flags and Signal Lights: iii. White Flag with Red Cross or Red/White Flashing Lights: 9. If Race Direction determines that there was a blatant violation of this rule, the penalty for non-compliance will be: During a Moto Race, if any positions are gained, the loss of the number of positions gained, plus the points and purse equal to two additional positions in the final results for that race, plus two additional points.

250 Class Highlights – GEICO Motorcycle High Point National

The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship will observe its first off weekend of the season before a return to action during the Independence Day holiday weekend. The annual FMF RedBud National  from Buchanan, Michigan’s RedBud MX will celebrate 50 years of racing at one of American motocross’ most iconic venues on Saturday, July 1, for the fifth round of the summer. Coverage from RedBud will be streamed live, exclusively on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live, presented by MotoSport.com, at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET, and followed by 4.5 consecutive hours of uninterrupted race coverage beginning at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.

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.

450 class banner bl

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

250 class banner

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.

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)

Chase Sexton Takes Atlanta Supercross Win

Hunter Lawrence Notches Another 250SX Class Victory

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton grabbed his third win of the year at Round 13 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season.

230416 Atlanta Supercross

The Supercross series returned to Atlanta Motor Speedway for great racing on the high-speed Georgia track. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia earned second place on the high-speed track that stretched out in front of the grandstands of Atlanta Motor Speedway. Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen took third at the uncustomary-daytime Supercross round that paid points toward the 17-round Monster Energy Supercross season and also the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the return of Eastern Regional 250SX Class racing, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took his sixth win in seven rounds in the regional series.

230416 Chase Sexton - Atlanta Supercross

Chase Sexton earned his fourth career 450SX Class victory. With the win, the Honda rider pulled back into the championship points chase. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Ken Roczen grabbed the holeshot in the 450SX Class Main Event but Chase Sexton wasted no time getting into the lead before the racers had reached the second corner. After one lap Sexton was out front ahead of Roczen, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, Justin Barcia, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb, and Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Josh Hill, with points leader Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac in eighth place. Three minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Barcia was into third and Webb was up to fifth and soon applying heavy pressure on Anderson for fourth. Six minutes into the battle Sexton was inching away from Roczen and Barcia; the top three had separated themselves from Webb and Tomac who held fourth and fifth.

Twelve minutes into the race the top three were still close enough to be in the same track section together. Barcia was the rider on the move and pressuring Roczen for second. With six and a half minutes left on the race clock Barcia took over the spot, but by then Sexton was four seconds up the track. Sexton put down some smooth, fast laps and stretched out the lead as the two riders ahead of him in the points still ran fourth and fifth.

Late in the race, Tomac made a drive and got up to Webb’s rear wheel just as Webb’s teammate, Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger, caught up to the two riders. But with two laps to go, Webb distanced himself from Tomac, and Plessinger lost touch; the big battle between the points front runners didn’t materialize. When the Monster Energy AMA Supercross flames fired off on the infield, Chase Sexton took his tenth career win and closed the points gap in the title chase to 17 with four races remaining.

230416 Hunter Lawrence - Atlanta Supercross

Honda’s Hunter Lawrence had a scare early but recovered to dominate the 250SX Class Main Event and stretch his points lead to 45. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Main Event, Hunter Lawrence snagged the holeshot ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Talon Hawkins, and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Coty Schock. Deegan jumped immediately into the lead but Lawrence shouldered his way back around as the racers charged up the face of the track’s bridge jump. Two minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race the top four, Lawrence, Deegan, Smith, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher were pulling away in a four-way battle when Lawrence got wildly out of shape in a rhythm section. Lawrence made an incredible save that took him off the track, and Deegan took over the front spot.

Within a couple laps Lawrence had recovered and taken back the top spot, leaving Deegan to fend off his charging teammate Smith. The last time the Yamaha teammates had faced off there was blocking, contact, and a crash; but fans did not see a repeat as Smith got smoothly around Deegan with eight and a half minutes left on the race clock. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda, in his first race back from injury, was recovering nicely from a poor start and put his Kawasaki into the top five at the race’s midpoint. Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin crashed hard in a rhythm section while running seventh, and late in the race Thrasher had a fall exiting one of the track’s two whoop sections. At the checkered flag Lawrence grabbed another win, Smith held strong in second, and Deegan earned a third podium in his rookie season.

The next race drops that gate inside MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on April 22nd. The event returns to the nighttime, stadium-format racing but bring the unique 250SX Class mash-up of the season’s first of two East/West Showdowns.

Atlanta’s speedway-venue layout was a look ahead at what the SuperMotocross Playoffs and Final events promise to provide to wrap up the all-new series in September. The 31-round series combines the complete Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross seasons with the three SuperMotocross rounds to crown one 450cc class champion who will earn a one million dollar championship bonus. The 250cc class champion will take home a $500,000 bonus.

Like every SuperMotocross round, racing is streamed live and complete on Peacock. Select events are also broadcast across NBC, USA Network, and CNBC channels. For race times, the full 31-round schedule, video highlights, rider power rankings, and more, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

230416 450SX Class podium - Atlanta Supercross

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Justin Barcia, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  2. Justin Barcia, Monroe, NY, GASGAS
  3. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki
  4. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  5. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  7. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  8. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
  9. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
  10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (292)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (286)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (275)
  4. Justin Barcia, Monroe, NY, GASGAS (239)
  5. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (238)
  6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (214)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (213)
  8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (155)
  9. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (150)
  10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (140)

230416 250SX Class podium - Atlanta Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Haiden Deegan, Hunter Lawrence, and Jordon Smith.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda
  2. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
  3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  4. Jo Shimoda, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki
  5. Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda
  6. Henry Miller, Rochester, Minn., Honda
  7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
  8. Talon Hawkins, Temecula, Calif., Husqvarna
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  10. Caden Braswell, Shalimar, Fla., Honda

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda (177)
  2. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (132)
  3. Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda (122)
  4. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (120)
  5. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (115)
  6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (111)
  7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (104)
  8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (86)
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (81)
  10. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (77)

Chase Sexton Takes Detroit Supercross Win on Dramatic Race Night

Hunter Lawrence Stretches 250SX Class Lead with Fifth Win of 2023

DETROIT, MI – March 19, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton won a Main Event filled with intense racing at Round 10 of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross indoor stadium season.

Detroit Supercross

The Detroit Supercross kept race fans on their feet with a 450SX Class Main Event filled with multiple surprises and passes, as well as a dramatic late-race crash. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb earned second place after the on-track battles had been settled in front of 49,817 race fans at Ford Field in Detroit. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took home third place in a round that pays points for both the Supercross season and the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship. In Round 6 of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took his fifth win of the season.

Chase Sexton - Detroit Supercross

Chase Sexton battled forward from a mid-pack start to win a thrilling Detroit Supercross and take his second win of the year. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger grabbed the holeshot in the 450SX Class Main Event but Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo shot past down the first rhythm lane to take over the front spot. Cooper Webb held third with Eli Tomac and Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia behind. One and a half minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Plessinger reclaimed the lead with a blitz through the whoops. At about that same time, last week’s winner, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, reached sixth with Chase Sexton behind and on the move after a mid-pack start.

The racing was intense in the early laps with the front runners bunched up and trading positions back and forth. The only clear advantage was held by Plessinger. He’d only led a total of seven 450SX Class Main Event laps in his career prior to the Detroit gate drop, but as the points leaders battled behind him Plessinger pulled clear then steadily extended his lead. Five minutes into the race Plessinger was ahead by over three seconds. Tomac got around Webb for second while Barcia hounded to do the same and Sexton pushed to get around Barcia.

It seemed likely that the top three in points, Webb, Tomac, and Sexton, would break away and reel in Plessinger. But instead the KTM rider put even more real estate between himself and the pack while Barcia clawed his way up through it. Seven minutes into the race Barcia had reached second place and then set his sights on the win.

But then Sexton really went to work. Just after the race clock reached 11 minutes remaining, Sexton pushed past Webb to take third. A lap later he battled Barcia for second. The attack was quick, and Barcia’s counter was immediate; the riders came together. Sexton stayed up yet the impact threw Barcia off pace enough that Webb got around at the end of the following section.

Plessinger’s lead was over eight seconds and he looked untouchable. Meanwhile Tomac was working to hold fifth as Roczen was on his rear fender. Then Tomac got his own surge of speed and motored past Barcia to take over fourth place. Sexton gained on Plessinger only by tenths of a second as the race clock ticked down.

Plessinger held a comfortable lead when he made a critical and heartbreaking mistake. On the second-to-last lap of the race, he caught his foot on a rut and flew off the bike as it went airborne. Plessinger crashed hard, handing over what would have been his first 450SX Class win after leading the race for 20 laps.

Sexton took the win, his second of the season. Webb maintained the runner-up spot, and Tomac earned third place. The three points leaders on the race podium belied the thrills and twists of one of the most exciting races so far this season. After the race, Sexton was assessed a 7-point penalty for a red-cross-flag infraction, putting him seventeen points out of the title chase lead.

Hunter Lawrence - Detroit Supercross

Hunter Lawrence took his fifth win of the season and stretched his points lead to 35.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Round 6 of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class saw Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan grab the holeshot. Hunter Lawrence was quickly into the lead ahead of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin, Deegan, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher. Lawrence soon pulled a small gap on the pack. Thrasher was into third quickly and applied pressure to Martin. Martin held strong for several laps with Thrasher looking for an opportunity to pass.

Just over four minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race Thrasher got around Martin. Thrasher put the hammer down and slowly cut the gap to Lawrence from 4.2 seconds down to 3.6. But when the race reached the midpoint Lawrence responded, pulled the gap back to over four seconds, and never allowed Thrasher to regain any significant ground. Behind them, Deegan moved past Martin to take over third place. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose held fifth at the checkers just ahead of Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle.

Lawrence’s win created some interesting statistics in comparison compared to his brother, Jett Lawrence. The two brothers are now tied on Supercross race starts, wins, and top five finishes. Hunter holds one more podium finish, yet Jett already holds a 250SX Class championship. The stats are especially interesting in that the brothers will race head-to-head twice this season in two upcoming East/West Showdown events.

The series returns to the west coast to drop the gate for Round 11 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. The event pays points to both the Monster Energy Supercross season as well as to the brand-new SuperMotocross World Championship which culminates in two Playoff events and one Final event in September.

All 31 rounds of the SuperMotocross League are streamed live on Peacock; select rounds are also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International viewers can catch the action at SuperMotocross.tv. For race highlight videos, the full 31-round SuperMotocross schedule, results, news, and ticket sales please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Detroit Supercross

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, and Cooper Webb.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  4. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  5. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki
  6. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
  7. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
  8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  9. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  10. Josh Hill, Huntersville, NC, KTM

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (225)
  2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (222)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (208)
  4. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (182)
  5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (180)
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (174)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (164)
  8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (136)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (107)
  10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (103)
250SX Class podium - Detroit Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Haiden Deegan, Hunter Lawrence, and Nate Thrasher.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda
  2. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha
  3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  4. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
  5. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
  6. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM
  7. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  8. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda
  9. Henry Miller, Rochester, Minn., Honda
  10. Michael Hicks, Fenton, Mo., Honda

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., (151)
  2. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (116)
  3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (111)
  4. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (109)
  5. Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda (104)
  6. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (92)
  7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (88)
  8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (85)
  9. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (72)
  10. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (67)

Assets:
2023 Detroit Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights – Detroit
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Highlights – Detroit
Detroit 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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Tomac Wins Daytona Supercross for Record Seventh Time

Hunter Lawrence Also Makes History with 250SX Class Win

DAYTONA, FL – March 5, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took a hard-earned Monster Energy AMA Supercross victory at the 53rd running of the Daytona Supercross, stretching his record number of wins at the venue to seven.

The 53rd running of the Daytona Supercross

The 53rd running of the Daytona Supercross delivered thrills from the opening ceremonies to the final lap of the 450SX Class Main Event. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb was close but had to settle for second place at Round 8 on the unique track built into the trioval of the Daytona International Speedway. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton had some close calls but no crashes to finish third on the high-speed Supercross track. In the fourth round of the 10-round Eastern Regional 250SX Class series, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took the Daytona win in convincing style.

Eli Tomac - DAYTONA Supercross

Eli Tomac won the event for the seventh time, extending his record as the King of Daytona Supercross. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event, Tomac grabbed the Holeshot but Webb took an outside line in the second corner and snatched the lead. Sexton held third place with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia applying pressure to take over the spot. After one lap Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson had made his way into fifth, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire sat sixth in his first 450SX Class Main Event after winning his Heat race.

With the rain coming down Webb held command of the race. Then approximately seven minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Webb and Tomac had a fierce exchange. The two racers traded the lead four times in one section, with Webb retaining the front spot after the two riders bumped entering a rutted, elevated corner. Tomac was sent wide, but not off the track. The incident allowed Sexton to close the gap and suddenly the top three in the points all had a shot at the Daytona win.

Nine minutes in, Webb hit neutral entering the high-speed rhythm just after the finish line. Tomac jumped past and locked down the lead. The front four, Tomac, Webb, Sexton, and Barcia were still close, with less than four seconds separating the four riders.

Then Sexton made a big mistake in one of the rutted rhythm sections. Barcia tried to capitalize, Sexton blocked, and the riders came together right before a triple jump. The contact sent Barcia off the track but not down. Less than a lap later Sexton stalled his bike braking for the tight, elevated corner. Barcia tried to jump past on the corner’s exit and the riders came together again. The second incident went worse for Barcia and he found himself down on the Florida soil. Barcia was able to remount in time to stay in front of Anderson in fifth.

In the late laps Webb made a push to get back to Tomac. The KTM rider closed the gap down to 1.4 seconds as the racers reached the white flag. But Tomac laid down a mistake-free final lap and kept his Yamaha up front. When Tomac crossed the checkers he stretched his all-time Daytona win record to seven and took sole possession of third in all-time 450SX Class wins, just one behind James Stewart who was in the broadcast booth calling the race alongside Ricky Carmichael and Daniel Blair.

Hunter Lawrence - DAYONA Supercross

Hunter Lawrence was back to his winning ways with a strong victory at Daytona.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie jumped out in first with the Holeshot but down the first straight Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher took over the lead. One turn later Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle took the top spot from Thrasher. Lawrence was up near the front and as the racers went through the sand section for the first time he collided with Thrasher. Lawrence got the position and Thrasher went down and fell back to last place. Lawrence sped forward, blitzing past Vialle and into the lead on the first pass through the whoops.

Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin held third with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose behind and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan in fifth. Then Vialle crashed hard in the short rhythm after the whoops, giving up his second place spot. Four and a half minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race, with light rain coming down, Deegan moved confidently past Martin to take over third place. With 8:22 left on the race clock Thrasher reached tenth and looked to have the speed to reach the top five. Half a lap later Thrasher landed on a Tuff Blox, crashed hard, and looked out of the race; but Thrasher re-joined and worked his way back up to tenth by the finish.

The win by Lawrence matched his brother’s victory in 2022, making the Lawrence brothers the first in the sport’s history to each have a Daytona Supercross win. This augments their other ‘first’ this season as being the only brother duo to simultaneously lead both the Eastern and the Western Regional 250SX Class points. Anstie earned his second runner-up finish of 2023 and rookie Haiden Deegan earned his career-first podium finish in only his fourth professional Supercross race.

The series heads to Indianapolis next weekend where Lucas Oil Stadium will host Round 9 of both the 17-round 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as the brand-new 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series. The inaugural series incorporates Supercross, Pro Motocross, and three hybrid-style events to crown one SuperMotocross World Champion in each bike displacement class. The 2023 seasons combine for the largest total purse of any off-road motorcycle racing series with a 10 million dollar purse.

All 31 rounds are streamed live on Peacock. Select rounds will also show domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International coverage of all 31 events is provided through the SuperMotocross Video Pass at SuperMotocross.tv. For video highlights, race results, the full schedule, and ticket information please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - DAYTONA Supercross

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Cooper Webb, Eli Tomac, and Chase Sexton.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  4. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  6. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  7. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
  8. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
  9. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  10. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (186)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (181)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (176)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (148)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (138)
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (135)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (132)
  8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (103)
  9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (85)
  10. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (84)
250SX Class podium - DAYTONA Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Max Anstie, Hunter Lawrence, and Haiden Deegan.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda
  2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda
  3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
  6. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda
  7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
  8. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  10. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (99)
  2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (85)
  3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (74)
  4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (71)
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (71)
  6. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (70)
  7. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (60)
  8. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (53)
  9. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (53)
  10. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (51)

Assets:
2023 Daytona Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights – Daytona
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Highlights – Daytona
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.

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