Washougal National: Sexton Dominates, Deegan Edges Out Vialle in a Thriller

The Pro Motocross championship rolled into the scenic Washougal MX Park for a red-hot round under the summer sun. The "Military Appreciation Race" lived up to its name with a passionate atmosphere, and the on-track fireworks were just as intense.

240721 Chase Sexton - First Place 450 Class - Washougal National

Chase Sexton captured his third straight 1-1 sweep for his fourth win of the summer. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Sexton Storms to Fourth Win

In the premier 450 class, Chase Sexton (Red Bull KTM) continued his dominance, securing his third straight 1-1 moto sweep for his fourth victory of the season. Early struggles with starts didn't hold him back, as Sexton carved his way through the pack with impressive pace.

240721 Aaron Plessinger - Second Place 450 Class - Washougal National

Aaron Plessinger equaled his career-best result with a runner-up effort. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

A late-race mistake by teammate Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM) in moto one gifted Sexton the lead, and he never looked back. Jason Anderson (Monster Energy Kawasaki) finally landed on the podium for the first time this year with a strong second moto performance, placing third overall.

240721 Jason Anderson - Third Place 450 Class - Washougal National

Jason Anderson earned his first podium result of the season in third. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Deegan Holds Off Vialle in 250 Class Thriller

240721 Haiden Deegan - First Place 250 Class - Washougal National

Haiden Deegan made his return to the top of the podium with his fifth win. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

The 250 class was a nail-biter, with championship leader Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) edging out Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM) after a tiebreaker. Both riders matched 2-1 finishes, but a second-moto pass by Deegan secured him the win and extended his points lead to 53 points.

240721 Tom Vialle - Second Place 250 Class - Washougal National

A second moto tiebreaker forced Tom Vialle to settle for a runner-up finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Jo Shimoda (Team Honda HRC) continued his consistent run with a third-place finish overall.

240721 Jo Shimoda - Third Place 250 Class - Washougal National

Jo Shimoda finished on the podium for the third time in four races. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Key Moments:

Looking Ahead:

The Pro Motocross championship takes a break for two weekends before returning to action on August 10th at the legendary Unadilla MX for round nine. The passionate fans and challenging Unadilla track promise another exciting chapter in the championship chase. Get tickets at www.MOTO.events

Dominant Jett Lawrence Extends Points Lead in Philadelphia!

History Made in the City of Brotherly Love

Lincoln Financial Field roared to life as it hosted its first-ever Supercross event, marking the return of the sport to Philadelphia for the first time since 1980. This 43-year gap between races is the longest in the sport's history. The 250SX Class also made its Pennsylvania debut, adding another layer of excitement to the electric atmosphere.

Jett Lawrence - First place 450SX Class - Philadelphia Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

First place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Team Honda HRC's Jett Lawrence continued his scorching run in the 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, grabbing the holeshot and leading wire-to-wire for a dominant victory in Philadelphia. This win marks Lawrence's seventh of the year and extends his already impressive championship points lead to a commanding 12 points with just two rounds remaining.

Podium Battles Round Out the Night

Chase Sexton - Second place 450SX Class - Philadelphia Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Second place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

While Lawrence controlled the front of the pack in the 450SX Class, a fierce battle unfolded behind him for the remaining podium spots. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Chase Sexton put on a late charge, clawing his way up to second place. Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jason Anderson made a daring outside line pass in the final corner to secure the final podium position in a thrilling finish.

Jason Anderson - Third place 450SX Class - Philadelphia Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Third place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Anstie Claims First Win in Dramatic 250SX Race

Max Anstie - First place 250SX Class - Philadelphia Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

First place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

The Eastern Regional 250SX Class delivered a heart-stopping main event. Fire Power Honda's Max Anstie fought his way from fifth place at the start all the way to the checkered flag for his first win of the season. Series leader Red Bull KTM's Tom Vialle started poorly but managed to salvage a valuable second-place finish, extending his points lead to 15 points with one round left. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Haiden Deegan trailed Vialle closely throughout the race, securing third place and keeping himself in contention for the championship.

Tom Vialle - Second place 250SX Class - Philadelphia Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Second place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Haiden Deegan - Third place 250SX Class - Philadelphia Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Third place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Supercross Season Heats Up as Denver Awaits

With only two rounds remaining, the intensity is cranked to the max! Next up is Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, on May 4th. Don't miss a second of the action as the championship chase reaches its climax.

Experience the drama and adrenaline of Supercross live! Tickets are still available for the remaining rounds. Every race of the 28-round SuperMotocross World Championship, including playoffs and the final round, will be streamed live and on-demand on Peacock. Fans can also catch next-day encore presentations on CNBC, with select races broadcasted on NBC, USA Network, and more.

Giving Back - Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction

Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross

Don't miss the annual Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross auction kicking off on April 29th! This incredible event raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Race-worn gear from the sport's top racers will be up for grabs, so head to supercrosslive.com/st-jude to bid and support a great cause!

For tickets, visit www.MOTO.events. Don't miss a moment of the thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season!

Ken Roczen Roars to Victory at Glendale Supercross

In a night that reverberated with the thunderous roar of engines and the passionate cheers of a record-breaking crowd, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki's Ken Roczen emerged as the triumphant victor at Round 6 of the 2024 Monster Energy Supercross season, held at the iconic State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Glendale Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

From the very start, Roczen dominated the race, seizing the Holeshot and maintaining an iron grip on the lead throughout the event. This impressive victory marked Roczen's third win at the State Farm Stadium, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with on the Supercross circuit.

"I haven't won much in the recent years so I take these moments in so much… My start was really good. I got a super good jump. I may have shut the throttle off a little bit too early, so I almost got swallowed up there. But I had the inside and as I went around the first turn I'm like, 'This is what I need'… The track was really tricky, it just got so slippery. I made so many micro-decisions on the track in certain areas that I picked out; as I ran through some of the first few laps I just noticed some of the key spots that are really tricky and can really bite you. So I just managed the race the whole way… I tried to not look at the time, I just clicked my laps, lap after lap. My Progressive ECSTAR Suzuki was working flawless out here today. I haven't done many changes at all and it shows. You know, I've got to give it up to my whole team, my crew behind me, Peyton at home, my family, Griffin this is for you. I've been telling him the whole time I'm going to bring some trophies home, and especially wins, so I finally did it and this is an unbelievable moment for us." – Ken Roczen

Joining Roczen on the podium were Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jason Anderson, who secured a hard-fought second place, and Team Honda HRC's Jett Lawrence, who battled his way to a well-deserved third place finish.

Second place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

"Oh 100% [I'm happy with a podium]. I'm really excited to walk out here with second. But at the end of the day I felt like I left a little on the table. I started riding tight there for a second, but, with how gnarly our class is, it's pretty cool to be up here… Honestly this is one of my home races so everyone from the 505 out here, thanks for showing up and supporting." – Jason Anderson

Jett Lawrence - Third place 450SX Class – Glendale Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Third place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

"[I] didn't give myself the best opportunity to go on for a win today with just getting a terrible start. But it was cool to climb my way through. It was a cool accomplishment to catch and pass Eli… So it was a cool accomplishment and just happy I was able to fight back to a podium position. [The] front boys they were gone… so especially going similar speeds here you can't catch up, you can't give 'em that extra gap… It was a good finish to get third, especially with how it started." – Jett Lawrence

In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's RJ Hampshire emerged victorious, delivering a stellar performance and clinching his second win of the season.

RJ Hampshire - First place 250SX Class – Glendale Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

First place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

"[It was] a really tough day. Man, I had that case [coming up short on the track's large double jump in the] first timed practice. Man, that hurt me quite a bit. [I'm] getting up there in age so those don't go by so fast… [In the] main event, got a decent start, made those passes quick. And [then] just kinda rode my own race… You know [my win at] A1 was so easy, and then, you know, you have some bad luck… Man, we work hard and it's awesome to repay this whole Austrian team with another win. We get six weeks off now [for the west coast 250SX Class] so I get to recover a bit, but yeah, so stoked! Thank you! Arizona was awesome to me, ready to go back home." – RJ Hampshire

Levi Kitchen - Second place 250SX Class – Glendale Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Second place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

“[Regarding Jordon Smith jumping into Levi while the ‘do not jump’ lights were flashing] I don’t know. Like, that’s a bad situation. I feel really bad, I’m glad Smitty’s okay. But yeah, you come around and they’re blinking. I didn’t know if I could jump on, and he jumped on behind me and we hit. Luckily we’re both okay… That’s a weird thing with the lights and everything. I just didn’t want to be in the wrong, and get docked. Glad I’m healthy, glad he’s healthy, and yeah, stoked to go into this long break with the red plate, obviously.” – Levi Kitchen

Jo Shimoda - Third place 250SX Class – Glendale Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Third place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

“We’ve been working hard in the weekends with the team but the results sometimes [are] not showing… The main event [podium], I kinda got gifted, I guess, but [it’s] some kind of way to start my groove again… I missed the feeling [of being up here on the podium].” – Jo Shimoda

Get Your Tickets

Tickets for the remaining Monster Energy Supercross events are on sale now at Moto.events.

As the championship race intensifies, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. Stay tuned for more thrilling Supercross action as the season unfolds!

Jett Lawrence's Historic Triumph at A1 Sets the Stage for 2024 Supercross Thrills!

RJ Hampshire Reigns Supreme in the Western Regional 250SX Class Opener

The roar of engines, the scent of exhaust and the thunderous applause of 45,050 fans – that's the symphony that echoed through Angel Stadium as Team Honda HRC's Jett Lawrence etched his name in Supercross history. Lawrence not only conquered the 450SX Class Main Event but did so in a rookie feat that defies the sport's rich history.

Jett Lawrence - First Place 450SX Class - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

First Place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

As the 33rd season opener unfolded, Lawrence's decisive victory electrified the crowd, marking the fourth consecutive sold-out year for the event. In the shadow of this momentous win, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jason Anderson secured second place, while Red Bull KTM's Chase Sexton clinched the final podium spot in the 50th anniversary season of AMA Supercross.

Jason Anderson - Second Place 450SX Class - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc

Second Place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

The excitement wasn't confined to the 450SX Class; the Western Regional 250SX Class witnessed Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's RJ Hampshire seizing the first win of the 10-round championship. A stellar performance that earned him first place points and an early-season lead.

RJ Hampshire - First Place 250SX Class - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc

First Place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Key Highlights:

  1. Jett Lawrence's Historic Win:
    • Lawrence becomes the first rider to win their debut 450SX Class Main Event, a rookie feat for the ages.
  2. Podium Standings:
    • Second Place: Jason Anderson (Monster Energy Kawasaki)
    • Third Place: Chase Sexton (Red Bull KTM)
  3. RJ Hampshire's Triumph:
    • Hampshire secures first place in the Western Regional 250SX Class opener, claiming early-season lead.
  4. Quotes:
    • Lawrence on the significance of his win: "It’s cool that it took that many years for someone to do it. I’m definitely grateful..."
    • Anderson on the battle with Cooper Webb: "Me, Coop, and Jett, for a good 15 minutes of that moto were pretty even..."
    • Sexton on the season ahead: "I come out here to win and be up front, so not only Jett, but everybody else, I gotta go out there and race as hard as I can..."
  5. Western Regional 250SX Class Results:
    • First Place: RJ Hampshire
    • Second Place: Jordon Smith
    • Third Place: Levi Kitchen
  6. Next Stop: Oracle Park, San Francisco:
    • Round two kicks off on January 13th with an earlier start time and thrilling Opening Ceremonies at 8:00 p.m. EST.

The next battleground awaits at Oracle Park in San Francisco on January 13th. Brace yourself for an earlier start time and Opening Ceremonies that kick off at 8:00 p.m. EST. It's not just a race; it's the first chapter of a 17-round Monster Energy Supercross season that also fuels the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship.

Get Tickets here!

Perfect 2023 Pro Motocross Championship Season Continues for Jett Lawrence with Tenth Win at Budds Creek

Hunter Lawrence on the Cusp of 250 Class Title Following Seventh Victory

One week removed from becoming the eighth different rider in the history of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, to capture the 450 Class title his first year in the division, Team Honda HRC pilot Jett Lawrence’s quest for a perfect season moved one round closer to completion at the Yamaha Budds Creek National. The young Australian withstood his toughest challenge to date at Southern Maryland’s Budds Creek Motocross Park, but ultimately prevailed with his 10th consecutive 1-1 outing to move within two motos of the fourth unbeaten campaign in series history. In the 250 Class, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence once again complemented his younger brother’s victorious effort with his seventh victory of the season, to put the Gary Jones Cup within reach ahead of next weekend’s finale.

450 class banner bl

Moto 1

The first 450 Class moto got underway with the Monster Energy Kawasaki of Adam Cianciarulo leading the way to the MotoSport.com Holeshot, followed my Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jay Wilson and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger, who soon moved into second. Third was then occupied by Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia. A bit further back, Lawrence started sixth.

The top three settled in through the opening portion of the moto but Plessinger started to chip away at the deficit and was able to make the pass for the lead a little more than eight minutes into the moto. Cianciarulo and Barcia gave chase from second and third, respectively, while Lawrence closed in from fourth. The champ persistently pressured Barcia for a few laps and made the move for third just before the halfway point. He then made quick work of Cianciarulo to move into second.

Less than a second separated Plessinger and Lawrence, but the Australian quickly closed onto the rear fender of the KTM and relied on some savvy racecraft to slip into the lead and seize control of the moto with 13 minutes remaining. From there he quickly moved out to a multi-second advantage. As Lawrence pulled away, the battle for the remaining podium spots tightened up between Plessinger, Cianciarulo, Barcia, and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson.

Anderson made the first move of the group with a pass on Barcia to drop the GASGAS rider to fifth. The Kawasaki rider’s forward momentum continued with a pass on his teammate for third and continued with a quick push to pass Plessinger for second. This late battle added a new rider in Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis, as the Frenchman was on a charge into podium contention. The former champ marched his way past multiple riders and moved within striking distance of Plessinger as time expired on the moto. Ferrandis went on the attack and completed the pass.

Lawrence easily controlled the second half of the race to bring home moto win 19 by 4.3 seconds over Anderson, followed by Ferrandis in third. Plessinger and Barcia battled all the way to the checkered flag for fourth, with the KTM coming out ahead of the GASGAS.

230820 Jett Lawrence - Budds Creek

Jett Lawrence withstood his toughest challenge to date to keep
his perfect season intact at Budds Creek.
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media

Moto 2

The final moto of the day began with Lawrence clear of the field to easily grab the MotoSport.com Holeshot over Cianciarulo and Barcia. Barcia quickly slotted into second, followed by Plessinger in third, while Cianciarulo settled into fourth. After a challenging first moto filled with adversity, Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton started fifth but made quick work to jump up to third behind Barcia and his teammate.

Sexton showed patience in his pursuit of Barcia for second but once he went on the attack he wasted no time making the pass and moved into second just a handful of minutes into the moto. From there Sexton inched closer to his teammate and as the moto surpassed the 10-minute mark less than 1.5 seconds separated the Honda duo. As they traded momentum, Sexton appeared to have slightly more speed and closed in to within less than a second. However, the battle ended when Sexton tipped over while navigating one of the track’s many downhills.

The lead duo was well ahead of the rest of the field, but a multi-ride affair for third headlined the halfway point of the moto as Barcia was forced to contend with Plessinger, Cianciarulo, and Anderson. As the moto wore on Barcia and Plessinger were able to inch away from the Kawasakis, but their battle persisted. No matter what Plessinger tried Barcia seemed to have an answer, but as the moto reached its final five minutes Plessinger finally got the upper hand and made the pass, while Barcia stayed close.

Back up front, Sexton’s never-give-up mentality saw him erase an eight-second deficit to close within striking distance of Lawrence. Mere bike lengths separated the teammates on the final lap, but Lawrence did enough to keep Sexton at bay and secure his 20th moto win to extend the perfect season.

230820 Aaron Plessinger - Budds Creek

Aaron Plessinger earned his best result of the season with a runner-up effort (4-3).
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media

Overall

The 10th overall victory of the season for Lawrence was arguably his toughest of the summer, as he was forced to dig deep to pull out the 1-1 sweep and keep his unblemished record intact. With his third-place finish in the final moto Plessinger was able to secure a season-best runner-up finish (4-3), while Anderson’s resilient charges through the field in both motos was rewarded with third overall (2-5).

Lawrence needs to win the final two motos of the summer to become the third different rider to amass a perfect season, in what has been a historic first season of premier class competition.

230820 Jason Anderson - Budds Creek

Jason Anderson put up a fight across both motos to secure third overall (2-5).
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media

Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“I had a spot where I could see Chase [Sexton] each lap, but then [one lap] I just didn’t see him there. Then I knew he was closing in. I had a bit of bad luck with lappers, but we got away with it. It was a close one there, but that was good at the end.”

Aaron Plessinger, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
“I knew [Barcia] was going to be hard to pass and this track is a bit one lined. He’s such a great competitor and I really enjoyed racing with him in that second moto. I rode a bit tight in that first moto, but we came out and proved it in the second one. I’m just so grateful to be up here again [on the podium].”

Jason Anderson, Monster Energy Kawasaki
“I feel like I’m getting better. I had to work hard and come from behind a couple times today. It feels good to be back on the podium. We just need to keep piecing it together.”

230820 450 Podium - Budds Creek

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish // Points)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda (1-1 // 50)
  2. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (4-3 // 38)
  3. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Kawasaki (2-5 // 38)
  4. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda (9-2, 34)
  5. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., GASGAS (5-4 // 34)
  6. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha (3-9 // 32)
  7. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (7-6 // 29)
  8. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Yamaha (6-8 // 28)
  9. Ty Masterpool, Fallon, Nev., Kawasaki (8-7 // 27)
  10. Phil Nicoletti, Cochecton, N.Y., Yamaha (10-11 // 21)

450 Class Championship Standings (Round 10 of 11)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda – 500
  2. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha – 379
  3. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 350
  4. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 298
  5. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 294
  6. Ty Masterpool, Fallon, Nev., Kawasaki – 242
  7. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Yamaha – 228
  8. Fredrik Noren, Lidköping, Sweden, Suzuki – 208
  9. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Kawasaki – 171
  10. Grant Harlan, Justin, Texas, Yamaha – 162

450 Class Highlights – Yamaha Budds Creek National

250 class banner

Moto 1

The opening moto of the day began with the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki of Jo Shimoda leading the field out of the first turn to grab the MotoSport.com Holeshot just ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rookie Haiden Deegan. The lead pair engaged in a spirited battle on the opening lap, swapping lines throughout the track layout, from which Deegan was able to slip past and take control of the early stage of the moto. Shimoda then settled into second ahead of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle in third and Hunter Lawrence in fifth.

With no pressure from behind, Deegan was able to open up a comfortable margin on the field through the opening 10 minutes of the moto, with more than five seconds between him and Shimoda. The top two asserted themselves at the head of the pack while the battle for third picked up as the moto reached its halfway point. However, the entire complexion of the race changed when the red flag flew for a downed rider and brought the moto to a halt.

With mere seconds before the moto reached the 15-minute mark, the formal halfway point, the red flag resulted in a restart out the starting gate for a 15-minute sprint to the finish.

As the field approached the first turn off the second gate drop Deegan made contact with Vialle, which hampered the Frenchman’s start and sent Deegan to the ground and to the rear of the field. Out front, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jalek Swoll emerged with the lead ahead of Lawrence, with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper in third. With invaluable championship points on the line, Cooper, who sits second in the standings, made an aggressive pass on Lawrence to move into second.

Cooper continued his push to the front and made his way past Swoll, only to have the Husqvarna rider counter to reclaim the position. Cooper looked to recompose himself, which brought Lawrence into the mix from third to initiate a three-rider battle for the lead. Cooper waited for his opportunity and then made a savvy pass with six minutes left in the moto. Not long after Lawrence made his way around Swoll for second. With five minutes to go the championship rivals were separated by 1.3 seconds.

Lawrence closed the gap to within a second of Cooper and started to look for potential lines to mount an attack, but Cooper didn’t flinch and was consistent through the closing stages to keep Lawrence at bay. The lead grew over the final two laps as Cooper brought home his third moto win of the season 2.1 seconds ahead of Lawrence. Swoll completed his best effort of the season in third, with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Daxton Bennick in fourth and Vialle in fifth. Further back, Deegan recovered from the first-turn incident to finish 16th.

230820 Hunter Lawrence - Budds Creek

Hunter Lawrence’s seventh win of the season moved him closer to the 250 Class title.
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media

Moto 2

As the field stormed into the first turn to start the second and deciding 250 Class moto it was Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner who led the field to the MotoSport.com Holeshot, just ahead of Lawrence and Cooper. Forkner looked to lead his first lap of the season, but he missed an obstacle, which helped Lawrence to take over the top spot. The clear track allowed Lawrence to sprint away from the field.

Each of the top three riders proceeded to settle into their respective positions on the track through the first 10 minutes of the moto until Cooper looked to apply some pressure on Forkner for second. The Kawasaki rider responded and kept Cooper at bay, while Shimoda bided his time from fourth. At the turn of the midway point of the moto Cooper finally made the move on Forkner to grab control of second. Shimoda then proceeded to challenge his teammate for third. A slingshot move on an outside line allowed Shimoda to surge past and give chase to Cooper with less than 10 minutes to go.

Shimoda was one of the fastest riders on the track and soon closed in on Cooper to mount an attack for second. As soon as Shimoda appeared to have the Yamaha in his sights, Cooper responded to stabilize the margin with an increase in his own pace to become the fastest rider on the track. With the drop in his lap times Cooper was able to inch back towards Lawrence but couldn’t gain enough ground to pressure for the lead.

Lawrence closed strong to take his seventh moto win of the season, just 1.5 seconds ahead of Cooper at the finish. Shimoda followed with a solid third-place effort.

230820 Justin Cooper - Budds Creek

Justin Cooper tied for the top spot (1-2) but settled for a runner-up effort.
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media

Overall

With identical moto finishes Lawrence (2-1) and Cooper (1-2) finished tied atop the overall standings, but the second-moto tiebreaker went to Lawrence for his seventh win of the season and forced Cooper to settle for his sixth runner-up effort of the summer. Shimoda rounded out the overall podium with his third top-three performance of the year (7-3).

Lawrence, Cooper, and Shimoda remain the only riders mathematically eligible for the 250 Class title entering the finale next weekend. With no points lost or gained on Cooper, Lawrence will carry a 22-point advantage into Indiana’s Ironman Raceway in search of his first national championship.

230820 Jo Shimoda - Budds Creek

Jo Shimoda kept his title hopes alive with a third-place finish (7-3).
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media

Hunter Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“It’s awesome [to get another win]. It was a tough day, but a good day at the end. We went out and made it happen. Looking forward to next weekend to try and close this out.”

Justin Cooper, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I gave it everything I had today. I got into second, but Hunter [Lawrence] was riding really good. I tried to close the gap and got a bit sketchy out there but did everything I could. We’ll see what we can do next weekend.”

Jo Shimoda, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki
“The track was tough. I chose a paddle tire to try and help with the start, but that made things sketchy out there at times. I’m happy to get another podium and looking forward to closing out the season next week.”

230820 250 Podium - Budds Creek

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda (2-1 // 47)
  2. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (1-2 // 47)
  3. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (7-3 // 34)
  4. Austin Forkner, Richards, Mo., Kawasaki (8-4 // 31)
  5. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (5-6 // 31)
  6. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Husqvarna (3-12 // 29)
  7. Daxton Bennick, Morganton, N.C., Yamaha (4-11 // 28)
  8. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki (12-8 // 22)
  9. Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM (11-9 // 22)
  10. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki (6-14 // 22)

250 Class Championship Standings (Round 10 of 11)

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda – 391
  2. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 369
  3. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki – 343
  4. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 329
  5. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha – 308
  6. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 288
  7. Max Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., KTM – 269
  8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM – 264
  9. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Husqvarna – 195
  10. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki – 181

250 Class Highlights – Yamaha Budds Creek National

The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship will come to an exciting and dramatic conclusion next Saturday, August 26, with the landmark 10th running of the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National from Crawfordsville, Indiana’s Ironman Raceway, located just outside the motorsports mecca of Indianapolis. The 11th and final round of the summer campaign 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.

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.

Tomac Shows Nerves of Steel in Houston Supercross Victory

Hunter Lawrence Wins Opening Round of Eastern Regional 250SX Class Racing

HOUSTON, TX – February 5, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac returned to his winning ways, holding firm through a dramatic Round 5 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton had the lead in his sights but had to settle for second inside NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Houston has hosted a round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series for 46 years

Houston has hosted a round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series for 46 years. NRG Stadium lights up during opening ceremonies. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson took the final podium position in the event that paid points to both the 17-round Supercross season as well as the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the opening round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence earned the win with a performance that should have his competition worried.

Eli Tomac

Eli Tomac looked to be in trouble early in the Houston Main Event but found more speed to earn his third win of the 2023 season. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event, defending champion Eli Tomac jumped out into the lead with Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger pressuring him from the start. But 3:25 into the 20-minute plus one lap race, a crashed rider necessitated a red flag and a temporary stop to the action. The rules called for a unique staggered re-start. The racers were lined up, one after the other according to their race order, then thrown back into battle with the wave of a green flag. The starting position order was Tomac, Plessinger, Anderson, Sexton, and Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb, but once back underway Anderson quickly took over second place. Sexton was around Plessinger shortly after and with 13:05 remaining on the race clock Sexton got into the second-place spot.

Premiere class athletes staged for the staggered start after a red flag

Premiere class athletes staged for the staggered start after a red flag stopped the race due to a downed racer. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

After Sexton had demonstrated his speed on the Houston track by qualifying first by over a full second, and also catching and beating Tomac in their Heat Race, it looked like the Texas crowd would see a fight for the lead. But Tomac found some extra speed; he put in laps fast enough to stave off Sexton’s early charge. The gap between the two was 1.6 seconds, but soon Sexton was putting in the fastest laps of any rider on the track. When the clock ticked past 6:30 remaining, Sexton had whittled the lead down to just half a second and appeared to be looking for a line around Tomac.

But Tomac held tough. The two-time and defending Supercross champion didn’t falter under the pressure. After about one lap with Sexton right on him, Tomac pulled back out enough breathing room to ride his own lines. Behind them, Anderson and Plessinger held steady while Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia found a way around Cooper Webb for fifth, yet Webb took the spot back before the checkered flag. Tomac scored his third win of 2023 and stretched out his points lead. Sexton nearly backed up his win from the previous round; he kept the bike on two wheels and earned second place points, securing second in the 17-round championship standings.

Hunter Lawrence (96), the favorite going into the opening Eastern Regional 250SX Class round, established himself as the racer to beat with a convincing win. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In Eastern Regional 250SX Class racing Hunter Lawrence grabbed the Holeshot but within a few turns Frenchman Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle slid from third into the lead. Vialle, the two-time and reigning MXGP MX2 class Motocross World Champion, found himself leading not only his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross, but his first race ever in America. Hunter fought back on the opening lap but misjudged his launch off a triple jump and sent his Honda off the track. Lawrence made an incredible high-speed save through the track-lining Tuff Blox and rejoined the race only losing one position.

Team Honda HRC’s Chance Hymas found himself in second place. The Rookie put immediate pressure on Vialle. But before two minutes had run off the clock in the 15-minute plus one lap Main Event Lawrence had re-taken second from Hymas. Shortly after that pass Hymas had trouble and Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie took over the third place spot with Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, and rookie Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan right behind. Deegan was in his first pro race after competing in the SX Futures class just one week prior.

Smith reeled in Anstie and pressured for the position until he crashed in the sand. With five minutes left on the race clock the top three seemed comfortably in their spots. It was an Australian, Brit, and a Frenchman looking to make the opening Eastern Regional race an international podium. But in the final laps Smith put on a charge, getting around Martin right before Vialle crashed in one of the track’s bowl turns. Martin then crashed on the final lap, and the opening round of the Eastern Regional Series ended with Lawrence crossing the finish line in first, Anstie in second, Smith earning a hard-fought third place, and Haiden Deegan grabbing fourth in his first professional race.

The racers face off again next weekend at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida for Round 6 of the 450SX Class and the second round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class. The event pays points to each class for both the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as towards the ultimate title, the 2023 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series which combines Supercross, Pro Motocross, and two SMX Playoffs and Final for an all-new title with a $10 million-dollar total purse.

All 2023 Monster Energy Supercross and SuperMotocross World Championship series rounds are available to watch live on Peacock. Select races are also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. For highlight videos and more information on the racers, results, and tickets to upcoming rounds please visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Podium - Houston

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

450SX Class Results

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  3. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  7. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  8. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
  9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki
  10. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (95)
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (88)
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (83)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (76)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (73)
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (65)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (64)
  8. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (56)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (56)
  10. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (53)

250SX Podium - Houston

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) Jordon Smith, Hunter Lawrence, and Max Anstie.
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. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
  4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
  6. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS
  7. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
  8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  10. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (26)
  2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (23)
  3. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (21)
  4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (19)
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (18)
  6. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (17)
  7. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (16)
  8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (15)
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (14)
  10. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (13)

Assets:
2023 Houston Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Highlights
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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Chase Sexton Wins Triple Crown Thriller at Anaheim 2 Supercross

Levi Kitchen Grabs First Supercross Victory in 250SX Class

ANAHEIM, CA – January 29, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took the win at round four of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The first of three Triple Crown events in 2023 delivered night-long racing thrills with three Main Events in each class. Main Event finishing positions combine to earn event points toward the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series.

Opening ceremonies of Round 4 of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross

Opening ceremonies of Round 4 of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross season and the first Triple Crown event of the year. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, the 2018 Supercross Champion, earned the runner-up spot at the second race held at the Anaheim venue this year. Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen nabbed the final spot on the podium and was the most consistent of the top racers. The Western Regional 250SX Class delivered a first-time winner when Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen earned the 250SX Class win in only his fifth Supercross race.

Chase Sexton (23) earned his second Monster Energy AMA Supercross victory

Chase Sexton (23) earned his second Monster Energy AMA Supercross victory in a thrilling Triple Crown event that will be re-watched for years. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Chase Sexton grabbed the lead of 450SX Class Main Event 1 ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, Ken Roczen, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis. Roczen was quickly into second place. Sexton and Roczen put a comfortable gap on the rest of the field early in the 12-minute plus one lap race. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac was in sixth at the start and moving forward. It took him five and a half minutes to reach then pass Cianciarulo; Tomac held the third place spot to the finish. There was an exciting battle around Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb through most of the first race. As he and Ferrandis caught and passed Cianciarulo, Jason Anderson reached the pack. On the final lap Anderson contacted Webb in the corner after the whoops. Webb went down and Anderson rode off to capture fifth place. Cianciarulo took sixth ahead of Webb in seventh.

In 450SX Class Main Event 2 Tomac and Webb bumped just out of the gate. Anderson took the holeshot ahead of Roczen, Cianciarulo, and Sexton. Sexton was the rider on the move but an early mistake dropped him from fourth to eighth. Three and a half minutes into the race the top three, Anderson, Roczen, and Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger were packed together and had pulled a gap on the rest of the field. Plessinger moved into second but Roczen immediately counter attacked and took back the spot. A half lap later Plessinger crashed and Tomac took over the third place spot and soon applied pressure on Roczen for second. Roczen held strong until he slid out exiting a turn, giving an easy pass for Tomac. The top three looked set until Cooper Webb reached Roczen’s rear fender. The Suzuki rider had his third intense battle of the race, successfully holding off Webb to the end. The finishing order was Anderson, Tomac, Roczen, and Webb. With one 450SX Class race to go, Tomac and Roczen were tied for the overall lead with five points. Anderson and Sexton each held six points. The event win was there for the taking to any of the four racers.

Jason Anderson grabbed the Main Event 3 holeshot ahead of Webb, Sexton, and Tomac. Roczen was in ninth at the holeshot stripe. Sexton was quickly into second place and the win for the night’s overall looked to be between Anderson and Sexton. Two and a half minutes into the race Tomac made a surge to get around Webb but a Tomac mistake in one of the track’s main rhythm sections allowed Webb to hold the position. Two laps later Tomac jumped off line and crashed hard in the same rhythm section. He remounted in fourteenth but was clearly not charging. Further up the track, Sexton and Anderson traded the lead back and forth with Sexton finally making a pass stick. Anderson would face Webb in the closing laps, surrendering the second place spot to the KTM rider after nearly crashing on the slick dirt. Sexton won the Main Event and took the overall victory for the night. It was Sexton’s first Triple Crown win and his second 450SX Class win.

Levi Kitchen earned his career-first Supercross victory

Levi Kitchen earned his career-first Supercross victory in only his fifth attempt.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Main Event 1 of the Western Regional 250SX Class kicked off the stadium event when Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire emerged from the first corner with the holeshot. Levi Kitchen, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Stilez Robertson, and Smartop MotoConcepts Racing Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg were right behind. Halfway through the opening lap of the 10-minute plus one lap race Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence was into third and pushing to catch Hampshire and Kitchen. Less than two minutes in Lawrence got around Kitchen. A battle for the lead was developing when Lawrence suddenly high-sided exiting a turn and was flicked off his bike. He remounted in eighth place and was able to pass his way back to third behind Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Pierce Brown. Title-contender Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo finished the first race in eighth, riding slightly off the pace after a tough crash in qualifying.

Main Event 2 in the 250SX Class was packed with drama. Right at the drop of the gate Lawrence moved over on Hampshire, putting the Main Event 1 winner into nearly dead last entering the first corner. Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Phil Nicoletti grabbed the holeshot and put down a fast pace. Lawrence went down on the opening lap and Hampshire got caught up in the crash, losing back a few places he’d made early. Nicoletti lead Kitchen, Robertson and Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland while Hampshire fought back from 16th and Lawrence from 22nd. Three minutes into the race Nicoletti held a 5.6 second lead. Then Hampshire went down hard when his hand came off the handlebars while blasting through the sand section. Hampshire was back up but riding slowly and he eventually pulled out of the race. Shortly after, Pierce Brown crashed in the whoops. He was slow to remount but re-joined the racing to finish thirteenth. With three minutes left on the race clock Lawrence had reached tenth place. With two laps to go Lawrence contacted McAdoo in a tight bowl turn. Lawrence bobbled and lost a position. At the checkers Robertson took the win followed by his teammate Levi Kitchen with Nicoletti in third. Lawrence crossed the line in sixth place. After two races the overall positions had Kitchen in the lead ahead of Robertson, with Oldenburg and Lawrence tied for third with one final race to determine the final order.

Jett Lawrence grabbed a big holeshot in Main Event 3 with Kitchen tucking into second place. Kitchen needed only to stay in second place to take his first Supercross victory. By the midpoint Lawrence still led and Kitchen remained in second with a comfortable gap on third place. Kitchen kept a steady pace and brought home second place in the race to earn the win at the Anaheim event. Lawrence earned second place points and Stilez Robertson took home third overall.

The racers line up again next Saturday night at round five at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Western Regional 250SX Class now takes a two-weekend break as Houston marks round one of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class. The Houston race pays points for that regional series as well as for the SuperMotocross World Championship 250 class.

Every race of the Monster Energy Supercross season and the SuperMotocross World Championship series streams live on Peacock with select races broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. For results, video highlights, features stories, and ticket sales to any of the upcoming rounds please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Anaheim 2

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

450SX Class Results

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  2. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  3. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
  4. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  5. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  6. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  8. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  10. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (69)
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (65)
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (65)
  4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (58)
  5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (55)
  6. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (54)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (48)
  8. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (45)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (43)
  10. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (39)

250SX Class podium - Anaheim 2

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) Jett Lawrence, Levi Kitchen, and Stilez Robertson.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Western Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha
  2. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda
  3. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha
  4. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda
  5. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM
  6. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki
  7. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM
  8. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS
  9. Phillip Nicoletti, Bethel, N.Y., Yamaha
  10. Dylan Walsh, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (75)
  2. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (59)
  3. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (58)
  4. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (54)
  5. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha (52)
  6. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (46)
  7. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (44)
  8. Phillip Nicoletti, Bethel, N.Y., Yamaha (44)
  9. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (43)
  10. Dylan Walsh, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki (37)

Assets:
2023 Anaheim 2 Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights
Western Regional 250SX Class Highlights
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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Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for title

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Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for the title.

Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for the title.

Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for the title.

Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for the title.

Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for the title.

50th anniversary of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship 50th was the closest ever as Tomac adds MX National crown to his ’22 Monster Energy SX title

CORONA, CA – September 5, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – When the pressure was on, so was Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac (Star Racing/Yamaha). The veteran four-time outdoor MX champion joined an elite class of FIVE-TIME Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships winners, taking a one-point premier 450 class lead into the final round over Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton (Honda) and making an absolute statement as to who’s the best with a bold, 1-1 two-moto finish at Fox Raceway in Pala, Calif., on Saturday.

Tomac’s performance in the arid (temperatures teetering at or above triple digits) region near Carlsbad, Calif., the birthplace of American motocross racing, was nothing short of super human – as was Sexton’s as well. In the opening moto the two distanced themselves from the rest of the field and went 1-2 – with the next-closest competitor (3rd place Christian Craig with Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) being an unheard of one minute and 17 seconds behind. Tomac and Sexton, in their feverous pursuit of the championship, lapped the field all the way up to 11th place (out of 40 racers that started).

The second and deciding moto would see Tomac overcome a poor start and take advantage of an unbelievable three (3) unforced errors that led to crashes by Sexton which, ultimately, handed the championship over to Tomac as the veteran rode pretty much error-free in both motos.

“This has been the most enjoyable year of my career,” said Tomac from the podium following his second moto victory and 91st career MX Nationals moto win. “Starting with supercross (Tomac won the 450 class in 2022 Monster Energy AMA Supercross) and now motocross. The competition was just unbelievable with Chase (Sexton). He’s (Sexton) the next 450 guy, hands down.”

Added Sexton: “Man, Eli’s (Tomac) so tough. He, obviously, got the upper hand on me. I made some big strides this summer and feel like a different person than I was when I started. We’ll keep going and get better for next year.” Noteworthy here is that Tomac and Sexton will lead Team USA, along with Justin Cooper (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) in the upcoming, Sept. 24-25, Motocross Des Nations at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Mich.

And in 250 class racing at Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship racing at Fox Raceway, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda overcame a questionable/aggressive pass from Honda’s Hunter Lawrence, which caused Shimoda to crash in the opening moto, to win the second moto, and with it, secure 2nd place overall in the standings – 12 points ahead of Hunter Lawrence. Cooper would join Shimoda on the 250 podium at Fox Raceway in 3rd place.

450 podium left to right… Fox Raceway II 2022

450 class podium Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson, Eli Tomac and Chase Sexton

Here’s a look at what went down at the Fox Raceway MX National II, beginning with the 450 class.

Eli Tomac 450 Moto 1 act… Fox Raceway II 2022

450 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac

“My mindset is it’s all or nothing.” – Tomac

“My goal is to come out here and just be on offense.” – Sexton

Best-case-scenario out of the start of the opening 450 moto as Sexton grabs the holeshot leads going into the first corner, with Tomac right behind in 2nd place and Christian Craig (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) in 4th. … Bunched up at the start due to a Ryan Dungey (KTM) crash, Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson (Kawasaki) rolls around in 16th place after the opening lap. … The two title combatants, Sexton and Tomac, would immediately separate themselves from the rest of the field, with Sexton opening up an early 2.282 second lead at the 20:42 mark of the temperature-shortened moto (shortened from 30 minutes + two laps to 25 min/+2). … At the end of Lap 4 Craig, enjoying a home track advantage, took measure of 3rd place Justin Barcia and passed the Gas Gas rider with relative ease on an inside line. … With Tomac tracking Sexton’s lines, announcer James Stewart referenced Muhammad Ali’s classic boxing trick in commenting:  “That’s a little Rope-A-Dope,” with how Tomac was following closely, but not attempting to pass Sexton. “It’s chess, not checkers out there.” … At the 11:00 mark Sexton had made a couple minor mistakes, which allowed Tomac to close the gap further. Then, at the 9:40 mark, both racers began to hit some lapped traffic. … With Sexton slowed considerably in one section by the lapped traffic, Tomac chose this time to pounce – and passed Sexton for the lead at the 4:41 mark with a move to the inside. … Following his pass, Tomac would reel off a hyper-fast 2:25 lap, while Sexton responded with his slowest lap of the moto – a 2:29. And this, coupled with a late moto mistake that saw Sexton’s bike slow to a near stall coming out of a corner, would be the differences in leading to Tomac’s Moto 1 victory over Sexton. … Craig would podium in 3rd place in the opening moto, while Anderson fought back valiantly for 4th place (from 16th).

Said Tomac: “I kind of had to manage the moto there, following Chase (Sexton) for quite a while. Then, actually in a section where I made the pass, I was struggling earlier. I fixed my line and got the better of it and made the pass. Tough track today. That was a key moto win for us.”

Added Sexton: “Man, I felt good. Way better than I did in practice. I just struggled getting by the lappers, and Eli (Tomac) caught me. He was able to get through (the lappers) better than I was. Nobody’s fault, I just have to do better at that. He got the lead and I reeled him in, then made a few mistakes and he, obviously, won. I gave it my best and that’s all I can do.”

Said Craig: “I had (Justin) Barcia right in front of me, and you know you have to be patient around him and pick your pass. Once I got around him I just did my laps, focused on my breathing, and man it was tough.”

Jason Anderson pursues … Fox Raceway II 2022

450 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson

The formula for Sexton to catch Tomac in Moto 2 in order to win the title was simple: Sexton had to win and have someone finish between him and Tomac. And from the opening gate drop things were looking good for Sexton as a 4th place start and quick move up to 2nd place for Sexton was met by a poor start (outside the top ten) by Tomac. … With Monster Energy guys (Sexton, Anderson and Craig) all up front and running fast, Tomac had no sooner moved up into the top ten (8th) when Sexton hit the dirt – the first of three crashes in the moto by Sexton. … Sexton would pick his bike up and watch Tomac go by, getting going again in 8th place (while Tomac quickly moved up to 5th) as Lap 2 came to a close. … Sexton would then crash a second time – two crashes in a half lap, while Anderson passed Craig on a downhill section for the race lead. … Sexton would buckle down and put up some of the days fastest laps, getting by Dungey for 5th while running two seconds faster (per lap) than race leaders Anderson and Craig. … At the 14:10 mark Sexton had gotten by Barcia for 4th place and was about six seconds back of Tomac in 3rd. … Craig would reward his teammate Tomac with an easy pass into 2nd place, then it was ‘on’ between Tomac and Anderson for the Moto 2 race lead. … No sooner did Sexton get by Craig for 3rd, running a blistering 2:24 lap (to Tomac’s 2:26 and Anderson’s 2:28), did Sexton go down again, the third time in the moto, losing the front end in a corner at the base of a downhill section. … Anderson, who’d run in 3rd place behind Tomac and Sexton for much of the season, wasn’t giving in to Tomac’s pursuit of the lead, holding off the eventual champion for a number of laps in some great racing. … At the 8:49 mark, coming over the crest of a hill and into a deep-rutted turn, the persistent Tomac moved to the inside while, at the same time, Anderson caught neutral with his shift and slowed, allowing Tomac to get by unchallenged. … Despite his bad luck Sexton continued to charge back towards the front, moving into 3rd and pulling to within six seconds of Anderson in 2nd place with 5:32 plus two laps remaining. … Sexton would move into 2nd place at the 3:10 mark, past Anderson and about three seconds behind Tomac. At this point in the race Tomac would have to make a massive mistake in order for Sexton (and Anderson) to get by, but the veteran finished out strong – and mistake-free – in going 1-1 to secure the 2022 MX Nationals title. Also noteworthy was that Tomac became the first pro racer to win his very first MX Nationals race (2010, Hangtown) and what’s said to be his very last outdoor motocross race (2022, Fox Raceway).

Said Tomac: “We (he and Sexton) pushed ourselves to the limit and I felt like we raised the bar this year. Thank you to my team, Yamaha, Monster Energy… this is a very enjoyable moment and this (holding up the No. 1 plate) is just the cherry on top.”

Added Sexton: “That second moto was frustrating. I had to go for it. I had to pass Eli (Tomac) and, trying to get to the front, I fell three times. So those mistakes… we’ve got to stop with those.”

Added Anderson: “That first moto was tough. I was behind (Ryan) Dungey at the start – and he went down. So I spent a lot of energy getting back up to the front. Then that second moto I just couldn’t hang. All-in-all it’s been a great season. Amazing for me, but I still want more.”

Justin Cooper 250 Moto … Fox Raceway II 2022

250 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Justin Cooper

The battle for 2nd place overall in the 250 class championship was coming down to the wire between Shimoda and Hunter Lawrence. And Cooper would stick his nose between the two to start the opening 250 moto at Fox Raceway, pulling a 2nd place start (behind Jett Lawrence), with Shimoda in 3rd. … Shimoda would get past Cooper on the opening lap, setting up another Shimoda/Jett Lawrence battle up front. … On to Jett Lawrence’s rear fender early, Shimoda still had a mathematical, albeit slim, chance at the overall title. … Seth Hammaker (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) would also run in the top five early (5th), with Matt Leblanc (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) in 7th, and all chasing Jett Lawrence, Shimoda and Cooper in 3rd. … At the 21:16 mark Shimoda was only one second back of Jett Lawrence, with Marvin Musquin (KTM) making a surprise appearance at Fox Raceway, to get dialed in on the 250 for Team France for the upcoming Motocross Des Nations, getting by Cooper for 3rd place. … At the 16:45 mark Cameron McAdoo (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) had raced his way into the top ten (8th), as Shimoda stayed inside of two seconds behind Jett Lawrence at the Moto 1’s midway point. … Shimoda would make a charge at 1st place, cutting Jett Lawrence’s lead down to .06 seconds with 7:36 plus two laps remaining. … Lurking back behind the leaders, and quietly moving towards the front was Hunter Lawrence, who trailed Shimoda by seven points for 2nd place overall in the championship standings. … With the race winding down, Hunter Lawrence thought he saw an opportunity and sent it off a downhill jump, careening into Shimoda – who had already entered deep into a rut in a left-handed turn. The resulting impact blew Shimoda out of the rut, off his bike and off the track. Hunter Lawrence managed to stay upright and took over 2nd place, with Cooper passing the fallen Shimoda and taking 3rd. … Shimoda held on for 4th, with Hammaker (6th) and McAdoo (8th) both finishing out the opening 250 moto in the top ten.

Said Cooper: “Cool to battle a guy like that (of his pass on former European MX2 champ Musquin). Ended up 3rd with Jo’s mistake (Cooper was unaware, from the podium, of the situation involving Hunter Lawrence).”

Jo Shimoda 250 Moto 2 a…Fox Raceway II 2022

250 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Jo Shimoda

With some vengeance in mind after Moto 1, Shimoda leads off the start into the first turn, eventually coming out in 2nd (behind Cooper’s holeshot). … Shimoda moves onto Cooper quickly, with McAdoo right there in the mix. Hunter Lawrence gets out to a poor start (13th) in his battle with Shimoda for 2nd place overall in the 250 championship. … With Cooper running up front, Shimoda in 2nd and McAdoo in 3rd, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryder DiFrancesco grabs an early top five (5th) slot, with Hammaker in 7th. … On Lap 2 Shimoda would close Cooper off on and outside-to-inside line, taking the lead – a lead he’d never relinquish though the checkers. … As Shimoda continued to roll on the power, he’d extend his lead to five seconds over Cooper at the 16:01 mark – and some 25 seconds over Hunter Lawrence. … As the race wound down, nearing the ten-minute mark, Jett Lawrence was moving up – and got past Cooper for 2nd. … With 3:44 plus two laps remaining, Shimoda was 19.9 seconds up on Jett Lawrence, with Cooper staying well within striking distance of the 2nd place Australian racer. … A couple younger Monster Energy-backed racers, rookie pros Haiden Deegan (Star Racing/Yamaha) and Chance Hymas (Honda), battled for 11th place, with Deegan aggressively taking measure of Hymas for the spot. … With two laps to go Shimoda was up by 24 seconds on 2nd place Jett Lawrence, making a statement regarding the questionable pass in Moto 1 by Hunter Lawrence. And, with his 5th moto win of the season, Shimoda wrapped up 2nd place overall in the championship. Cooper would hold on to 3rd, 1.5 seconds back of Jett Lawrence, placing 3rd overall on the day (3-3).

Said Shimoda: “I don’t know about the (Moto 1) pass. I don’t think you could call it a clean pass. He (Hunter Lawrence) put me over the berm and I hurt my shoulder a little bit. But that kind of pissed me off a little bit, you know? So in the second moto I just got a (good) start, charged to the end and won with a pretty big gap. Pretty pumped about that. Thank you to Monster Energy, Pro Circuit and Kawasaki. Thank you to the whole team, and my mom and dad. Hopefully we’ll have a better result next year.”

Added Cooper: “Yeah, it was a fun day. I tried to get out of here in one piece… we’ve got a big race coming up with Team USA (Motocross Des Nations) and hopefully we can bring it home for USA. I got a couple good starts today, and it was fun to race with Jett (Lawrence) in that second moto. Jo (Shimoda) was riding really good and kind of walked away from us. Really had nothing for him (Shimoda). It was a fun track, rough, and definitely tested us.”

Overall 2022 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, presented by Monster Energy, Points (Round 12 of 12)

450 class

Chase Sexton headshot Fox Raceway II 2022

Chase Sexton

1st – Tomac

2nd – Sexton

3rd – Anderson

5th – Craig

9th – Savatgy

250 class

Jo Shimoda headshot Fox Raceway II 2022

Jo Shimoda

2nd – Shimoda

4th – Cooper

7th – Hammaker

8th – Thrasher

10th – Kitchen

Up Next

One last big race on the 2022 motocross schedule as the world gets set to return to Michigan’s RedBud MX for this year’s running of the Motocross Des Nations, Sept. 24-25.

About Monster Energy

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com

Source: Monster Energy Company

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Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson (Kawasaki) wins a thriller at Budds Creek MX National

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Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson won his second overall premier 450 class Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship event of the summer.

Wild race day as Monster Energy’s Tomac regains the o/a 450 class point lead from Monster’s Sexton; Monster’s Shimoda 2nd @ Budds, now 2nd o/a 250 points

CORONA, CA – August 22, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – With a strong 2-2 moto finish on Saturday at Budds Creek (Md.) MX, Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson won his second overall premier 450 class Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship event of the summer. Anderson’s victory highlighted a wild day for Monster Energy racers as overall 450 point leader Chase Sexton (Honda) crashed twice in the opening moto, which Eli Tomac (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) won. Sexton then came back and won the second moto – only to have his (Sexton’s) point lead and coveted red leader race plate reclaimed by Tomac at day’s end with a 2nd place 1-5 finish.

“You don’t win championships on your good days… you win them on your bad days,” said Sexton of his heroic comeback in the second moto, salvaging a 4th place on the day (7-1).

Added Tomac: “I look at the positive… I’ve got the points lead and we’re ready to carry on.”

As it stands, with two races remaining, Tomac leads Sexton by a single point, 449-448, in one of the closer Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship 450 class title chases of all time.

And in 250 class racing, Monster Energy’s Jo Shimoda (Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) was thisclose to winning his second-straight overall, but settled for 2nd (3-1) to RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) based off one thrilling second moto race finish position. Despite that, Shimoda moved from 3rd place to 2nd place in the overall 250 class point chase, six points ahead of Honda’s Hunter Lawrence (396-390).

450 podium Anderson Budds

450 class podium Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson

Here’s a look at what went down at Budds Creek MX, beginning with the 450 class.

Tomac 450 acti… Budds (1).

450 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac

With Honda’s Ken Roczen pulling the opening 450 moto holeshot, Sexton and Tomac were in strong positions – 5th and 6th, respectively – at the midpoint of the first lap. … Tomac would quick move onto Sexton, and pass the then 450 class point leader, who only moments later caught neutral in a corner, tucked the front end and went down over the bars as Tomac sped off. … “All that (Sexton’s wreck) was caused by Eli (Tomac) passing him (Sexton) on the uphill,” cited announcer, five-time MX champ James Stewart. … Tomac then moved up onto former champ Ryan Dungey (KTM) and put the YZ’s power on to the outside of a corner, confidently taking 2nd place. … No sooner did Tomac move into 2nd place did Sexton crash, again, this time running into fallen rider, #484 Tanner Ward’s bike, which sent Sexton sailing back over the handlebars. … With Sexton now back in an unheard of 25th place, Tomac put the hammer down and made up 2.5 seconds on race leader Roczen. Rounding out the top ten for Monster Energy at the 24:00 mark of the opening moto were Anderson in 5th, Christian Craig (Star Racing/Yamaha) in 6th and Joey Savatgy (Kawasaki) in 8th. … At the 23:21 mark Tomac would blast past Roczen with an inside move on a sweeping dual berm corner, then powering up the hill for the race lead – a lead he’d never relinquish. … Sexton, to his credit, mounted a furious charge back towards the top ten, while Anderson was making his move towards the podium, passing Aaron Plessinger (KTM) for 4th place at the 19:47 mark. … Three seconds back of Dungey for 3rd, Anderson continued to tame the oppressive heat and the rugged Budds Creek track, his skill and fitness level paying dividends as he got past Dungey for the podium spot in a downhill section at the 8:46 mark. … Also moving into the top ten, and all the way up to 6th place, was defending 450 class champion Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha). … With Tomac up 10 seconds with three laps remaining, Anderson railed past Roczen for 2nd while Sexton passed Savatgy for 8th. … The moto’s best battle, between Monster Energy teammates Craig and Ferrandis for 5th place, would grab the attention of the live broadcast cameras as Craig won that battle, giving Monster Energy three racers in the top five of the opening moto (1st Tomac, 2nd Anderson, and 5th Craig).

Said Moto 1 winner Tomac: “What was important for me there was to make moves early, like the first five turns and the top of the uphill were where I was able to get ahead. (I) worked on lines, trying to get the flow going. It all worked out well for us and we’ll try and repeat that in the second moto.

Added Anderson: “I just want to keep progressing. But my progress has kept me in third place. So today, to get a step up and move forward to second place is nice. Lot of carnage on that first lap with people going down, but, fortunately, I was able to get through it.”

Sexton 450 action Budds

450 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton

Blasting out to the holeshot and early lead was Savatgy, with Anderson out in 4th, Sexton moving up to 5th early. Not in the picture was Tomac, who started outside the top ten (13th) – but moved up to 9th by the end of Moto 2’s opening lap. … Anderson would get past Savatgy for 3rd at the 26:20 mark, and up onto moto leaders Roczen and Dungey. … At the 24:26 mark Sexton would get past Savatgy for 4th, and was coming on fast towards the lead pack. … A couple minutes later Sexton would get Dungey, after which Anderson passed 2nd place Roczen for the lead – setting up an Anderson vs. Sexton battle. … Nearing he moto’s halfway point, Sexton caught and passed Roczen, putting him 1.5 seconds back of race leader Anderson. … During this time Tomac was hustling, passing Plessinger for 6th, though having to do so with great effort following his subpar start. … At the 14:41 mark Sexton was able to make quick work of Anderson, passing for the lead and opening up a 1.5 second gap almost immediately. … Having lost 11 points to Tomac in the opening moto, Sexton, in his effort to open his Moto 2 lead up further, crashed a third time, allowing both Anderson and Roczen to get by before re-mounting and continuing the moto. … Anderson would then stall his bike momentarily at the base of Henry Hill, allowing both Roczen and Sexton by. Sexton would then flat track his bike around a hilltop corner, find traction, and passing Roczen for the lead at the 8:58 mark. … Moments later Anderson would get past Roczen, giving Monster Energy the 1-2 positions in Moto 2. … Tomac was continuing to hustle, making up spots (and championship points) as he passed Savatgy for 5th and was on to Dungey for 4th. But the crafty Dungey wasn’t going to be an easy task for Tomac, and he ended up holding off Tomac for 4th at race’s end. … With only nine seconds separating the top six racers with two laps to go, Sexton put the hammer down and increased his gap on Anderson to 2.6 seconds. And they’d finish just like that, 1-2, with Tomac placing 5th.

Said Sexton: “Man, today was not my day. Just made too many mistakes. I knew I had to bounce back in that second moto. So if we can come back next week and ride really strong we’ll be in a good spot.”

Added Tomac: “I got a bad start and did not make the moves as early as I did in Moto 1.”

Said Anderson, in winning the overall: “Today 2+2 = 1. This was a step in the right direction. I was a little nervous, I didn’t have it in practice. But we were able to bring it around. Let’s keep it going and see if we can finish the series strong.”

Farres 250 action Budds

250 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Guillem Farres

Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha’s Nate Thrasher was out of the 250 Moto 1 gate fast, pulling a 4th place start and quickly moving up to 3rd. … No sooner did Thrasher move into podium position did his Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha teammate, Justin Cooper, get tangled up with Jalek Swoll (Husqvarna) and crashed – rejoining the race in 33rd place. … And the bad luck continued when Thrasher went down, going from 3rd to 15th. … With a podium finish pretty much out of the picture for Cooper, and Thrasher having his work cut out for him to get back into the top five, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda, who won the previous week at Unadilla, N.Y., made his move into the top ten. … And as the crowd focused in on the rallying Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha racers, a #109, running the same bike graphics and race wear, was seen running up front in the top five. Spain’s Guillem Farres, a last-minute replacement rider for his Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha teammate Nick Romano, had everyone thumbing through their programs to find out who this #109 was and how is he flat out hauling in his first-ever American MX National. … At the 22:16 mark Thrasher moved back into the top ten (10th), while Shimoda was busy tracking down Farres – pulling to within a couple seconds , then eventually passing Farres for 5th at the 17:23 mark. … Shimoda continued to fight his way towards a possible podium finish, at one point literally jumping over the head of KTM racer Max Vohland to take 4th place. … Shimoda then focused on 3rd place Michael Mosiman, passing the Gas Gas racer late, only to be passed back by Mosiman in a great battle. Shimoda would pass Mosiman back one more time, railing an outside berm and making the final pass stick – through the checkers – for 3rd place.

Shimoda heads… Budds (2).

250 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Jo Shimoda

Rallying back from a disappointing opening 250 moto, Cooper grabbed the holeshot in Moto 2, with Shimoda tucked in behind in 3rd. … Shimoda would track and pass Swoll at the 27:27 mark for 2nd place, then raced to the lead, past Cooper, to the inside of an uphill section. Cooper would then get Shimoda back, wrestling the lead away a half lap later. … The two Monster Energy-backed racers would engage in a great battle for the next couple laps, with Shimoda winning an uphill drag race and taking 1st place back from Cooper. … At the moto’s halfway point RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna), who won the opening moto, was moving up through the pack, closing in on Cooper. … Cooper’s three-second lead on Hampshire would be cut down to just a couple bike lengths when the two reached lap traffic, with Shimoda still well out front. … The overall victory for Shimoda now rested in Cooper’s hands, and his ability to keep Hampshire out of 2nd place (Shimoda’s 3-1 would beat Hampshire’s 1-3). … Cooper would hold off Hampshire until the 4:13 mark when the Husqvarna racer made his move, taking 2nd – and with it the overall from Shimoda, though the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki racer did move into 2nd place overall in the 250 class standings ahead of Honda’s Hunter Lawrence.

Said Shimoda: “I got a better start in the second moto, and had a good battle with Justin (Cooper). Overall my riding was great, and moving into 2nd place (overall) was great, too.”

Overall 2022 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, presented by Monster Energy, Points (Round 10 of 12)

450 class

Anderson headshot Budds

Jason Anderson

1st – Tomac

2nd – Sexton

3rd – Anderson

5th – Craig

9th – Savatgy

250 class

Shimoda headshot Budds (1)

Jo Shimoda

2nd – Shimoda

4th – Cooper

7th – Hammaker

9th – Thrasher

10th – Kitchen

Up Next

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, presented by Monster Energy, returns to action this weekend, Aug. 27th, for the annual running of the Iron Man Raceway (Ind.) MX National. For more information visit www.promotocross.com

About Monster Energy

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com

Source: Monster Energy Company

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