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

RedBud Roars with Moto Mayhem: Sexton Captures Hometown Win, Hymas Earns First Career Victory

The 2024 Pro Motocross Championship reached its halfway point in dramatic fashion at legendary RedBud MX for Round 6. With defending champion Jett Lawrence sidelined by injury, the stage was set for a new story to unfold.

Sexton Dominates at Home

240707 Chase Sexton - RedBud MX

Chase Sexton (1-1) captured a big win at his home race and took over the points lead. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Red Bull KTM's Chase Sexton stole the show, sweeping both motos for his second win of the season and the series lead. This victory held special significance as RedBud is Sexton's home track. He patiently stalked early leader Hunter Lawrence in Moto 1, capitalizing on a late-race mishap to take the lead and the win. Moto 2 followed a similar script, with Sexton overtaking early leader Anderson before cruising to a dominant victory.

240707 Aaron Plessinger - RedBud MX

Aaron Plessinger (4-2) finished runner-up in a 1-2 sweep for KTM. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

240707 Hunter Lawrence - RedBud MX

Hunter Lawrence (2-4) secured his sixth straight podium result in third. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Hymas Breaks Through in 250 Class

240707 Chance Hymas - RedBud MX

Chance Hymas (4-1) broke through for his maiden professional victory. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

240707 Ty Masterpool - RedBud MX

Ty Masterpool (1-5) earned his second career podium with a runner-up finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Team Honda HRC's Chance Hymas finally broke through for his first career professional victory in the 250 Class. Hymas displayed impressive aggression in Moto 1, grabbing the lead early and holding off a hard-charging Ty Masterpool for the win. He mirrored this performance in Moto 2, leading until the final lap where teammate Jo Shimoda closed the gap. A penalty assessed to Hymas for a jump start violation in Moto 1 negated his overall win, but he still holds onto second place in the championship standings.

240707 Jo Shimoda - RedBud MX

Jo Shimoda (5-2) finished third and has back-to-back podium results. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Championship Battles Heat Up

With Jett Lawrence out, the championship battles across both classes have become wide open. Sexton's dominant performance has him leading the 450 Class by a narrow margin over Lawrence, while Haiden Deegan maintains a slim lead over Hymas in the 250 Class.

Next Up: Spring Creek National

The Pro Motocross Championship continues next Saturday at Spring Creek MX Park in Minnesota. Don't miss the action as the championship battles heat up!

Jett Lawrence Edges Out Brother Hunter for Fourth Pro Motocross Win at Southwick

The Pro Motocross Championship returned to racing action this past weekend after a week off, hitting the iconic sand track at The Wick 338 for round five of the 2024 season. Jett Lawrence, defending champion in the 450 Class, relied on consistent finishes (1-2) to secure his fourth win of the season for Team Honda HRC.

In the 250 Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Haiden Deegan continued his dominance with another 1-2 finish, extending his points lead and earning his fourth victory of the summer.

Close Calls in the 450 Class

Jett Lawrence got off to a familiar start in the premier class, grabbing the MotoSport.com Holeshot alongside his brother Hunter Lawrence, both mounted on Team Honda HRC machines. Right behind them was Team Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Chase Sexton.

Jett Lawrence quickly established a lead, building a 2.5-second advantage by the end of the opening lap. He continued to pull away throughout the moto, eventually stretching the gap to nearly 10 seconds over his brother. Sexton held strong in third, with a comfortable lead over the rest of the pack.

Jett Lawrence maintained his pace through the final stages, securing a wire-to-wire victory with a 6.4-second margin over Hunter Lawrence. Sexton finished a distant third.

The second moto saw another Lawrence holeshot, with Jett again leading Hunter out of the first turn. Sexton wasted no time, however, making a quick pass on Hunter for second and then setting his sights on the leader.

Chase Sexton - Southwick National

Chase Sexton (3-1) earned a Moto 2 victory to secure a runner-up finish at Southwick. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

While Sexton initially challenged Jett for the lead, his momentum stalled, allowing Hunter to close in and reclaim second place. The Lawrence brothers battled it out, with Hunter briefly taking the lead before Jett fought back to regain control.

The final ten minutes brought the drama. Hunter went off-track momentarily, allowing Jett to pressure him. Jett capitalized on the opportunity, making the pass and distancing himself. However, Sexton wasn't done yet. He put on a late charge, closing the gap on Jett and initiating a fight for the lead with less than two minutes remaining.

Sexton battled hard, even briefly taking the lead before Jett Lawrence clawed his way back. The intense duel continued until the very end, with Sexton ultimately securing the moto win by a narrow margin just before the checkered flag.

Jett Lawrence Takes the Overall

Jett Lawrence's consistent finishes (1-2) proved to be the key factor, giving him his fourth win of the season and 15th of his career. This win ties him with Jeremy McGrath for 10th on the all-time 450 Class wins list.

Sexton's impressive second-moto victory earned him the runner-up spot for the day (3-1), while Hunter Lawrence maintained his podium streak with a third-place finish (2-3), extending it to five consecutive races.

Hunter Lawrence - Southwick National

Hunter Lawrence (2-3) captured his fifth straight overall podium result to hang on to the red plate. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Hunter Lawrence's podium finish allows him to retain the championship points lead, but just barely. He sits three points ahead of Jett Lawrence and Sexton, who are now tied for second.

Deegan Extends Lead in the 250 Class

Haiden Deegan - Southwick National

Haiden Deegan (1-2) continued his hot start to the season with a fourth victory in five rounds. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

The 250 Class saw similar dominance from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Haiden Deegan. He grabbed the MotoSport.com Holeshot in both motos and led wire-to-wire in the first moto, securing a 15.3-second victory over Tom Vialle of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

Tom Vialle - Southwick National

Tom Vialle (2-3) had a victory within reach but settled for a runner-up finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

The second moto was a bit more dramatic. While Deegan initially took the lead again, a red flag forced a restart. After the restart, Deegan battled back from a sixth-place start to reclaim a spot on the podium, ultimately finishing second behind Jo Shimoda of Team Honda HRC.

Jo Shimoda - Southwick National

Jo Shimoda (9-1) became the newest addition to the overall podium following a Moto 2 victory. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Despite the second-moto hiccup, Deegan's 1-2 finishes were enough to secure his fourth win of the season, extending his points lead in the 250 Class championship to 42 points.

Looking Ahead

The Pro Motocross Championship takes a break for Independence Day weekend before returning to action on July 6th for the Bob The Cooler RedBud National in Buchanan, Michigan. Get your tickets at www.MOTO.events.

Jett Lawrence Takes Back the Lead in Nashville Supercross!

Nashville Supercross Delivered Drama and a Points Shakeup

The Monster Energy Supercross season heated up in Nashville, Tennessee, with championship points leads changing hands in both the 450SX Class and the 250SX Class.

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

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

Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC, secured a convincing victory in the 450SX Main Event, reclaiming the red plate after a four-round winless streak. Eli Tomac, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, grabbed the holeshot but eventually finished second. Cooper Webb, also of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, came in third, dropping him back five points behind Lawrence in the standings.

Eli Tomac - Second place 450SX Class – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

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

Lawrence Ecstatic About Returning to the Top Spot

"I hate losing," Lawrence said in the post-race interview. "But [I'm] really pumped to come out and get it done here... This [win] is leading in the good direction, so hopefully we keep it going."

Cooper Webb - Third place 450SX Class – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

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

Hampshire Dominates Inaugural East/West Showdown

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

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

The 250SX Class saw the first-ever East/West Showdown, where riders from both regions battled it out. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's RJ Hampshire emerged victorious, grabbing the holeshot and pulling away from the pack. This win also propelled him to the top spot in the Western Regional 250SX Class point standings.

A Night of Firsts and Close Calls

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

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

Team Honda HRC's Jo Shimoda secured a strong second-place finish in the Showdown, while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Tom Vialle took third. Vialle's performance earned him enough points to take the lead in the Eastern Regional 250SX Class championship.

Tom Vialle - Third place 250SX Class – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

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

Up next, Illadelph!

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship continues next weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for Round 15.

Cooper Webb Edges Out Sexton in Nail-Biting Seattle Supercross

Cooper Webb Clinched His Third Victory

Cooper Webb - First place 450SX Class, Seattle Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports inc.

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

In a heart-pounding showdown at Lumen Field, Cooper Webb of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing clinched his third victory of the season in the 2024 Monster Energy Supercross series. The thrilling race saw Webb narrowly beating out Chase Sexton from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, with fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

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

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

The track conditions at Lumen Field were challenging, with deep ruts formed by earlier rain. Despite the difficult terrain, Webb and Sexton put on a spectacular show, battling fiercely for the lead. Ultimately, it was Webb who crossed the finish line first, with Sexton hot on his heels, less than a second behind.

Jett Lawrence - Third place 450SX Class, Seattle Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports inc.

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

Jett Lawrence of Team Honda HRC also delivered a strong performance, finishing in third place despite facing setbacks earlier in the race. In the Western Regional 250SX Class, local favorite Levi Kitchen of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki dominated the competition, securing a commanding win in front of his hometown crowd.

Reflecting on his victory, Webb praised the intense competition and expressed gratitude to his team and supporters. Sexton, while disappointed with his second-place finish, acknowledged the improvements in his performance and commended his team for their efforts. Lawrence, despite facing challenges during the race, remained positive and focused on securing a podium finish.

Kitchen Wins Hometown

Levi Kitchen - First place 250SX Class, Seattle Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports inc.

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

In the 250SX Class, Kitchen celebrated a well-deserved victory, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-belief. RJ Hampshire of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing and Jo Shimoda of Team Honda HRC rounded out the podium, showcasing their resilience and determination on the demanding track.

RJ Hampshire - Second place 250SX Class, Seattle Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports inc.

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

Jo Shimoda - Third place 250SX Class, Seattle Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports inc.

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

As the series moves east for Round 12, anticipation is high for another thrilling race at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri. With the championship battle heating up, fans can expect more exhilarating action as the season progresses. Get tickets here!

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!

Gear up for the 2024 Season

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

Red Bull KTM: Chase Sexton, the Defender

CHASE SEXTON - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING

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

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

 

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

220619 Hunter Lawrence Extends Contract with Honda (3)

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

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

 

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

Shimoda Honda 10

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

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

 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna: Farres Joins the 250 Class

231016 Guillem Farres - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna (3)

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

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

 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna: Casey Cochran's Pro Debut

Casey Cochran - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

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

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

 

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

Ryder DiFrancesco - Troy Lee Designs_Red Bull_GASGAS Factory Racing

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

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

 

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

Jett Lawrence Wins Post-Season Final and SuperMotocross World Championship

Haiden Deegan Takes 250 Class Title with Victory at Final

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

The 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship season wrapped up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship

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

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

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

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

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

450SX Class podium - SuperMotocross

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

450SMX Final Results

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

450SMX Class Championship Final Standings

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

250SX Class podium - SuperMotocross

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

250 SMX Final Results

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

250SMX Class Championship Final Standings

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

SMX 250 World All Stars Results

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

Jett Lawrence Wins SMX World Championship Playoff 2 at Chicagoland Speedway

Hunter Lawrence Takes 250 Class Win and Reclaims Points Lead

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

SMX Chicagoland Speedway

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

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

Jett Lawrence - SMX Playoff 2

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

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

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

Hunter Lawrence - SMX Playoff 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

450SX Class podium - SMX Playoff 2

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

450SMX Playoff 2 Results

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

450SMX Class Championship Standings

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

250SX Class podium - SMX Playoff 2

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

250 SMX Playoff 2 Results

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

250SMX Class Championship Standings

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

SMX Supermini World All Stars Results

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

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

Jo Shimoda Claims first 250 Class Playoff Victory

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

Chase Sexton earned perfect 1-1 Moto scores in Charlotte

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

450 Class podium - SuperMotocross - Charlotte

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

450 Playoff 1 Results

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

450SMX Class Championship Standings

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

250 Class podium - SuperMotocross - Charlotte

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

250 Playoff 1 Results

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

250SMX Class Championship Standings

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

SMX World All Stars Results

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