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

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

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

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Moto 1

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

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

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

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

Jett Lawrence - High Point National

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

Moto 2

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

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

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

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

Ken Roczen - High Point National [2]

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

Overall

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

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

Adam Cianciarulo - High Point National

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

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

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

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

450 Class podium - High Point National

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish // Points)

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

450 Class Championship Standings (Round 4 of 11)

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

450 Class Highlights – GEICO Motorcycle High Point National

250 class banner

Moto 1

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

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

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

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

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

Hunter Lawrence - High Point National

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

Moto 2

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

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

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

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

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

RJ Hampshire - High Point National

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

Overall

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

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

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

Haiden Deegan - High Point National

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

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

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

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

250 Class podium - High Point National

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

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

250 Class Championship Standings (Round 4 of 11)

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

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

250 Class Highlights – GEICO Motorcycle High Point National

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

Australia’s Lawrence Brothers Make American Motocross History at Opening Round of 2023 Pro Motocross Championship

Jett Lawrence Captures Victory in 450 Class Debut While Hunter Lawrence Prevails with Second Career 250 Class Win

The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, got its 11-round summer season underway on Saturday at Fox Raceway under sunny Southern California skies for the KTM Fox Raceway National, presented by Fox Racing. The centerpiece of the new SuperMotocross World Championship began with heavy fanfare to see which riders would make the first statement in the grueling battles that lay ahead for the Edison Dye Cup (450 Class) and Gary Jones Cup (250 Class). After a memorable winter in Monster Energy AMA Supercross, the Australian siblings of Jett and Hunter Lawrence kept the momentum rolling to open the outdoor season with a landmark outing that saw them make American motocross history as the first siblings in more than a half century of the championship to win on the same day. Jett enjoyed an flawless afternoon in his 450 Class debut with a 1-1 sweep, while Hunter’s experience and consistency allowed him to emerge triumphant in the 250 Class with 3-1 finishes.

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Moto 1

The opening 450 Class moto of the 2023 season saw the division’s newest face put himself out front off the start as Lawrence easily grabbed the MotoSport.com Holeshot and stormed out to an early lead ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis, the 2021 titleholder, and Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton, the newly crowned Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion.

Lawrence’s lead continued to grow as the moto wore on, as the young Australian looked comfortable and in full control in his first premier class race. As a result, the focus shifted to the battle for second between Ferrandis and Sexton. The Frenchman held control of second for nearly half of the moto, but Sexton showed patience and persistence and eventually made his move into the runner-up spot.

Out front, Lawrence enjoyed a carefree wire-to-wire performance and cruised to the moto win by 10 seconds over his teammate for a Honda 1-2, while Ferrandis finished with a firm hold of third. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb followed in a distant fourth, with teammate Aaron Plessinger fifth.

Jett Lawrence

Jett Lawrence amassed a flawless afternoon in his 450 Class debut,
leading every minute of both motos.
Photo: Align Media

Moto 2

The second and deciding moto once again saw Lawrence leading the field through the first turn to sweep the MotoSport.com Holeshots for the afternoon, but he immediately came under fire from Ferrandis. A couple of bobbles by the Yamaha rider saw him lose some momentum, which allowed Sexton to make the pass and give chase to his rookie teammate. Behind the lead trio, the KTMs of Webb and Plessinger added themselves into the mix.

It didn’t take long for the Hondas to inch away from Ferrandis and the KTMs, and the race soon turned into a one-on-one battle between Lawrence and Sexton. About two seconds separated the pair, with Sexton keeping Lawrence honest and settling in through the middle portion of the moto. As they entered the final 10 minutes Sexton picked up the pace and was able to decrease the deficit to about a second. They traded momentum at various points on the track and both navigated their way through lapped riders efficiently. As time ran out on the moto the teammates were closer than they had been all race.

A mere seven tenths of a second separated Lawrence and Sexton as they took the white flag, but Lawrence dug deep to open up just enough distance to manage the final push. Lawrence took the checkered flag a second ahead of Sexton, while Ferrandis, who never factored into the battle, finished a distant third, nearly 44 seconds off the lead.

Chase Sexton

Chase Sexton followed his teammate across the line each time,
going 2-2 for a runner-up finish.
Photo: Align Media

Overall

Lawrence led every lap and every minute of his first 450 Class race, which was complemented by the top time in both qualifying sessions, to complete perhaps the most impressive premier class debut in the history of Pro Motocross. Sexton was with Lawrence every step of the way en route to a runner-up effort (2-2) to cap off the second consecutive 1-2 sweep by Team Honda HRC at the Fox Raceway opener. Ferrandis’ 3-3 results rounded out the overall podium in third.

An unprecedented undefeated streak for Lawrence at Fox Raceway now extends to six races, across two classes, having won the previous five 250 Class events in Pala dating back to his first career win in 2020. He becomes the 75th different winner in 450 Class history and the first Australian since Brett Metcalfe won at Round 10 of the 2011 season.

Lawrence and Sexton are separated by six points after the first two motos of the summer, while Ferrandis sits 10 points out of the lead in third.

Dylan Ferrandis

Dylan Ferrandis made a successful return to action with a solid 3-3 effort for third overall.
Photo: Align Media

Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“It’s awesome. I can finally smile. I’ve been trying to stay serious all day, but I’m too excited and can finally let loose. That one [Moto 2] was a little harder than the first one. I could keep hearing [Sexton]. It was a bit of a chess match. It’s great for Honda to have such a great day and hopefully that can continue. It’s going to be a war this summer. I can’t wait.”

Chase Sexton, Team Honda HRC
“I had some decent lines to where if I got close enough I could maybe make a move. I did try at one point with about 10 minutes to go, but I messed up. Jett was riding good and he had a good pace. It’s a great start and we’ve got a lot to build on from here.”

Dylan Ferrandis, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I think it’s good to be in podium position. It was a long second moto, AP [Plessinger] was pushing me. I had to dig deep, so it was good for me and the team to have that experience.”

450 class podium - 2023 Pro Motocross Championship

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish // Points)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda (1-1 // 50)
  2. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda (2-2 // 44)
  3. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha (3-3 // 40)
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (5-4 // 34)
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (4-5 // 34)
  6. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (6-7 // 29)
  7. Grant Harlan, Justin, Texas, Yamaha (9-6 // 27)
  8. Jose Butron, Cadiz, Spain, GASGAS (10-8 // 24)
  9. Lorenzo Locurcio, Valencia, Venezuela, GASGAS (7-11 // 24)
  10. Fredrik Noren, Lidköping, Sweden, Suzuki (13-9 // 20)

450 Class Championship Standings (Round 1 of 11)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda – 50
  2. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 44
  3. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha – 40
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 34
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 34
  6. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 29
  7. Grant Harlan, Justin, Texas, Yamaha – 27
  8. Jose Butron, Cadiz, Spain, GASGAS – 24
  9. Lorenzo Locurcio, Valencia, Venezuela, GASGAS – 24
  10. Fredrik Noren, Lidköping, Sweden, Suzuki – 20

250 class banner

Moto 1

The first 250 Class moto of the summer began with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jalek Swoll at the head of the pack with the MotoSport.com Holeshot ahead of Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire, who both quickly passed Swoll to grab early control of the moto. Shimoda led briefly, but then gave way to a hard-charging Hampshire as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle slotted into third.

Hampshire controlled the first 10 minutes of the moto then tipped over in a rut, which subsequently forced Shimoda to come to a stop with no way around. Both riders resumed quickly with no positions changed, but the incident allowed Vohland to close in from third. Not long after, Shimoda went on the attack and made the pass for the lead briefly, but Hampshire responded to regain control. As he looked to remount another attack Shimoda went down and lost multiple positions, which allowed Vohland and his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Tom Vialle, the 2022 MX2 World Champion, to move into second and third, respectively.

With no pressure from behind Hampshire opened a lead of nearly 10 seconds entering the final phase of the moto, which allowed Vohland to settle firmly into second. Behind them, the battle for the final spot on the podium continued as Shimoda clawed his way back into contention and brought Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence with him. Both riders were able to make their way around Vialle to drop the Frenchman to fifth and set their sights on Vohland in the closing minutes.

It was smooth sailing for Hamshire the rest of the way as the Husqvarna rider captured the third moto win of his career by 6.1 seconds. A torrid battle for second unfolded on the final lap as Shimoda and Lawrence closed in on Vohland. A lapped rider allowed Lawrence to get by Shimoda, from which the Australian rider continued his charge onto Vohland’s rear fender. However, the KTM rider withstood the challenge to secure the best moto result of his career in second, with Lawrence third, Shimoda fourth, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper rounding out the top five.

Hunter Lawrence

Hunter Lawrence overcame soreness from a hard practice crash
to prevail with his second career win.
Photo: Align Media

Moto 2

The final moto saw Lawrence put his Honda out front with the MotoSport.com Holeshot as Vialle gave chase in second. Behind them, both Hampshire and Vohland were involved in incidents that dropped each of the top-two finishers deep in the 40-rider field. Shimoda didn’t fare well either and started outside the top 15 in the running order.

With a clear track ahead Lawrence easily built a multi-second lead over Vialle, who started to receive pressure from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rookie Haiden Deegan. As the top three settled in, the attention shifted to the recovery efforts of the riders that ran at the front of the field with Lawrence in Moto 1. Both Vohland and Shimoda soon found themselves racing one another in a climb up to the top 10, while Hampshire valiantly looked to overcome a pair of tip-overs on the opening lap. Vohland and Shimoda continued their march up the standings, which put both back into contention for the overall podium. The KTM rider was able to reestablish his spot in the overall classification, only to make contact with a rider and go down, which dropped Vohland outside the top 10.

Vohland’s misfortune shifted the momentum to Vialle and Cooper, who engaged in a late battle for third in the moto that would ultimately decide which rider would also secure that position in the overall standings. That was until Hampshire’s slow and methodical recovery saw him break into contention by approaching the top 10 in the running order. Hampshire was able to move himself onto the overall podium, only to watch it slip away with a third incident. The Husqvarna rider lost a couple positions but remounted and made one final push. He needed to pass a pair of riders on the final lap and was successful in doing so.

Back out front, Lawrence enjoyed a wire-to-wire performance that saw him cap off the afternoon with a convincing win, 8.4 seconds ahead of Deegan, with Vialle not too far behind in third.

Haiden Deegan

Haiden Deegan landed on the overall podium for the first time
in just his third start, securing 6-2 finishes.
Photo: Align Media

Overall

Lawrence’s consistent 3-1 moto finishes not only gave the Australian the second victory of his career, but allowed him to establish a solid point lead after just one round. Deegan earned the first overall podium finish of his career in the runner-up spot (6-2), while Hampshire’s valiant late-race effort and impressively resilient moto as a whole allowed him to steal the final spot in third (1-11).

The opening round win established an eight-point lead for Lawrence atop the 250 Class point standings over Deegan, while Hampshire sits 10 points behind in third.

RJ Hampshire

RJ Hampshire showed grit and determination on an up and down day
for hard-fought podium finish in third after 1-11 moto finishes..
Photo: Align Media

Hunter Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“The start was crucial. I had a massive crash Monday and could barely ride press day. I was in so much pain. This one goes out to Dr. G [H. Rey Gubernick]. He’s got magic hands and has taken care of me. I can’t thank [him] enough. He is an asset to our team.”

Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I’m actually kind of surprised. Some people said I wouldn’t have been close to this. I guess we’re kind of proving people wrong and that’s what I’ve got to do. Second place in my first season of outdoors, I’m hyped.”

RJ Hampshire, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
“Didn’t have a great start and it kind of got mayhem and in that second corner I went down. I picked up in last and made some really good passes and then going up the hill someone took my front wheel out and then I was dead last again. I didn’t know if I had a shot at the podium. I just started digging deep and making passes, then I threw it away again and had to get those back [once more]. Hey, I’ll take the podium.”

250 class podium - 2023 Pro Motocross Championship

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda (3-1 // 45)
  2. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (6-2 // 37)
  3. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna (1-11 // 35)
  4. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (7-3 // 34)
  5. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (5-4 // 34)
  6. Max Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., KTM (2-9 // 34)
  7. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (4-6 // 33)
  8. Guillem Farres, Balsareny, Spain, Yamaha (8-5 // 29)
  9. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (10-7 // 25)
  10. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki (11-8 // 23)

250 Class Championship Standings (Round 1 of 11)

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld.,Australia, Honda – 45
  2. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 37
  3. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 35
  4. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM – 34
  5. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 34
  6. Max Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., KTM – 34
  7. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki – 33
  8. Guillem Farres, Balsareny, Spain, Yamaha – 29
  9. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha – 25
  10. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki – 23

The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship will continue next Saturday, June 3, from Prairie City SVRA in Sacramento, California, for the Carson City Powersports Hangtown Motocross Classic. The oldest race in American motocross will be streamed live, exclusively on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live, presented by MotoSport.com, at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. PT, and followed by 4.5 consecutive hours of uninterrupted race coverage beginning at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET.

Chase Sexton Wraps Up 2023 Supercross Title with Utah Win

Jett Lawrence Tops 250SX Class Racers in East/West Showdown

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton nabbed the final win of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross indoor stadium season to cap his first 450SX Class championship with a victory in front of a sold-out crowd of 49,871 fans inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Salt Lake City Supercross

Rice-Eccles Stadium hosted its 22nd Monster Energy Supercross, and its fourth Supercross season finale, in Utah’s inspiring “State of Sport” spirit. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger took the race’s runner-up spot at the Supercross Championship Final Presented by Utah Sports Commission. And Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill took third place and his career-first 450SX Class podium to conclude the Supercross season and also earn points toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the 250SX Class season finale, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence earned his sixth victory of the season in the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Showdown that pit both regions against each other for the second time in 2023.

Chase Sexton - Salt Lake City Supercross

Chase Sexton used speed and determination to take his first Supercross Championship. He finished the season on top with a nearly 20-second win at the finale in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

On the podium, the AMA awarded Chase Sexton the Monster Energy Supercross Champion title. He entered the race with the championship mathematically won but received the official #1 plate after the race. With Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence wrapping the two 250SX Class championships at previous rounds, 2023 marked only the third time ever, and second time for Honda, that a manufacturer has captured all three Supercross championships in the same season. The 2023 season marks the 50th Anniversary of Supercross racing in America.

When the gate dropped Chase Sexton grabbed the holeshot ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, FXR General Grind & Machine’s Justin Starling, Twisted Tea Suzuki Progressive Insurance’s Kyle Chisholm and Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen. Roczen was on the move early but just a few turns in he injured his knee in a rutted corner. Roczen’s injury took him out of the race and he lost a chance to earn the two points needed to secure third overall in the championship.

Cianciarulo was into second place just a few laps into the race with Chisholm right behind. Just over three minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Aaron Plessinger took over third and set his sights on Cianciarulo while Justin Hill was into fourth place and on the charge. As the race clock ticked past 12 minutes Plessinger moved past Cianciarulo to take over second, and a lap and a half later Justin Hill was around Cianciarulo and into third place.

As Sexton stretched out his lead up front, Cianciarulo mounted a charge to take back third. But with five minutes left on the race clock the final positions appeared settled. Chase Sexton took his sixth win of the season and brought Honda its first Supercross title since 2003. Sexton’s late-season surge was one of the sport’s great title comebacks, with parallels to David Bailey’s 1983 season that also included a third-to-first drive in the final five races of the season.

Jett Lawrence - Salt Lake City Supercross

Jett Lawrence took the win in what is likely his final 250SX Class race. He moves up to race the 450SX Class next year. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In the final 250SX Class race of the season, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Coty Schock grabbed the holeshot but Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire was quickly into the lead ahead of Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle, Jett Lawrence, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen, and Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie as heavy rain came down in the stadium. Hunter Lawrence found himself with a mid-pack start and then got tangled up when Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes crashed. As Hampshire, Jett Lawrence and Kitchen slotted into the top three spots, Hunter Lawrence and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan worked their way up from outside the top ten.

Three minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race Jett Lawrence began applying pressure on Hampshire for the lead. At the same time, back on the track, Deegan broke into the top ten. Two minutes later Jett Lawrence was in striking distance of the front spot as his brother Hunter Lawrence climbed into the top ten. As the race clock ticked down to eight and a half minutes Jett Lawrence charged through the whoops and cut under Hampshire in the following corner. The riders made contact; Lawrence accelerated away clean but the disturbance led to a Hampshire mistake down the next rhythm lane.

From there Jett Lawrence was unchallenged for the lead. The win gives the Australian racer the distinction of being the winningest Honda rider in the 250SX Class, surpassing racing legends Eli Tomac, Jeremy McGrath and Hunter Lawrence. Hampshire held second to the checkered, and Kitchen took the final 250SX Class podium of the season.

With the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross indoor stadium season wrapped up, the racers have a two week break before the start of the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross outdoor season. Points earned from the Supercross season will combine with points earned in the motocross season to determine the top 20 riders who will gain entry into the all-new SuperMotocross World Championship. Riders in spots 21-30 in overall points, as well as single event winners not in the top 20, will get a spot on the line in the Last Chance Qualifier to battle for the final two spots on the 22-rider starting gate. In September two Playoff races and one Final, with increasing points payouts, will determine the first SuperMotocross World Champion and deliver a $1,000,000 win bonus to that rider. The 250 class racers will battle for a $500,000 win bonus. It’s the first ever playoff season for the sport and delivers a three-race post season that will be all-new for the fans, teams, and racers.

Before the Monster Energy Supercross season closes its books, one great event is yet to conclude: the 2023 St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction. The online auction offers unique, autographed, one-of-a-kind memorabilia donated by the teams, partners, and athletes. The auction runs until Monday, May 15th at 8:00 PM ET. All money raised goes directly to the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the St. Jude mission of Finding Cures. Saving Children. To bid on the auction items please go to: St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction.

St. Jude

All rounds of the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship will be streamed live on Peacock; rounds 29 and 31 will also be broadcast live on USA Network. Both Playoffs and the Final will be re-broadcast on CNBC. For the full race schedule and ticket sales, as well as 2023 Supercross highlight videos, recap race reports, and post-race press conferences, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Salt Lake City Supercross

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Aaron Plessinger, Chase Sexton, and Justin Hill.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  2. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  3. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
  4. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  5. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
  6. Josh Hill, Huntersville, N.C., KTM
  7. Shane McElrath, Oakland, Fla., Suzuki
  8. Justin Starling, Riverview, Fla., GASGAS
  9. Devin Simonson, Laurinburg, N.C., Kawasaki
  10. Grant Harlan, Decatur, Tex., Yamaha

450SX Class Championship Final Standings

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (372)
  2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (339)
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)
  4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (304)
  5. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (267)
  6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (242)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (236)
  8. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (212)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (210)
  10. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (200)

250SX Class podium - Salt Lake City Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Levi Kitchen, Jett Lawrence, and RJ Hampshire.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

East/West Showdown Results

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (West)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (West)
  3. Levi Kitchen, Havana, F., Yamaha (West)
  4. Jo Shimoda, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki (East)
  5. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (East)
  6. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (East)
  7. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (East)
  8. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (East)
  9. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (West)
  10. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki (West)

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Final Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (241)
  2. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (183)
  3. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (182)
  4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (159)
  5. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (143)
  6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (132)
  7. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (120)
  8. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (120)
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (117)
  10. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (94)

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Final Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (223)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (186)
  3. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (156)
  4. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (149)
  5. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (131)
  6. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (121)
  7. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (101)
  8. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (98)
  9. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (87)
  10. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha (87)

Chase Sexton Wins Denver Supercross and Likely the Championship Crown

RJ Hampshire Grabs Denver Win, Jett Lawrence Wraps 250 West Championship

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took his fifth win of the year at a hugely-significant Round 16 of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. The win, coupled with what is likely a season-ending injury for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac, put Sexton as the 2023 champion if Tomac cannot line up at the final round next Saturday.

Denver Supercross

The 51,691 fans packed into Empower Field at Mile High witnessed one of the most dramatic Supercross championship reversals the sport has ever seen. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen took second place with an incredible charge from the back of the pack inside Empower Field at Mile High. And Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo earned his first podium finish since Round 3 of 2021 in the race that also pays points to the all-new, 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire earned his first win of 2023 with his own thrilling charge. Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence took a hard-fought third in the Main Event to win the Western Regional 250SX Class Championship.

Chase Sexton - Denver Supercross

Chase Sexton was picture perfect on a night that changed everything and most likely made him the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Adam Cianciarulo grabbed the holeshot ahead of Twisted Tea Suzuki Progressive Insurance’s Shane McElrath, Eli Tomac, and Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill. Ken Roczen, on a recent podium streak, slid out in the first corner and started the race in dead last position while his teammate Shane McElrath leapt into the lead down the first rhythm section. Within three corners Tomac had moved into second, then took over the top spot before reaching the green flag. With his hometown race fans going wild, and with Chase Sexton back in sixth, it looked possible that Tomac could earn enough points to wrap up his third Supercross title. But Supercross is one of the toughest sports on the planet, and that fact took over the night, and the title chase, just two and half minutes into the race.

While leading, Eli Tomac stressed his left ankle on a jump take-off. He didn’t crash but instantly lifted his foot from the peg while airborne. After landing he quickly brought down his bike’s speed to roll the rest of the section. He immediately pulled off the track, holding his left ankle away from the bike, then rode instantly to the on-site Alpinestars Medical Rig. Before the race had ended the news was out: Eli Tomac had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and was out for the season.

Eli Tomac lost the points - Denver Supercross

In one instant Eli Tomac lost the points lead and most surely the title after a non-crash injury down one of the track’s rhythm lanes. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Inside the stadium, Cianciarulo held the lead over Sexton. Five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Sexton took over the lead. By then Roczen had already made his way up to sixth place. Sexton steadily pulled clear of Cianciarulo while Roczen continued his charge, passing McElrath for third just eight and a half minutes into the race and gaining on Cianciarulo.

With 8:15 on the race clock Justin Hill took over fourth. Three and a half minutes after that Roczen was up to Cianciarulo and pressuring for the second place spot. Roczen quickly made his move and looked ahead 6.8 seconds to the leader. Roczen started to gain a little time on Sexton, but not at the rate he’d need to make a run at the win.

Interestingly, in a season that saw Sexton give up some big leads with unforced errors, the Honda rider remained composed and smooth. With the full pressure of the race and the title on him, he rode like a champion. Sexton took his fifth win of 2023 and with it jumped into the points lead by seven. If the early injury assessment of Tomac is accurate and he’s truly out for the season, Sexton is mathematically the champion once Tomac officially does not show up and qualify for the final race.

RJ Hampshire - Denver Supercross

RJ Hampshire put the pieces together and turned his incredible track speed into his first win of the season. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the Western Regional 250SX Class Main Event, Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland jumped out ahead of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Carson Mumford, and RJ Hampshire. Jett Lawrence, after a difficult Heat Race, was back in tenth as the riders crossed the holeshot stripe. Just over two minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race Kitchen had taken over the lead and Hampshire was up to second. Further back in eighth, Lawrence was carefully picking off riders but showed no panic – he needed only to finish in tenth or better to take the title with one round remaining in the 250SX Class.

Five and a half minutes into the race Lopes moved past Vohland to take over third position. The riders made contact in a tight corner, and Vohland tipped over. Lawrence seemed to benefit from the chaos and soon got into fourth place. As the race clock ticked down under eight minutes Lawrence overtook Lopes for third place but was over 12 seconds back from the leaders.

Hampshire used the race’s midpoint to make a drive on Kitchen for the lead. The Husqvarna rider closed in, then leapt past when Kitchen made a small mistake in a short rhythm section. Kitchen recovered and retaliated immediately. Kitchen got back the spot as Hampshire went wide then shorted the track’s big double jump. Hampshire was off the track, but he kept his bike upright. Over the closing laps Hampshire put in a heroic charge. He was the fastest rider on the track and quickly made up the five seconds his off-track excursion had cost him. With 40 seconds on the clock Hampshire blitzed the whoops and took the lead from Kitchen.

Kitchen had one last surge of speed on the final lap, but never got into position to make a pass attempt. Hampshire took the checkered flag and the Denver Supercross win. Kitchen was right behind in second, and Lawrence brought his Honda home in third to win the division title with one race – an East/West Showdown – left on the schedule.

Jett Lawrence became the 2023 Western Regional 250SX Class Champion - Denver Supercross

Jett Lawrence became the 2023 Western Regional 250SX Class Champion just one week after his brother and teammate, Hunter Lawrence, took the Eastern Regional 250SX Class title. Jett Lawrence becomes one of only four riders to win 4 125/250 Class titles. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Between now and the Supercross Final in Salt Lake City, fans have an incredible opportunity at some one-of-a-kind memorabilia in the 2023 St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction. All money raised goes directly to the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the St. Jude mission of Finding Cures. Saving Children. The auction runs until Monday, May 15th at 11:59PM ET. The items in the auction were donated by the racers, teams, partners, and supporters of Monster Energy AMA Supercross. To see what’s available to support the incredible St. Jude efforts and take home a piece of the 2023 season, please go to St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Auction.

230502 St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction

All-new for 2023 racing, the top 20 racers in combined championship points from the Monster Energy Supercross season and the AMA Pro Motocross season – scheduled for eleven rounds this summer – qualify for a spot in the all-new SuperMotocross World Championship. Riders who finish 21st – 30th in combined points, or those who earn a win yet don’t have the points for a direct qualification, will race a Last Chance Qualifier for the final two spots on the SuperMotocross League starting gate. The all-new series creates the sports’ first playoff season with two Playoff races and one Final race. The 450 class SuperMotocross World Champion will win a cool $1,000,000 payout along with the top spot in the history books. The 250 class champion will take home a $500,000 prize with their SuperMotocross World Championship title.

Tickets for next weekend’s Supercross Final are on sale now. If you can’t make it to Utah, each race of the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship streams live on Peacock with select events also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. To purchase tickets, watch video recaps of the season, and get feature stories, race results, and streaming and broadcast airtimes please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Denver Supercross

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

450SX Class Results

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
  3. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  4. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
  5. Shane McElrath, Oakland, Fla., Suzuki
  6. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
  7. Josh Hill, Huntersville, N.C., KTM
  8. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Suzuki
  9. Grant Harlan, Decatur, Tex., Yamaha
  10. Justin Starling, Riverview, Fla., GASGAS

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (346)
  2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (339)
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)
  4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (303)
  5. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (267)
  6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (242)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (213)
  8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (191)
  9. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (191)
  10. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (182)

250SX Class podium - Denver Supercross

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

Western Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
  2. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha
  3. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda
  4. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
  5. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda
  6. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM
  7. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM
  8. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki
  9. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha
  10. Robbie Wageman, Newhall, Calif., Suzuki

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (197)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (163)
  3. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (137)
  4. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (135)
  5. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (121)
  6. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (117)
  7. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (101)
  8. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (98)
  9. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha (87)
  10. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (86)

Eli Tomac Takes Glendale Supercross Win and Championship Points Lead

Jett Lawrence Wins His First 250SX Class Triple Crown Overall

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took the win at Round 12 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season and with it broke clear of the championship points tie. Tomac is now the sole holder of the red plate. Tomac earned the victory with 1, 2, 1 race scores in the third Triple Crown-format event of the season.

Glendale Supercross

55,614 fans packed into State Farm Stadium for an exciting evening of great racing and sport history milestones. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton earned second place points inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale Arizona with 4, 1, 3 race scores and with it earned the 2023 Triple Crown Championship – a secondary championship held within the Supercross season. Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia finished third at the event that pays points not only into the Triple Crown and the 17-round Supercross season, but also toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In Round 6 of the Western Regional 250SX Class, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence earned his first Triple Crown win and extended his points lead in that regional series.

Eli Tomac - Glendale Supercross

Eli Tomac (1) took the win in Glendale and pulled seven points clear in the points lead with five races remaining in the Supercross season. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In race one of the 450SX Class Eli Tomac grabbed the Holeshot with Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols, and Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb right behind. Webb moved up into second place before the first lap was completed. Roczen quickly took over third place but Justin Barcia was the rider on the move early in the race. Two and a half minutes into the 12-minute plus one lap race, Barcia took over third while Webb worked to close the 1.3 second gap to Tomac. After a bad start, Chase Sexton passed Anderson to take over fifth spot with just under seven minutes left on the race clock. The tension grew as Webb inched closer to Tomac on the high-speed Arizona track. Sexton pulled up to Roczen’s rear fender at the white flag then made the pass for fourth in final corner. The race ended with Tomac, Webb, and Barcia on the podium.

Chase Sexton jumped into the lead off the start of Race 2. He was followed by Tomac, Roczen, Anderson, Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger, Webb, and Barcia. Sexton looked to have the field covered but stalled the engine in the early laps. Tomac grabbed the lead position but only held it down one rhythm lane; Sexton blitzed back past in the whoops and began steadily inching away. With just under four minutes left Webb bumped past Anderson for fourth. Anderson charged back, took Webb high in the next bowl turn, and got back the spot. The move clipped Webb’s momentum and Barcia also got around Webb. Sexton was clear of the group but spots two through five tightened again on the final lap. Webb took fifth from Barcia. Then, late in the lap, Anderson made a big move in the whoops in an attempt to take third from Roczen, but Roczen battled back into the final corner and held the spot. Sexton got the race win ahead of Tomac, and Roczen. Going into the final race Tomac held three points, Sexton had five, Webb carried seven, Roczen sat with eight, Barcia had nine, and Anderson had ten.

Colt Nichols was the first racer across the Holeshot stripe in Race 3. Tomac blitzed into the lead on the first pass through the whoops with Barcia following along to secure second place. Sexton was ninth at the Holeshot stripe but moved up to fourth in the first minute of racing. In another lap Sexton reached third. As the race neared the halfway point Jason Anderson, running fourth, had a big crash in the whoops. Webb took over the spot with Roczen right behind. Barcia made a push for the lead but never got within true striking distance of Tomac. Sexton held steady in third. In the final laps Roczen applied heavy pressure on Webb for fourth and what would mean fourth place between the two riders in the overall. Tomac grabbed the race win and his 51st career 450SX Class win. Barcia took second in the race for a third place overall on the night. Sexton’s third in the race gave him the runner-up spot overall in Glendale. The finish also earned Sexton the 2023 three-race Triple Crown Championship. Webb held strong in fourth to earn that same position in the night’s overall.

The victory broke Tomac from his tie with James Stewart for most career Supercross overall wins. Tomac now solely holds the spot for second-most career wins with 51; he sits 21 behind Jeremy McGrath with 72. The overall results earned Tomac seven points over Webb in the 2023 title chase. And Tomac’s win delivered two more designations. Tomac extended his Triple Crown career-most win record with seven overall wins. He is also now the winningest rider in Phoenix-area Supercross races with a total of five, breaking the previous tie with both James Stewart and Ricky Carmichael.

Jett Lawrence - Glendale Supercross

Jett Lawrence captured a win that had eluded him: a 250SX Class Triple Crown overall victory.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Race 1 for the Western Regional 250SX Class started with two passes in the opening laps as Jett Lawrence and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen traded the lead with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire right behind. A red flag stopped the race for a full-reset. The racers lined up again and the race clock went back to its full 10-minutes. Kitchen grabbed the holeshot with Lawrence right behind and Hampshire in third. Lawrence waited nearly until the race’s midpoint before he made his move for the lead exiting the whoops. The lead change spurred Hampshire, who immediately attacked Kitchen. Hampshire took over the second place spot as the race clock ticked to five minutes remaining. Lawrence never let Hampshire shave off much of his 2.4 second lead and the top three held their positions to the checkered flag.

Levi Kitchen holeshot Race 2 of the 250SX Class with RJ Hampshire, Jett Lawrence, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Carson Mumford, and Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland on his tail. Hampshire took over the lead and Vohland moved into second. Kitchen reclaimed second place and Lawrence was settled into fourth before one minute had expired off the race clock. Lawrence was soon around Vohland for third while Hampshire put down fast laps out front. The white flag came out and Lawrence put in a sprint to catch Kitchen; he made it close but didn’t better his spot. Hampshire took the win ahead of Kitchen and Lawrence, setting the three riders up with 3 points for Hampshire, 4 points for Lawrence, and 5 points for Kitchen.

Levi Kitchen was three-for-three on starts with the Holeshot in Race 3. Lawrence, Partzilla PRMX Racing’s Hunter Yoder, AJE Motorsport GASGAS’s Mitchell Harrison and Hampshire were right behind. In less than a lap Hampshire was up to third. Early in the race Hampshire pushed too hard in the whoops; what normally would have been a crash turned into a miraculous save. Just a few seconds later, further up the track, Lawrence took over the lead from Kitchen. From there Lawrence rode smoothly and maintained a comfortable gap. With Lawrence moving up to the 450SX Class next season it was his final opportunity to win a 250SX Class Triple Crown overall. The win also extended his points lead to 26 with only three races remaining in the Western Regional 250SX Class.

The racers line up again at Atlanta Motor Speedway on April 15th for a daytime race, then battle each Saturday after that for the following four consecutive weekends. The five remaining Monster Energy Supercross rounds will take place inside open-air stadiums and raceways, adding weather as an additional variable in one of the tightest Supercross title battle in the sport’s history.

Each round also pays points toward the brand-new SuperMotocross World Championship, which combines 17 Monster Energy AMA Supercross rounds, 11 AMA Pro Motocross rounds, two SMX Playoff events and one SMX World Championship Final scheduled for September 23rd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The 450cc Class SuperMotocross World Champion will earn a cool $1,000,0000 championship win bonus, and the 250cc champion will claim a $500,000 title win bonus.

All 31-rounds are streamed live on PeacockTV with select rounds also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International coverage is available at SuperMotocrossTV. For results, highlight videos, power rankings, and ticket sales please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Glendale Supercross

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

450SX Class Results

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (1-2-1)
  2. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill. Honda (4-1-3)
  3. Justin Barcia, Monroe, NY, GASGAS (3-6-2)
  4. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (2-5-4)
  5. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (5-3-5)
  6. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (7-7-7)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (9-9-6)
  8. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Oak., Honda (8-8-8)
  9. Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Honda (10-10-9)
  10. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (6-4-21)

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (274)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (267)
  3. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda (249)
  4. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (217)
  5. Justin Barcia, Monroe, NY, GASGAS (216)
  6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (212)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (196)
  8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (150)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (139)
  10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (127)

250SX Class podium - Glendale Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) RJ Hampshire, Jett Lawrence, and Levi Kitchen.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Western Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Australia., Honda (1-3-1)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (2-1-3)
  3. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (3-2-2)
  4. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (4-4-5)
  5. Enzo Lopes, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Yamaha (7-5-4)
  6. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (5-8-7)
  7. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (6-7-12)
  8. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (18-6-6)
  9. Robbie Wageman, Newhall, Calif., Suzuki (9-15-8)
  10. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki (13-9-10)

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Australia, Honda (153)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (127)
  3. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (101)
  4. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (101)
  5. Enzo Lopes, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Yamaha (100)
  6. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (99)
  7. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (86)
  8. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (85)
  9. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha (71)
  10. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (70)

Tomac Wins Oakland Supercross by Less Than One Second

Jett Lawrence Calm, Cool, and Fast for the 250SX Class Victory in Oakland

Tomac’s 48th 450SX Class win ties him with Ricky Carmichael for third all-time

OAKLAND, CA – February 19, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took the checkered flag with a thrilling final lap defense inside RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, California for the re-scheduled Round 2 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season.

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross season lit up the Oakland sky for the 15th year of racing

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross season lit up the Oakland sky for the 15thyear of racing. RingCentral Coliseum delivered incredible action to the Northern California race fans.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

After a last-lap blitz Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb finished less than one second behind Tomac in the event that also pays points toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took the final podium spot after leading much of the race as the 17-round season puts six races in the books for 2023. The rescheduled race brought the Western Regional 250SX Class riders back into action and Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence used patience to get the win in a dramatic race.

Eli Tomac - Oakland Supercross

Tomac wasn’t flawless but he was fast. He took his 48th career Supercross win and stretched his points lead to seven after six races. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Chase Sexton grabbed the Holeshot in the 450SX Class Main Event with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Christian Craig, Tomac, Webb, and Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger following. Webb wasted no time getting into second with Tomac right behind and Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen jumping into fourth. As the top three began to distance themselves from the pack, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson took over fourth place. Five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Sexton held a 2.2 second lead over Tomac, who’d gapped Webb by four seconds.

The front three ran that formation for several laps. Behind them Plessinger put his KTM into fourth place and Roczen, Anderson, and Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia scrapped for fifth. Up front, Sexton slowly stretched out his lead past five seconds. A near-crash may have gotten into Sexton’s head and led to an actual crash; with just over six and a half minutes left on the race clock he slipped sideways off a small single and crashed into a corner marker. Tomac took over the lead while Sexton remounted in second place.

But Sexton’s troubles weren’t over. Webb was on the move, and with 48 seconds left on the race clock Webb used a unique line down the track’s final rhythm section to get past Sexton. When the riders took the white flag, Webb was 4.3 seconds behind Tomac.

Then it was Tomac’s turn to make an unforced error. On the final lap he landed awkwardly into the face of a small jump, got off-balance, and veered off the track. Tomac recovered but looked off-time for the final lap while Webb laid down a fierce charge. Webb had his fast line in the rhythm section that Tomac wasn’t doing, and as the two riders approached the final turn Webb’s faster line came up just short giving him the pass. Tomac took the win less than a second ahead of Webb. Tomac’s win was his 48th Supercross victory, putting him into a tie for third-most all-time wins with Ricky Carmichael, who called the race from the announcer’s booth.

Jett Lawrence - Oakland Supercross

Jett Lawrence was smooth, patient, and fast on the challenging Oakland track. His dominant win extended his points lead to 20 just four races into the Western Regional 250SX Class season.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In the Western Regional 250SX Class Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire grabbed the Holeshot ahead of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo, Jett Lawrence, BarX Suzuki’s Matt Moss, and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes. The top three put down fast times and without battling each other pulled a gap on the rest of the field. Two minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race only two seconds separated the top three. When McAdoo dropped his front end in the whoops Lawrence capitalized on the mistake. The Honda rider took over second place and set his sights on Hampshire 2.6 further up the track.

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Pierce Brown had pushed forward from a bad start and soon was on McAdoo’s rear wheel. Five minutes into the race Hampshire had extended his lead to 3.2 seconds while Lawrence, McAdoo, and Brown were clumped together in a battle for second. Then Hampshire lost the front end in a tight corner and gave up his advantage. He remounted as the pack of three was on him and pushed into the third place spot immediately.

From there Lawrence gradually pulled clear of the three racers behind him. A battle heated up directly behind that pack for fifth place between Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen, and Lopes. Hampshire reached second as Brown attacked McAdoo for third. Brown took the spot, but a mistake allowed McAdoo to block pass his way back by, taking Brown down in the process. Brown remounted right into a battle with Levi Kitchen for fourth.

Jett Lawrence had pulled more than a 15 second lead at the end of the race. He grabbed his third win in only four rounds of the division’s season. Hampshire landed the second place spot, and McAdoo took third. It’s worth noting both Hampshire and McAdoo are recovering from injuries and look to have more for Lawrence when the Western Regional 250SX Class resumes on March 25th.

The race series moves east next Saturday night, February 25th, to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the second Triple Crown format race of the year. The event pits the racers against one another in three separate Main Events to determine the night’s overall finishing order. The Texas race reactivates the Eastern Regional 250SX Class racers as well as hosts another SX Futures race of young talents competing to earn their pro racing license.

Like every 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross the event also pays points toward the brand-new SuperMotocross World Championship. The new series encompasses the Supercross and Pro Motocross seasons as well as two Playoff races leading to a Final. The 450 Class champion earns a $1,000,000 payout and the 250 Class champion pockets $500,000.

All 31 rounds of the premier off-road motorcycle series stream live on Peacock with select rounds broadcast domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. Tickets are on sale now for the eleven remaining 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross events, 11 Pro Motocross races, and two SuperMotocross Playoffs and Final. For the full race schedule as well as highlight videos, race results, and more, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Podium - Oakland Supercross

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

450SX Class Results

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  7. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
  8. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki
  9. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
  10. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (139)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (132)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (132)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (111)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (104)
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (104)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (97)
  8. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (82)
  9. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (75)
  10. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (75)

250SX Podium - Oakland Supercross

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) RJ Hampshire, Jett Lawrence, and Cameron McAdoo.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Western Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
  3. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki
  4. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha
  5. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS
  6. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
  7. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM
  8. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda
  9. Cole Thompson, Brigden, ON, Yamaha
  10. Mitchell Harrison, Leesburg, Fla., GASGAS

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (101)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (81)
  3. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (80)
  4. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (69)
  5. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (63)
  6. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (63)
  7. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha (52)
  8. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (52)
  9. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (51)
  10. Dylan Walsh, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki (49)

Assets:
2023 Oakland Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights – Oakland
Western Regional 250SX Class Highlights – Oakland
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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Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Introduces ahead of 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship Season

TEWART AND CRAIG HIGHLIGHT 450 CLASS ROSTER; HAMPSHIRE AND SWOLL BACK FOR 2023

MATTIGHOFEN, AUSTRIA – December 6, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is proud to introduce its four-rider SuperMotocross World Championship roster entering the new season, consisting of newly signed Christian Craig and the returning Malcolm Stewart aboard the 2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition, as well as RJ Hampshire and Jalek Swoll equipped with the Husqvarna FC 250.

Officially launched on Tuesday at RD Field, where the team’s practice facility is based in Murrieta, Calif., all four Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team riders are eager for the gates to drop on the 2023 AMA Supercross season in Anaheim on January 7. From there, inclusive of Pro Motocross beginning in May, the newly introduced series will feature 31 events combined.

As the current 250SX Western Regional Champion, 31-year-old Craig will transition to the 450SX division full-time in the upcoming season with momentum on his side. He has swiftly adapted to the FC 450 Rockstar Edition upon training with Aldon Baker at the Baker’s Factory and carries high hopes into both supercross and motocross.

Malcolm Stewart, meanwhile, is set to continue his upward trajectory in what will be his second year with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. After finishing a career-high third in the 450SX standings this past season, complete with three podiums to his credit, expectations for the entire SuperMotocross World Championship are high for the 30-year-old rider.

Christian Craig: “This is year one on the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team and it’s been good so far this pre-season. I moved the whole family to Clermont and started fresh with Aldon. We went straight into bootcamp, and it’s been good so far. I’m just learning the bike, learning the program and just trying to build each day and get better. I’m getting more familiar with the bike every day and just keep grinding. Other than that, just doing the laps and getting ready for A1, trying to be as ready as possible.”

Malcolm Stewart: “I feel great going into the 2023 season with the team. I had a really good year last year for supercross and I felt like we were just getting the ball rolling. I just feel like, for me, it’s all about being consistent, as I’ve always said. I’ve got better goals for myself and I think I got some personal stuff that I know I needed to do done. Being with the team again for another year on this bike, I feel like it’s going to be a really good year, so I’m excited. I got a new teammate, Christian Craig, and I feel like he’s going hold me accountable just like everybody else that’s out there, so I can’t wait to see how we do and I think it’s going to be a great year for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team.”

It will be RJ Hampshire and Jalek Swoll who lead the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing 250 class program into the SuperMotocross World Championship series, both continuing with the team and with the goal of competing for victory in the new year aboard their 2023 Husqvarna FC 250 race bikes.

As for RJ Hampshire, this year also marks his fourth with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing and it is shaping up to be his best yet. The 26-year-old finished runner-up in the 250SX Eastern Regional Championship with a breakout Main Event win, followed by finishing fifth in 250MX, where he also managed to stand on top of the podium. Now, he is firmly targeting to contend for championships.

At 22 years of age, Jalek Swoll enters his fourth term with the team in the professional ranks and is looking to put his experience into practice throughout both indoors and the outdoors. In 2022, he displayed top-five form in supercross and has hopes of building on those results in the 250SX and 250MX series.

RJ Hampshire: “We’ve had a really solid off-season so far since the beginning of December and I feel like we’re about ready to go. We made a lot of progress with the bike and my comfort, so looking back on last year, I know we’re in a good spot. Getting second in the championship was huge and I definitely feel like we can make a big jump forward. These guys have been working really hard ever since last year and we’re in a really good spot, so I’m excited to go racing with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team.”

Jalek Swoll: “I’m really looking forward to this upcoming season with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team. We’ve gotten a lot more time on the bike and have had some really good days back in Florida training with Aldon and I’m feeling good about this season. I’m eager to get back into racing with the whole team and look forward to the fun of that whole deal. I’m excited for us riders to come out swinging hard and try to re-brand ourselves this year.”

Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager: “I’m very excited about the 2023 season. We’ve got a new addition to the team with Christian Craig, and three hard-working riders returning this year with Malcolm, RJ and Jalek back with us. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing is looking good, and the guys have been putting in a lot of work at the Baker’s Factory during the off-season. We’re excited to have Josh Hansen on-board doing some testing with the bikes. We’re feeling confident coming into the year and looking forward to getting it started.”

Husqvarna Motorcycles.

Husqvarna Motorcycles is widely known for leading innovation and providing exceptional performance across its street and offroad products, as well as being present in all top-level racing disciplines. With the brand originally founded in Sweden in 1903, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ machines have been designed and manufactured in Mattighofen, Austria since 2013.

Rockstar Energy Drink

Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information visit: www.RockstarEnergy.com

Source: Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH

Husky SX Sponsors

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