In a dramatic day of racing under sunny skies at the iconic Unadilla MX, the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship saw thrilling battles and championship implications unfold across both the 250 and 450 classes.
Sexton Extends Win Streak in Tight 450 Class Battle
Chase Sexton’s Moto 2 victory proved to be the difference maker in capturing his fourth straight victory. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Chase Sexton continued his dominance in the premier class, edging out Team Honda HRC's Hunter Lawrence for his fourth consecutive win. The day started with a close Moto 1, where Lawrence initially took the lead before Sexton battled back for the victory. Moto 2 saw Sexton grab the holeshot and lead wire-to-wire, with Lawrence again finishing second. Despite identical moto scores, Sexton claimed the overall win thanks to the second-moto tiebreaker. Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) rounded out the podium in third.
Hunter Lawrence earned a moto victory aboard his new 2025 Honda and finished in the runner-up spot. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Aaron Plessinger battled hard in the second moto to secure his fourth podium finish of the season. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Kitchen Emerges Victorious in 250 Class Thriller
Levi Kitchen’s Moto 2 win gave him the tiebreaker to earn his second career victory. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The 250 class saw a nail-biting finish with Levi Kitchen (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) taking home his second career victory. Kitchen and Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) traded the lead throughout the day, ultimately ending with identical moto scores. However, Kitchen secured the win via the second-moto tiebreaker. Jalek Swoll (Triumph Racing) made history by grabbing the first-ever podium finish for Triumph in third place. This sets the stage for a thrilling final two rounds, with Deegan still holding a comfortable lead in the championship standings.
Haiden Deegan saw his points lead grow once again in a runner-up effort. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Jalek Swoll’s second career podium finish was a historic one for Triumph Racing. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Quotes from the Top Performers:
Chase Sexton (1st, 450 Class): "I knew I had to get off to a good start. The holeshot was huge, and I was able to manage the lead from there. This win feels great, and I'm happy with my riding overall."
Hunter Lawrence (2nd, 450 Class): "It was a tough track to pass on, but I felt good on my new bike. A second-place finish is a good day for me, and I'm excited to keep pushing for the championship."
Levi Kitchen (1st, 250 Class): "This feels amazing! The break definitely helped me come back refreshed. Two holeshots and a win - I couldn't ask for more."
Haiden Deegan (2nd, 250 Class): "Even though I didn't win, I'm happy with my points lead. Levi was on fire today, so congratulations to him."
Jalek Swoll (3rd, 250 Class): "I'm ecstatic! This podium finish has been a long time coming, and it feels great to achieve it on a big stage like Unadilla."
Looking Ahead: Championship Nears Completion
The Pro Motocross Championship now heads to Budds Creek Motocross Park in Mechanicsville, Maryland for Round 10 on August 17th. With only two rounds remaining, the championship battle in both classes is sure to heat up even further. Get your tickets at www.MOTO.events.
