The post-season kicked off this past weekend in Charlotte for the Supermotocross Championship fueled by Monster Energy. The majority of the field in both classes was back on the gate, with several returning recently from injuries. These three playoff races bring with them a sprint towards the third championship of the year and a large prize money pool. The weather played a part in this weekend, as a Thursday evening rain shower would make the track softer than normal and create a very rutted breakdown on both days. The main news was that a thunderstorm moved into the large Saturday evening that producing some heavy rain showers but also a bunch of lightning that led to a two-hour delay in racing and the eventual cancellation of the rest of the racing for the evening.
450 Class
Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence kicked off the postseason with a victory at Playoff 1 of the 2025 SMX World Championship™. The two-moto format of the postseason was interrupted by lightening near the zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Both classes scored their overall results based solely on their first moto finishes due to the second motos being called because of continued lightening in the area and diminishing daylight. Jett Lawrence, the defending two-time SMX World Champion and recently-crowned 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Champion, led from start to finish in the single 20-mintue plus one lap 450SMX Class moto.
Earning second place overall at Charlotte was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton; he gained 22 points toward the ultimate championship title after coming in seeded in sixth position. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac recovered from a late-race crash while running in second position to nab the final spot on the podium. In the 250SMX Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan benefitted from his strong drive to win; he pushed for the moto victory, not then knowing it would pay full event points after the second motos being called.
250 Class
The holeshot was grabbed by Seth Hammaker, who rode a masterful race until being overtaken by Haiden Deegan with a lap and a half left in the first moto. We also saw great racing from Jo Shimoda and Austin Forkner. Jo recovered from an early tip over, who was able to charge back to third place. While Forkner got a great start and fought off attacks from several riders for most of the moto before ultimately finishing in fifth place, which he would be happy about.
In 250SMX Class racing, two-time SMX World Champion in the class Haiden Deegan recovered from a poor start to start the post-season with a dominating win. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker nabbed the holeshot and pulled a huge gap on the field. Hammaker gave up the top spot with two laps remaining but held off Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen at the end. Due to a cross-flag penalty, Kitchen was docked one position and was awarded fourth place in the moto. Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda, who crashed early during a pass attempt for the lead, recovered brilliantly from outside the top ten to take the final podium spot.
All photo credit: N. Suhr