This week in US Powersports racing.
Scholtz Closes In, Di Mario And Lee Crowned, Herfoss Bounces Back At COTA
The 2025 Motovation Supersport Championship isn’t in Mathew Scholtz’ pocket yet, but it’s close.
With a doubleheader sweep of the two Motovation Supersport races at Circuit of The Americas, Strack Racing’s Scholtz has put himself in the enviable position of having a 21-point lead as the series heads to New Jersey Motorsports Park for the series finale in two weeks. Two races equal 50 points. If Scholtz gains four points over his championship rival PJ Jacobsen in race one at NJMP, he will be crowned champion.
Scholtz was perfect in Texas, winning both races. The second of the two was a bit harder. The race was stopped before it started as a blown motor left oil on the track, causing a delay in proceedings.
When the race finally started, there was a line of oil dry on the racetrack, and it made everyone a bit leery. Lap times were slower than the day prior, resulting in a tightly knit group at the front.
Initially it was Rahal Ducati Moto w/XPEL’s Jacobsen and Scholtz’ teammate Blake Davis battling at the front with a horde of riders giving chase – including Scholtz. Davis crashed on the third of eight laps (the race was shortened because of the delay), and it wasn’t long before Scholtz took over at the front from Jacobsen and stayed there.
Scholtz crossed the finish line 1.8 seconds ahead of Jacobsen for his ninth win of the season and his 21-point lead. Jacobsen was left with his 15th podium finish of the season and diminishing hopes of earning the Supersport title.
Third place went to a heroic Cameron Petersen. The South African was back on the bike when most, including him, didn’t think it was possible. Petersen was highsided from his Celtic/Economy Lube+Tire/Warhorse HSBK Ducati in race one on Saturday and could barely walk on Sunday. But apparently, he could ride.
Petersen took advantage of Rahal Ducati Moto w/XPEL’s Kayla Yaakov and Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott, with the pair going at it on the final lap while in front of Petersen. Both were a bit zealous in the final corner and when they ran wide, Petersen was there to pounce, finishing third on a day when no one expected him to even ride.
Yaakov ended up fourth with Scott fifth.
MP13 Racing’s Aiden Sneed was an impressive sixth, holding off Altus Motorsports’ Torin Collins, 3D Motorsports’ Brandon Paasch, BPR Racing Yamaha’s Josh Hayes and Rahal Ducati Moto w/Roller Die’s Corey Alexander, with the New Yorker rounding out the top 10.
“The guys were kind of diving each other and really slowing the bike in the middle of the corner,” Scholtz said. “And me probably weighing 20 or 30 pounds more than everyone else, I was getting slowed down more than most people. Also, the final sector, the second-to-last corner, was one of the strongest sectors of the track for me, so that kind of ruined that for me there. So, I was worried slightly in the first couple laps. I wasn’t confident that I would be able to pass PJ (Jacobsen). I could make up by braking super late in all of the right spots. But fortunately, once I got to the front and put some laps, I opened a gap. Thank you to the Strack Racing team. They’ve given me an awesome motorbike. It gives me a lot of confidence that we can take the championship in Jersey.”
Mission King Of The Baggers – Herfoss Strikes Back
What a difference a day makes. Roughed up a bit from a recent crash in an Australian Superbike event, Herfoss struggled on Saturday. On Sunday, the S&S/Indian Motorcycle-backed Australian got out front and withstood everything that was thrown at him.
The win was just Herfoss’ second of the season in what has been a difficult year for the defending series champion. But on Sunday he was back to the Herfoss of a year ago.
With newly crowned 2025 Mission King Of The Baggers Champion Kyle Wyman breathing down his neck, Herfoss held tough, and it was Wyman who crashed out of the race just a few corners from the finish line.
That moved Herfoss’ S&S/Indian Motorcycle teammate Loris Baz to second with Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing’s Bradley Smith finishing third and ending a rostrum drought that dates back to Road Atlanta in May.
A badly bruised and beaten Cameron Petersen somehow not only finished the race but finished fourth on the SDI Racing Indian Challenger.
Smith’s teammate James Rispoli rounded out the top five.
Wyman wasn’t the only one to crash out of contention as Saturday’s winner, RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Gillim, crashed out of third with two laps to go, remounted and finished eighth. Gilim’s teammate Rocco Landers, who was third on Saturday, went out of the race early with a mechanical issue.
“Firstly, congratulations to Kyle Wyman and Harley-Davidson,” Herfoss said. “He’s had an incredible year, and the team has been amazing. He really crushed it, so congratulations to him. I hope he’s okay after a fast crash. Hopefully, he can enjoy the celebrations tonight. It’s been a tough weekend. Not at full fitness. Just really, really slowly trying to get the Sunday ready. Yesterday was basically trying to chase people when our bike doesn’t work the same as theirs. Just not as strong. Yesterday, I shouldn’t have finished that bad. I tried to do a few things with the bike, sort of just tweaked a few things. I was in a bit of pain, and I was struggling. This morning, I felt a little better getting up out of bed. I didn’t push it even more. Just rode a couple laps and got a feel for the bike. It was so much easier to ride. I traditionally don’t exactly enjoy leading races and trying to win a race like that. I like to be the attacker. It’s fun. We tried our best to make the bike as easy for me to ride. They did such a great job. I was able to stop the bike a lot better than yesterday. That took a lot of strain on my body. There was a lot going on behind me.”
Stock 1000 – Beach Wins Again, Lee Crowned
While the battle heated up at the front between his championship rival JD Beach and his OrangeCat Racing teammate Jayson Uribe ahead of him, Andrew Lee was thinking big picture. Finishing fourth was all he needed to do to earn the 2025 Stock 1000 Championship, and that’s exactly what Lee did.
Final points tally: Lee 189. Beach 187. Two measly points separated the two after a thrilling season of Stock 1000 racing.
The season finale for Stock 1000 at COTA was much like Saturday’s race as it turned into a Beach vs. Uribe duel. Again, it was Uribe doing most of the leading and at one point it looked to be enough as Beach made a mistake with five laps to go. Uribe had a bit over a second lead, but Beach had his head down with his normal refuse-to-lose attitude. He reeled Uribe back in and with two laps to go he was back on the BMW’s tailpipe.
With a lap to go, Beach struck and made a pass on Uribe going into turn one. When they got to the all-important back straight, Uribe was in the perfect position to draft past Beach. And he did just that. But it all went wrong in the tight left-hander at the end of the backstraight as Uribe got in too hot and couldn’t get stopped in time. Real Steel Honda’s Beach was right where he needed to be, and he dove under Uribe and stormed away to his fifth victory of the year – by 1.5 seconds.
Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates was third for the second straight day, some four seconds ahead of now three-time Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee.
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Rocco Landers rounded out the top five.
“I really couldn’t do it without the OCR Team,” Lee said. “My teammate, Jayson (Uribe). Everyone behind the scenes on this team. They put in a lot of hours. I kind of had a little bit of a lull the last three or four years maybe, and they had faith in me.”
“To win the title would have felt great, especially with how we started the year out,” Beach said. “We were a little slow to just kind of build up through the whole season with the last few rounds. The team and I, we’ve been gelling well, and this bike has been going good. To win the title would have felt awesome, but for all the team people that were on pit lane just thumbs up, clapping for me, all the team, that’s an amazing feeling when you have respect like that from a whole paddock. I’m bummed I didn’t get that title. We lost by two points, but that’s just part of racing. We’ve been working so hard this year. The OrangeCat guys, they just got up the tree a little bit too far from this dog, but I’m ready to fight again next year.”
Parts Unlimited Talent Cup By Motul – Di Mario Does It
Warhorse Ducati/American Racing’s Alessandro Di Mario didn’t need to do much to become the 2025 Parts Unlimited Talent Cup By Motul Champion on Sunday at COTA, but he ended up doing more than not much. He took the title in style, with a victory that wrapped up the title with two more races left to run in the debut season of the Talent Cup.
With two wins this weekend at Circuit of The Americas, Di Mario took his victory total to seven and his points total to an insurmountable 254 points.
Second place on the day went to Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Hank Vossberg, even though he was barely beaten to the flag by Roadracing World’s Kensei Matsudaira. Matsudaira, in his Talent Cup debut, was docked two seconds for not obeying track-limits.
Even with the penalty, Matsudaira was third, well clear of the battle for fourth that ultimately went to Team Roberts’ Kody Kopp over MP13 Racing’s Ella Dreher and Yamaha BLU CRU Estenson Racing’s Sam Drane.
“It’s just been an amazing season,” Di Mario said. “It really helps to have a really good team behind me. I just want to thank Simone and Bobby, just everyone that’s helped me out this year. It’s been amazing. This is the second year, so it’s such a special feeling. I couldn’t have done this without any of my sponsors – Dainese, KYT. Thank you so much. Moto Liberty. Just everyone. Thank you so much. All the fans. Thank you, guys.”
Once he got to the front, it was clear sailing for Mathew Scholtz (1) in the Motovation Supersport class at Circuit of The Americas. PJ Jacobsen (15) was second but Scholz is now on the verge of defending his Supersport title. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Troy Herfoss (1) withstood everything that was thrown at him in winning the Mission King Of The Baggers race on Sunday at Circuit of The Americas. Kyle Wyman (33), who wrapped up the Baggers title on Saturday, crashed out of second place on the last lap. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Alessandro Di Mario (27) won Sunday’s Parts Unlimited Talent Cup By Motul race at COTA and was crowned as the class champion. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Andrew Lee finished fourth in the Stock 1000 race at COTA on Sunday and that was all he needed to win the 2025 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Sunday photos available HERE
Sunday results:
Parts Unlimited Talent Cup By Motul
Complete practice, qualifying and race results are available HERE.
Beaubier Wins COTA Superbike Race Two And Closes To Within Eight Points Of Fong
Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier came into the Circuit of The Americas round of the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship trailing Bobby Fong by 17 points. After two thrilling races in Texas, Beaubier leaves just eight points adrift of Fong.
Bring on New Jersey Motorsports Park.
All three of the championship contenders had good weekends at COTA. While Beaubier was second in race one and won race two, Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Fong was third in race one and second in race two. Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Josh Herrin won race one and was third in race two.
So, here’s how it shakes down as the series heads to the finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park in two weeks: Fong leads the way with 314 points, eight more than Beaubier and 22 more than Herrin.
To make an already climactic ending even more so, the finale at NJMP is a tripleheader, which means there are 75 points on the table. Any of the three can leave the Jersey Shore with the championship.
Beaubier won Sunday’s race at COTA by 1.1 seconds over Fong with Herrin third, 14.2 seconds behind. Beaubier made his statement early in Sunday’s race, dropping the hammer, dicing a bit with Fong on the opening lap, and then getting a gap back to the championship points leader.
It didn’t take long for Herrin to figure out that he didn’t have the pace, and he was never a factor in this one. Instead, he ended up fighting off Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Sean Dylan Kelly and Fong’s teammate Jake Gagne.
He did so, ending up third by less than a second over Kelly with Gagne another half a second behind.
At the front, Beaubier was nearly flawless. Key word: Nearly.
On the seventh lap, Beaubier came as close to crashing a motorcycle as you can without going down. Fong took advantage, but Beaubier was quickly back on pace, caught the Yamaha man, and repassed him. From there, it was just a matter of keeping Fong behind him, which he did. By 1.1 seconds.
The win was the fifth of the year for Beaubier and the 70th of his Superbike career. It also sets him up nicely for the finale in New Jersey with his goal of becoming a six-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion.
Fong has other plans, as he considers his three-two finishes at COTA a win. He looks forward to NJMP as he’s always gone well there. Herrin, meanwhile, knows he’s in a bit of a pickle, but he’s in a better position than he was pre-COTA.
Kelly ended up fourth, besting Gagne by less than a second.
Real Steel Honda’s JD Beach inherited sixth place when his teammate Hayden Gillim crashed late in the race. Fortunately, Gillim was able to remount and finish seventh.
FLO4LAW’s Benjamin Smith, Jones Honda’s Ashton Yates, and Aftercare Scheibe Racing’s Danilo Lewis rounded out the top 10.
Notable of the non-finishers – and winner of the cruelest weekend contest -was Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante. In Saturday’s race, Escalante’s motorcycle failed him on the last lap while he was running fourth. On Sunday, the bike failed him again on the first lap.
Superbike Race 2
- Cameron Beaubier (BMW)
- Bobby Fong (Yamaha)
- Josh Herrin (Ducati)
- Sean Dylan Kelly (Suzuki)
- Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
- JD Beach (Honda)
- Hayden Gillim (Honda)
- Benjamin Smith (Yamaha)
- Ashton Yates (Honda)
- Danilo Lewis (BMW)
Quotes
Josh Herrin – Third Place
“I woke up this morning in a lot more pain. I think I just had to grit it yesterday, and I think the bone doesn’t like it. Today was definitely harder on me. I wouldn’t say that’s why we weren’t able to be fighting with those guys. Cam (Beaubier) just left and was really fast, and I wasn’t. I tried to hang on. Really that’s it. The tire pressure was set a little bit lower than what we had in practice and qualifying just because it was so hot, to allow them to come up to temperature to be where we had them in practice. Honestly, I didn’t like the way the bike was feeling, doing that. I felt like I was riding a different bike than I was yesterday. But he (Beaubier) was riding fast. It sucks because all the hard work we did yesterday, we just gave it back basically today. Now we have a lot of work to do in Jersey. I’m super grateful that I was able to win a race yesterday. For sure, if you asked me at the start of yesterday, I didn’t think I would have been capable of it. At least kept us at the same spot, or maybe a little bit better than what we came in, so that way when we go to Jersey for the last three races, we at least are still there. We’re not just completely out of it. Congrats to Cam on the win. He deserved that one. He took off right from the beginning. I was just panicking to try to keep up. So, congrats to him. Hopefully get some rain in Jersey to help us out.”
Bobby Fong – Second Place
“We knew coming in here it might be a struggle. I am definitely thankful to get on the podium here because there’s a lot of fast guys. It was super greasy out there. It’s really easy to have moments out there. The track is kind of weird. Cameron (Beaubier) almost went down. It kind of looked like he was doing the same thing. I took the lead for a second, and I had a few moments. I’m like, ‘we have a good gap behind me.’ I tried to back it off and then went back by and like, ‘damn it, now we got to push again.’ I was trying to go a little bit slower because I was taking too many risks. But he rode a good pace. He didn’t make any mistakes, honestly. Kudos to him. It’s hard to do it in this heat. But we’re definitely looking forward to Jersey. Three races there. I think it should be fun.”
Cameron Beaubier – Winner
“Everything flashed in front of my eyes (when he almost crashed). All the hard work we’ve been putting in. The front end came back, thankfully. I was struggling pretty bad with the front end there in some of the long right-handers. My gap just started closing, a tenth by a tenth. Bob (Fong) was closing in on me. That was a really, really hard race. I haven’t had that hard of a race in a long, long time. I was pushing as hard as I could the entire race. Honestly, I felt awesome at the beginning of the race. My bike was just hooked up. I saw I did a couple 2:07’s and straight into the low 2:08s. Felt awesome. But it made me a little nervous for the rest of the race because I was doing three laps all weekend, and that’s pretty much all I had. I had a hard pace, had a pushing pace, with what’s going on with my wrist. Just definitely had to grind that one out. That one was for my team. The Tytlers guys have been working so hard. Even after my dumb ass made a crash on the bicycle earlier this week, they still stuck behind me and got me comfortable on the bike and just kept motivating me all weekend, like ‘you can do this.”’ So, thanks to them. I’m stoked that we’re back in it. Bob pushed me so hard the whole race. So, hats off to him, because the pace was really hot. We’ll see what happens at New Jersey, but at least we’re somewhat back in it.”
Cameron Beaubier (6) leads Bobby Fong (hidden), Josh Herrin (1), Jake Gagne (32), and the rest of the Superbike pack on the first lap at Circuit of The Americas on Sunday. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
The race came down to Beaubier (6) vs. Fong (50) with Beaubier getting the victory, his fifth of the year and 70th of his career. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Josh Herrin (1) finished third, topping Sean Dylan Kelly (40) and Jake Gagne (32). Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Bobby Fong congratulates Cameron Beaubier after their COTA battle. Fong goes to the season finale at NJMP with an eight-point lead over Beaubier in the fight for the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Sunday photos available HERE
Sunday results:
Dallas Daniels Crowned 2025 Grand National Champion
Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) fulfilled his lifelong ambition of becoming Grand National Champion as a thrilling 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, came to its conclusion in tonight’s Arby’s Lake Ozark Short Track presented by Arrowhead Brass at Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri.
Competing before packed grandstands as a featured attraction of the 19th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest, Daniels needed to finish seventh or better to lock up the title in the event of a victory on the part of his Mission AFT SuperTwins title rival, Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R).
And as expected, Bauman did all he could to pile the pressure on Daniels, locking down the top spot on the charts all day long.
Daniels grabbed the lead early but the potential for disaster was quickly made evident. With multiple riders dicing for the lead and only inches separating them, James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) crashed following contact with Bauman.
Ott’s bike caromed off the wall in the incident, creating a chain reaction that also collected Billy Ross (No. 29 Mission Foods/Digitrace Kawasaki Ninja 650), Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Racing Unlimited/Parts Bros Kawasaki Ninja 650), and Logan McGrane (No. 14 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 790 Duke).
While Daniels came into the night having finished inside the top five in 47 consecutive races, the collective misfortune of his fellow competitors and subsequent red-flag delay forced him to sit and contemplate what might possibly go wrong.
When the race was restarted, Daniels resumed in the lead temporarily. However, he was quickly overhauled by Bauman, who subsequently raced off to victory. Bauman was followed home by Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) to give Harley-Davidson a season finale 1-2 and the 2025 Mission AFT SuperTwins Manufacturer Championship.
Daniels, meanwhile, held off a charging Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp) – fresh off his Springfield stunner – to secure the final spot on the box and his first Grand National Championship in the process.
Just behind, Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Mike Butler Racing/Mission Foods Yamaha MT-07) finished fifth, with Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke), Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Luczak Racing Yamaha MT-07), Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), and Ben Lowe (No. 25 Mission Foods/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) rounding out the top ten.
This season marks the culmination of the first stage of Daniels’ professional career. The Estenson Racing Yamaha star was widely projected as a future premier-class king as early as his amateur days, in which he became the first rider to win the Nicky Hayden AMA Horizon Award in both flat track and roadracing.
He’s only continued to accumulate accomplishments since joining the pro ranks. Daniels became the first-ever two-time AFT Singles champion and followed that up by authoring a run that ranks as among the greatest first four seasons the Mission AFT SuperTwins category has ever witnessed.
In winning the 2025 crown, Daniels now stands as the seventh youngest rider to earn a first-career Grand National Championship, both as measured by age and experience. He’s been a title contender throughout the entirety of his time in the class, proving himself a historically relentless and constant threat at the front of the pack, regardless of time or place.
Additionally, Daniels joins “King” Kenny Roberts (1973 & 1974) to become just the second rider to win the sport’s greatest prize aboard Yamaha racebikes exclusively.
Briar Bauman (3) and Dallas Daniels (32) congratulate each other immediately following the Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event Saturday night. [Photo: American Flat Track / Tim Lester]
The new champ said, “The emotions are overwhelming. It’s been a bit of an overwhelming season. Last year, I really had a breakout season and was doing really good. I had a nice little points lead and then had a huge heartbreak. When we came into this year, we did really good at Daytona, and from then on the season was super tough for a lot of reasons. A lot of it was on me, trying to come back from an injury, and Briar was firing on all cylinders immediately.
“When I look at this season – it was kind of like today – just a grind. We struggled with a lot of stuff, and it was such a tough season, but the whole Estenson Racing Monster Energy Yamaha team never gave up, and I never gave up on them. We believed in each other.
“I don’t even know how to put this into words… I’ve got to thank my parents and my whole family, who have sacrificed so much. I’ve dreamed of this my whole life. I’d go to sleep at six years old wanting to be Grand National Champion. It almost slipped away at times this year, but I never lost belief in myself, and I never lost belief in my team. I worked my whole life to be here.”
While ultimately unable to overcome Daniels’ peerless consistency, Bauman closed out a spectacular season that only further enhanced the reputation of the two-time Grand National Champion. In ‘25, Bauman and his Rick Ware Racing team took the previously winless Harley-Davidson XG750R and won more races than any other rider this season (eight) while giving Daniels and the Estenson Racing squad all they could handle until the very end.
Bauman said, “I’ve got to give a huge thanks to the Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus/Latus Motors team. I ask so much of these guys. We had high hopes and a lot of heart. Congrats to Dallas Daniels and the whole Estenson Racing team. They are so good. This was the best year of my career statistically, and it wasn’t good enough. That’s crazy.”
Daniels won the 2025 Mission AFT SuperTwins title with 313 points. Bauman ended up second with 307, followed by Robinson at 217.
Meanwhile, Lowe secured Mission AFT SuperTwins Rookie of the Year honors by finishing a superb fourth overall with 186 points.
AFT Singles presented by KICKER
While Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) locked up the 2025 AFT Singles presented by KICKER title two rounds early, there was still much in play at the ‘25 finale.
Even with the remainder of the field seeking both personal milestones and momentum to carry into the offseason, Drane continued to own the spotlight.
However, earlier in the contest, the rider of ‘25 found himself chasing a couple of riders of the future. Second-year pilot Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F) took the early advantage before being displaced by rookie ace Kage Tadman (No. 288 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450).
At half-distance, newly crowned champ Drane switched up his line, cutting down low entering Turn 1 and making up big chunks of ground in the process. Once in striking distance, he used the same line to dive under Pfanders to take control of second before attempting to do the same to Tadman in first.
The Californian had an answer the first time around, squaring Drane back up to reclaim the lead. However, the Estenson Racing star made it stick on his second attempt.
Tom Drane (59) and Bradon Pfanders (83) before the AFT Singles presented by KICKER Main Event Saturday at Lake Ozark Speedway. [Photo: American Flat Track / Tim Lester]
A curveball was thrown moments later in the form of a red-flag reset with just 59 seconds remaining on the clock following a crash on the part of Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).
Even though that development put Tadman back out in front for the staggered restart, Drane immediately slung it low entering Turn 1 to snatch the lead right back.
The restart still had significant implications as it thrust a previously quiet Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R) back into the fray near the front. Given new life, Santero nudged ahead of Tadman to take over second. He then subsequently gave Drane a scare to the checkered flag before finishing as the race’s runner-up.
Drane’s victory closed out his historic ‘25 campaign with a record-tying eighth win on the season, equaling the previous best marks of Dallas Daniels and Kody Kopp. It also represented his 19th-career win in the class, tying him with Shayna Texter-Bauman for second all-time.
His victory also sealed the 2025 AFT Singles Manufacturer crown for Yamaha.
Afterward, Drane said, “I can’t thank my whole Estenson Racing Monster Energy team enough. They worked their butts off all year and gave me a great bike. That race, I got to the front earlier, but for the restart, I had to reset my mind. I had to get out there, get the start, and take the lead as quick as I could. Once I was there, I felt I could lead and be comfortable at the front. It was really good.”
Tadman held on for third, with Pfanders and Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) completing the top five.
As a result of tonight’s order, Tadman and Santero ended the season equal with 175 points apiece in their battle for fourth in the final rankings, trailing only the previously decided 1-2-3 of Drane, Brunner, and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R).
That position ultimately went to Tadman via the tiebreaker due to his race-winning Progressive AFT debut.
Build. Train. Race.
Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program, which serves to highlight, celebrate, and encourage the involvement of women in flat track racing, closed out its 2025 season with a double finale at Lake Ozark Short Track.
Main Event 1 saw Madicela Rodriguez (No. 113 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited) fend off Taia Little (No. 11 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited) by a narrow 0.009 seconds at the checkered flag with Emma Gottsch (No. 5 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited) less than a second in arrears in third.
Little got her revenge in Main Event 2, shaking loose to win ahead of Gottsch and Rodriguez and secure the 2025 BTR championship.
Progressive American Flat Track 2025 Champions Race on Dunlop
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires proudly celebrates another historic season as the official tire of Progressive American Flat Track (AFT), marking over a decade of unrivaled support across every category. North America’s premier flat-track series once again delivered drama, speed, and unforgettable milestones in 2025—showcasing the performance and durability of Dunlop’s DT4 tire at every round.
The season’s most defining moment came at the world-famous Springfield Mile, where Tom Drane of Estenson Racing Yamaha secured the AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship a full two rounds early. In doing so, Drane etched his name in the record books as the first non-American champion in the history of Progressive AFT. His combination of raw speed, consistency, and relentless podium finishes elevated him rapidly up the career victory ladder while setting a new benchmark for the international reach of the sport.
This year also marked the successful continuation of the AFT AdventureTrackers class, which ran as a four-race showcase series and immediately captured the attention of both fans and manufacturers. Featuring production-based adventure motorcycles adapted for the rigors of flat-track racing, all fitted with Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires, the class delivered unique matchups and highlighted the versatility of ADV platforms. The 2025 title was claimed by Dan Bromley, who piloted his Suzuki V-STROM 1050 to consistent podiums and ultimately the championship. The series not only demonstrated the adaptability of Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires to new racing disciplines but also introduced a fresh audience to the excitement of Progressive AFT.
The Mission SuperTwins championship went down to the wire at the season finale at Lake Ozark Short Track in Eldon, Missouri. The showdown between Estenson Racing Yamaha’s Dallas Daniels and Rick Ware Racing Harley-Davidson’s Briar Bauman had fans on the edge of their seats. With just thirteen points separating the two entering the weekend, even with Bauman winning the final race, Daniels showcased the precision and control that have defined his career finishing in third to secure the title and solidify his place among the sport’s elite.
Reflecting on the season, Chad Geer, Director of Motorcycle Product, Marketing, and Motorsports at Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, stated: “The 2025 American Flat Track season delivered some of the most exhilarating racing in recent memory. The level of competition across all classes is at an all-time high, and the DT4 continues to prove itself as the standard for performance and durability at the highest level of flat-track racing. We are honored to support the riders, teams, and fans that make Progressive AFT such a world-class series.”
Thrasher Scores 250SMX Podium Finish in St. Louis
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher returned to the podium with a third-place overall finish (6-4) at the SMX Playoff 2 inside The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Haiden Deegan delivered a dominant Moto 1 victory before an on-track incident in Moto 2 had the reigning 250SMX Champion salvaging points with a 14th-place finish for sixth overall. Wildcard riders Daxton Bennick and Max Anstie once again showed speed, finishing eighth (9-7) and ninth (8-8), respectively, while SMX Playoffs rookie Cole Davies overcame a crash in the second moto to end the day 11th overall (7-11).
Thrasher had a solid qualifying effort in eighth, and although he was 17th after the start to Moto 1, he quickly worked his way through to 10th in the opening laps. The Tennessee rider kept pushing and made his way through to sixth in the latter half of the moto, where he would finish. In Moto 2, he got a better start inside the top five and avoided a crash in front of him on the opening lap, settling into fourth. He maintained a solid pace to maintain the position and earn third overall. Trasher’s efforts also improved his position to fifth in the 250SMX standings, 28 points from the leader.
Deegan showed championship-winning form from the start, topping qualifying and grabbing the Moto 1 holeshot. The defending back-to-back 250SMX Champion set a blistering pace up front and, despite a tip-over, still claimed a convincing 6.692-second victory. In Moto 2, he started near the front and quickly moved to third before contact with another rider forced him off track and to the ground. Despite damage to the bike after the crash, Deegan made an impressive charge from 22nd to 14th by Lap 12. He did what he could to advance further, but lost too much time and crossed the line 14th, finishing sixth overall. His efforts helped keep his title hopes alive as he heads to the triple-points-paying final round trailing the new points leader by 10.
Bennick continued to show improvements at the second round of the playoffs. He was sixth in the combined times and went on to win the 250SMX Wildcard LCQ race to transfer to the night show with the 14th gate pick. Bennick was ninth after the start of Moto 1, and although he dropped back to 12th on Lap 4, he kept pushing and made his way back to ninth with two laps to go. In Moto 2, he was once again ninth after the opening lap. The young North Carolina rider dropped back to 10th four laps in, but continued to push and made his way to seventh in the final laps, ending the day eighth overall.
Anstie also showed speed from the outset and was ninth in the combined times. The British rider transferred to the night show with a runner-up finish in the 250SMX Wildcard LCQ race and was 13th after the start of Moto 1. He ran a strong pace and steadily made his way through to eighth on a track that was difficult to make passes on. In 11th after the opening lap of Moto 2, Anstie once again worked his way through to eighth to finish ninth overall.
In his second pro SMX outing, Davies had a strong qualifying in seventh. He had a good start to Moto 1 around the top five and continued to battle, but ultimately finished seventh for a career-best result thus far in the postseason. In Moto 2, Davies started inside the top five and set the fastest lap on Lap 4. Unfortunately, a couple laps later, he had a tip-over in the sand that dropped him back to 11th, where he finished to score 11th overall.
The team heads to Las Vegas, Nevada, next weekend for the SuperMotocross World Championship Final at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 20.
Wil Hahn – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team General Manager
“It was an up-and-down day in St. Louis. It was great to see Nate return to the podium and have four of our guys in the top 10 overall, but it was a bummer for Haiden with that second-moto pass putting him out of contention for the race. We’ll keep working and come back stronger in Vegas.”
Nate Thrasher – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #41
“I felt good all day. Last weekend, I felt pretty good too and felt like the pace was there, but I just wasn’t quite aggressive enough and didn’t ride to my full potential. So tonight, that was my goal – to come out and be aggressive and just control what I could. The first moto, I didn’t get off to a good start, but I made a lot of passes. In the second one, I was a little tired, but overall it was a good day and good to get on the podium. We’ll go work on some things this week and hopefully get a win and see where we end up in the points.”
Haiden Deegan – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #1
“It was an alright day. I won the first moto and got into a little altercation in the second one. It is what it is. It’s racing. We’ve got one round to go. Let’s see what we can do.”
Daxton Bennick – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #34
“It was a lot better weekend for me. I’m excited for the last round!”
Max Anstie – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #31
“It was a solid day. We’re making steps in the right direction and getting back in the swing of things. I’m looking forward to the last one in Vegas.”
Cole Davies – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #100
“St. Louis had some good moments, but the tip-over in the sand in Moto 2 really cost me. We had a good qualifying in seventh, which showed the speed is there. Finishing 11th overall wasn’t what I wanted, but I know what I need to work on. We’ll regroup and come out swinging in Vegas at the final round.”
Tomac Finishes on Podium in Thrilling 450SMX Round 2 Battle
In a thrilling heavyweight battle at the SMX Playoff 2, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac fought to the finish and secured a hard-earned third overall (3-2) inside The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Cooper Webb bounced back to a top-five overall result (8-4), while Justin Cooper overcame adversity to finish eighth overall (6-11).
Tomac qualified fifth and got a strong start in Moto 1, running third from the opening laps and setting a consistently fast pace. Under pressure in the closing laps, he held off the red-plate holder to secure third. In Moto 2, he got another good start and quickly made his way to the runner-up spot. The eight-time AMA Supercross/Motocross Champion kept his title rival in sight, and in the final laps, the top three closed in on each other, making for a nail-biter finish to the moto. In the end, Tomac crossed the line in the runner-up spot to finish third overall, heading to the triple-points paying season finale third in the standings and 16 points from the top spot.
In just his second race back from injury, Webb qualified seventh and got a great start in Moto 1, running fourth early before arm pump issues dropped him to eighth. He rebounded in Moto 2 with another good start inside the top five, battling throughout the race and making a decisive last-lap pass for fourth. His 8-4 moto scores put him fifth overall and moved him up to fifth in the standings, 24 points behind the leader.
Cooper qualified sixth and joined his teammates inside the top five at the start of Moto 1. He battled Webb for fourth early but lost a couple of positions in the middle stages before battling his way back to finish sixth. In Moto 2, he did not get the start he was hoping for and found himself at the back of the field after stalling in the first turn. Cooper put his head down and charged through to 12th but unfortunately had a tipover and found himself back in 17th. Undeterred, he kept fighting and made his way through to 11th, where he would finish to end the day eighth overall. The New Yorker heads to the finale sixth in the standings, 27 points back.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing squad now turns its attention to the SuperMotocross World Championship Final at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 20, where triple points are on the line.
Rich Simmons – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager
“It’s always nice to have a roof over the track. It helps keep the track conditions more consistent and creates good racing, and that’s exactly what we had. Eli rode two very good races, and the second one was exciting from start to finish. We obviously wish he had come out with the win, but those top three put on a great show. Webb struggled a bit in the first moto, but with some small adjustments and better riding in the second moto, it was a big step towards getting back to his form and to keep building that momentum. Unfortunately, it was another rough race for Justin. His speed was excellent, but he just wasn’t able to make the pass on Webb early in the first moto and lost positions in the process. In the second moto, he stalled the bike in the first turn, which put him last, and then went down around the halfway mark. He still put in good times after that, but finished 11th. We will head to Vegas to try and take advantage of the triple points and finish the season on a high note.”
Eli Tomac – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #3
“It was a good day of racing for us. In the first moto, I just kind of hung out in third. I had a good start and was solid there, but nothing really happened other than Jett (Lawrence) got close to my rear wheel at the end of that moto. I was able to fend him off and defend third, so that was important going into the second moto. I had another good start in Moto 2 and made a move in the second turn to make a couple of passes. I was right there. I was really close that whole race. I just couldn’t find anything extra to get close enough to try for a pass, and maybe got a little lucky with some lappers at the end to get a little bit closer. Overall, it was good riding but of course shy of the win.”
Cooper Webb – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #2
“Moto 1 was a very tough race, as I got a good start and immediately got bad arm pump and started going backwards. Moto 2 was a lot better. I felt good and was in a battle with Chase (Sexton) and Kenny (Roczen) the whole moto, and I was able to pass Chase late to get a solid fourth place and a top-five overall.”
Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #32
“It was a tough day for me. My riding was good, but I didn’t execute when I needed to. In the first moto, I just didn’t make moves quickly enough. Then Moto 2, I started last after stalling it in the first turn. I got up and charged through, but then tipped over and had to charge again. I’m feeling good on the bike. I just need to put it together. That’s the goal for Vegas.”
Fong Maintains Points Lead with Double Podium at COTA
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Bobby Fong kept his spot at the top of the hotly-contested MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, earning a runner-up finish in Race 2 at the Circuit of The Americas. Teammate Jake Gagne also had a solid outing, finishing fifth on another hot September day at the 3.426-mile circuit in Austin, Texas.
Fong got another great start from the second row of the grid, quickly slotting into second and claiming the lead on the opening lap. Although he was repassed by his title rival shortly after, he maintained a fast and consistent pace to keep the pressure on. After the halfway mark, Fong capitalized on a mistake to retake the lead, but was passed on the following lap. The championship leader continued to apply pressure in the greasy track conditions and ultimately crossed the line second to earn his 13th podium of the season and leave COTA with an eight-point advantage heading into the season finale.
Starting from the front row of the grid, Gagne was also in the mix in fourth after the start. He stayed on the heels of the competition, and as the race wore on, it turned into a multi-rider battle. He tried to make a move forward, but lost some ground after a mistake, and was ultimately passed in the final laps to finish fifth. The Colorado rider continues to maintain a strong fourth in the championship standings.
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing returns to action in two weeks for the three-race MotoAmerica Superbike season finale at the New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey, on September 26-28.
Richard Stanboli – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“Of course, we wish we could win, but I think that was about as good as we would expect. We’re coming out of here with the points lead and going to a track which is a lot more friendly to our motorcycle – a turning track that is a rider track, and one where setup and a good motorcycle makes a big difference versus just raw horsepower.”
Bobby Fong – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #50
“Honestly, I’m happy to get two podiums. After the two crashes on Friday, I’m looking forward to getting out of here, especially with the heat and everything. I’m looking forward to New Jersey – a little bit smaller track for us. I’m ready to finish this season strong and get the weight off of my shoulders.”
Jake Gagne – Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing #32
“It was another tough, hot one. I was a little disappointed with my pace today. We had a good short 1-2 lap pace, but I was kind of struggling a little bit with my arm. I couldn’t make the pass on Josh (Herrin) for a while, and then I made one mistake and ran wide off the back straight. I just couldn’t make passes today – that was it, really. I feel like if I could have made a pass, put my head down, and ride the Yamaha line, maybe we could’ve done something.”
CONSISTENCY AGAIN FOR JUSTIN BARCIA AND RYDER D IN ST. LOUIS SMX
The second stop of the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) post-season in St. Louis marked another consistent weekend out for Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing teammates Justin Barcia and Ryder DiFrancesco, who will carry positive momentum into the Las Vegas SMX Final next Saturday night.
• Ryder DiFrancesco sets RED-hot 250SMX qualifying pace in P3
• A 9-9 scorecard for Justin Barcia in the 450SMX division
• Double points were awarded this weekend in SMX Playoff 2!
DiFrancesco rocketed to third onboard his GASGAS MC 250F Factory Edition in qualifying, with the circuit inside The Dome at America’s Center a unique blend of Supercross-style sections and fast-paced Pro Motocross obstacles.
Challenging starts to each race ultimately hampered Ryder D’s results in claiming 13th overall, and the 20-year-old now sits ninth in the 250SMX point-standings with a single round remaining on the schedule.
Ryder DiFrancesco: “My qualifying went really solid! I connected the track together really well and P3 was a comfortable pace for me. In the races, I just couldn’t get off the gate this weekend – it was a tough place to come through the pack. Going into next weekend, we’ll put our best foot forward for triple points! We’re still in ninth overall, so we’ll give it our best shot and see how it unfolds in Vegas.”
For Barcia, he would power his GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition to the ninth-fastest qualifying time, before racing to two ninth-place finishes in each 450SMX moto and collecting P11 overall for the round. BAMBAM is currently tied for 10th in the combined standings.
Justin Barcia: “Practice went well in St. Louis so I had a pretty good gate pick, but got a bit pinched in the first moto off the start and then charged hard until the end. Better start in Moto 2, but I just battled around where I was at – everyone was riding really well today and it was difficult to pass. All-in-all, I’m looking forward to practicing this week, and then going out with a bang in Vegas!”
RJ Hampshire takes P6 overall in St. Louis to complete second SMX Playoff round
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire raced to a well-earned sixth-place result at the second SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoff round in St. Louis, Missouri, racing forward throughout both 450SMX motos tonight.
Equipped with his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition, Hampshire set the fourth-fastest qualifying time on what was an extended, technical course within The Dome at America’s Center, before a climb through the field in the first outing saw him land seventh position.
Another mid-field start in Moto 2 had the premier class newcomer Hampshire playing catch-up throughout the 20-minute plus-one-lap duration, with the 29-year-old powering to an improved P6 finish, and claiming sixth overall for the weekend.
Just seven points separate Hampshire – currently ranked eighth – and fourth position in the 450SMX championship standings, with triple points on the line in Las Vegas set to shake up the overall placements one final time in season 2025.
“All-in-all, it was a solid weekend,” commented Hampshire. “Nothing too special, I just clicked off my laps and managed to post a good one in qualifying for P4. I had good speed in Moto 1, but just a couple of mistakes cost me a bit, but I felt really good for it being my first kind of Supercross-type race on the 450. I was stoked on how everything felt and I know that we’ll continue to make progress. Second moto, again not a great start, but on a track that was hard to pass, it’s decent that we’re leaving here with a sixth place. We’ll take it, and now we’ll come out firing for the last one in Las Vegas.”
Despite an attempt to ride in the first qualifying session, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing 450SMX teammate Malcolm Stewart ultimately withdrew from racing at SMX Playoff 2 while still recovering from the effects of a minor back injury suffered last weekend.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Amateur Factory Elite prospect Landon Gibson was also in action for the 2025 SMX Next World All-Stars in St. Louis, record an eighth-place result during Friday’s opening race of the weekend, before finishing ninth tonight onboard his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition.
250SMX MOTO WIN FOR TOM VIALLE AT PLAYOFF 2 IN ST. LOUIS
SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoff 2 staged inside The Dome at America’s Center tonight saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle score the 250SMX Moto 2 win and place fifth overall following a hard-fought round of competition in St. Louis.
Two-time MX2 World Champion and reigning 250SX East title-holder Vialle qualified fifth fastest onboard his KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, before taking the checkered flag in 10th position at the conclusion of Moto 1.
Another strong start in race two saw the Frenchman power to the lead on the opening lap, before posting a convincing performance at the front of the field and converting his track position into a strong moto win and P5 overall. Vialle holds fourth in the 250SMX standings, with triple points on offer at next weekend’s season finale in Las Vegas.
Tom Vialle: “Second race of SMX is done and I finished with a 10-1 scorecard for fifth overall. It really was a case of opposites with how I felt in each race – I was struggling for comfort in the first moto, and then the team made a lot of great changes for the second race, making the setup softer, and it was so much better for me. I felt a lot more comfortable and I was able to ride a better second moto. I got a solid start and I just rode well out front for the whole race, so that was nice. We’re fourth in points now, so we’ll do all that we can to win in Vegas!”
Equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in the 450SMX division, Sexton was third-fastest in qualifying as he acclimatized to the Supercross-style race track, which incorporated high-speed outdoor-style elements that collectively presented a unique challenge.
A tough start to Moto 1 saw the 25-year-old climb his way through the pack, posting an inspired result that saw him claim fifth place, before finishing 10th in Moto 2 as a result of a late-race mishap. Upon finishing P7 overall, Sexton is now fourth in the 450SMX standings with one race remaining.
Next Race: September 20 – Las Vegas, Nevada
SUZUKI’S KEN ROCZEN EARNS TOP-FIVE OVERALL AT SMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF 2
The Dome at America’s Center hosted Playoff 2, the penultimate round, of the 2025 SMX World Championship series. The hybrid Supercross / motocross track included large jumps, soil variations, and a high-speed section that sent the racers under the stadium seating. The post-season round paid double points based on the combined score of two 20-minute plus one lap motos.
Race Highlights:
- Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki
- 450 Class
- Ken Roczen earned fourth place overall and advanced one position in the SMX World Championship standings.
- 450 Class
- Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance
- 450 Class
- Kyle Chisholm battled into the motos and scored post-season points to move up in the standings.
- 450 Class
Ken Roczen (94) started the night’s racing in St. Louis by tucking under the pack to emerge from the first corner of moto 1 in fifth place. Roczen instantly sliced his way into third place as the 22-rider field exited the second corner, and Roczen had his Suzuki RM-Z450 into second place as the racers charged out of the third corner. Roczen held the second-place spot, nearly unchallenged, as 20-minute race clock counted down. In the final two laps, two other racers applied intense pressure to snatch the position. But Ken Roczen upped the intensity and fended off the attacks to secure a second-place result. In the second moto, contact with another rider down the first rhythm lane hampered Roczen’s first-lap intensity and dropped him from fourth to seventh. Roczen recovered quickly, battled with the top group, and earned a top-five result at the checkered flag. Roczen’s (2-5) moto scores netted him a fourth-place overall result.
“All right, St. Louis, we’re done and dusted and we actually had a really, really good weekend,” said Ken Roczen. “We made a couple of little tweaks on the bike, basically just what I raced during all of Supercross, and it honestly made the world a difference to me. Going into the night show, I didn’t necessarily have the best [qualifying] time and the best [gate] position, but I felt a lot more confident just because I overall felt better on the bike. And it showed, because in the first moto I was battling in second the whole time, and brought it home, so that was really needed. I did some good riding, and it was a very big step in the right direction. Even in the second [moto], maybe the result was a fifth, but it was a lot better than last weekend. [There were] just a couple little mishaps during the race that cost me some positions, but I ended up being really happy with all my riding and what we have done so far.”
Kyle Chisholm (11) earned enough points through the Supercross season to slot him onto the Wild Card starting gate in the post-season rounds. Chisholm rode steadily in the Wild Card race and earned a spot on the gate in the St. Louis motos. In the night show, Chisholm and his Twisted Tea Suzuki RM-Z450 did their passing early in the first moto, and late in the second moto. Chisholm used a strong pace on the challenging track to card post-season points and climb up two positions in the standings.
“I felt like my riding was pretty good this weekend. My starts weren’t great, and obviously my gate pick wasn’t great [after] having to go through the Wild Card race,” stated Kyle Chisholm. “The track was tough to make up time and actually pass on, and my track position just wasn’t ideal; it wasn’t where I needed it to be. I rode well, I was right there, but I just was not up far enough from the start. For the little bit of prep time that I had, I’m happy with my performance. We go to Vegas next week; I’m looking forward to it and will try to end the season with a with a good finish.”
“Ken Roczen was riding really good. He finished second in the first moto and in the second moto finished fifth,” said Larry Brooks, Team Manager for Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance. “In the second moto he started in third and almost jumped into the back of [another rider]. It really messed him up and dropped him back. He moved himself up to fifth before the finish of the moto. I think it was [a weekend of] big improvements. We improved the motorcycle [settings] and we’re pretty happy about it. Kyle Chisholm was racing, and he finished 20th. Chiz is our test rider, but it’s good to have a test rider racing, also. So, it was a good weekend for Suzuki, we’re pretty happy, and now it’s off to Vegas for the Final.”
The Suzuki riders and team members now head to Las Vegas for the SMX World Championship Final at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 20th. The final SMX League event will pay triple points and the Suzuki RM-Z450 race bikes are proven, dialed-in, and ready. With a win at the legendary Daytona Supercross earlier in the year, Ken Roczen is looking to cap his 2025 US race season with another inspiring performance.
BACK-TO-BACK PODIUM FINISHES FOR MONSTER ENERGY® PRO CIRCUIT KAWASAKI RIDER SETH HAMMAKER
Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Seth Hammaker showcased both speed and consistency to secure another podium with a second overall finish (3-3) at the second playoff of the SMX World Championship™ in St. Louis. Ty Masterpool narrowly missed the podium after two strong motos, finishing fourth overall (4-6). Levi Kitchen rounded out the Top 10 in 10th overall (5-12), while Drew Adams displayed strong starts throughout the night to take 12th overall (13-9). Garrett Marchbanks battled through adversity following his crash in Charlotte, earning 13th overall (14-13).
Monster Energy® Kawasaki Team Green™ riders Enzo Temmerman and Vincent Wey faced a busy weekend with two SMX Next Main Events, one on Friday and one on Saturday after weather forced the cancellation of the race last weekend in Charlotte. Temmerman claimed 13th and fifth-place finishes, while Wey pushed through adversity to finish 23rd and 18th.
In the 250SMX Class, Kitchen and Hammaker delivered strong qualifying performances, placing second and fourth, with Masterpool, Adams, and Marchbanks finishing 10th, 11th, and 20th, respectively. Masterpool advanced through the 250 Wildcard race with a third-place result. In Moto 1, Hammaker got off to a strong start in fourth and quickly moved into third. Masterpool, got a great jump despite his Wild Card gate pick to start just outside the Top 5 and made quick passes to slot into fourth behind his teammate. Kitchen was pushed wide in the first corner and began mid-pack, but steadily worked his way forward with calculated passes, eventually securing fifth. Marchbanks, still battling knee pain from his crash in Charlotte, started near the back. He found his rhythm midway through the race, climbing to 15th and finishing 14th. Adams began inside the Top 10, but small mistakes dropped him back to 12th by the halfway mark, and he crossed the line in 13th. Hammaker and Masterpool battled together for much of the moto, ultimately finishing third and fourth, with Kitchen closing out the top five.
In Moto 2, the No. 47 Kawasaki of Kitchen launched out of the gate into third but slipped back to fourth. While attempting to regain a podium position and move forward, he went for an aggressive inside pass with another rider resulting in both riders going down. Hammaker started in seventh, quickly moved into sixth, and by the end of Lap 1 had climbed to a podium position. Masterpool, Adams, and Marchbanks began outside the Top 10, but Masterpool made smart passes on the opening lap to reach seventh. Adams battled for a Top 10 spot early and settled into ninth, while Marchbanks charged from 19th to 12th by Lap 3. After remounting in 16th, Kitchen fought back to finish 12th. Hammaker stayed steady under pressure to secure another third-place result. Masterpool maintained composure to take sixth, Adams held on for ninth, and Marchbanks crossed the line in 13th.
Kawasaki Team Green riders Enzo Temmerman and Vincent Wey opened their weekend on Friday by qualifying for SMX Next Main Event 1 in fifth and seventh place. In the Main Event, Wey grabbed the holeshot and began pulling away from the field, while Temmerman started deep in 20th. Wey looked strong up front until a crash dropped him to mid-pack, while Temmerman climbed to ninth by Lap 2 before a mistake sent him down as well. He remounted in 16th and worked back to 13th at the finish. Wey pushed back into the Top 10, but another crash left him 23rd at the checkers.
On Saturday, both riders returned for SMX Next qualifying, with Temmerman earning sixth and Wey 13th. In Main Event 2, Wey rocketed to second off the gate with Temmerman close behind in sixth. Temmerman briefly slipped to seventh but quickly settled back into his pace, while Wey dropped to fifth after being pushed wide in a corner. The pair rode closely together for much of the race until Wey tangled with another rider, damaging his radiator and forcing him to finish 18th. Temmerman, meanwhile, mounted a late charge to secure an impressive fifth-place result.
“Qualifying went well, and I felt like I was riding really strong. In the first moto, I didn’t get the best start but worked my way up to fifth. In the second moto, I got a great start but came together with Haiden [Deegan] and went down. I feel like I’m improving every weekend. My speed is good, so we’ll head into Vegas ready to send it and see what we can do.”
- Levi Kitchen
“It was a pretty mediocre day for me. Qualifying wasn’t too bad, and in the first moto, I pumped up a bit in the arms and finished 13th, which wasn’t the result I wanted. The starts were solid today though, so that was a step forward. In the second moto, I finished ninth for 12th overall. Not my best, but we’ll keep building, and I’m looking forward to Vegas.”
- Drew Adams
“Overall, it was a good day. I had to go through the Wildcard race, which made for a tough start to the first moto, but I made it work and had a solid ride. In the second moto, I just couldn’t make the pass for the podium and ended up tying for third, but got scored fourth. I’m feeling better and stronger each weekend. I’m really looking forward to finishing strong in Vegas and carrying this momentum into next year, feeling healthy and confident.”
- Ty Masterpool
“I ended up second overall, another consistent day. I felt good physically, which was positive. Qualifying was a little off, and I was frustrated at first, but it was more about me getting comfortable and learning the track. It was a really challenging layout, slick in spots, tight, and tough to pass on, but we made it work. Going into the mains, I knew starts would be key for track position. They weren’t quite where I wanted them tonight, but we’ll work on that and be better for next weekend. Overall, I’m happy with second and in a good spot heading into the final in Vegas. I just need to go out there, try to win, and see what happens.”
- Seth Hammaker
“Overall, it was a decent day. Coming from Charlotte, where I had a DNF, and only being able to ride once this week for about 25 to 30 minutes, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was in a lot of pain with my leg, but I made it work. I put together two solid motos, nothing special, but enough to score some important points. I’m happy to leave St. Louis with more than I thought I’d get. Now the goal is to recover, regroup, and be as close to 100% as possible to put up a good fight in Vegas.”
- Garrett Marchbanks
“I ended up fifth overall in the SMX Next Main Event. The track was fairly basic, but the soft dirt made it pretty rutted, which I enjoyed. Overall, I thought it was a good track, and I’m looking forward to next year.”
- Enzo Temmerman
Honda HRC Progressive Controls SMX Playoffs After St. Louis Sweep
The second event of the SuperMotocross Playoffs saw Honda HRC Progressive sweep the overall wins in St. Louis, taking control of both title fights in the three-round series. Hunter Lawrence rode to the second SMX 450 overall victory of his career, posting 1-3 moto finishes, while teammate Jett Lawrence tallied 4-1 results for second on the day, enough to retain a slim series lead over his brother. Meanwhile, a sick Jo Shimoda delivered a gritty 2-2 performance in the 250 class, securing the overall win and taking the red plate. The strong showing marked another milestone for Honda as the team carries momentum into next weekend’s Las Vegas finale.
Hunter Lawrence powered his CRF450RWE to the 450 moto 1 holeshot and led every lap. Ken Roczen kept him honest throughout the opening stages, but Hunter stretched his advantage to nearly seven seconds by the finish. Meanwhile, Jett suffered a poor start and bobbled in the first corner, leaving him nearly dead last early in the first lap. On a track where passing was difficult, the reigning champ charged through the pack impressively, finishing lap 1 in 14th place and advancing to eighth by the one-third mark. A late push carried him into a three-way battle over second, and although he had to settle for fourth at the finish, he had minimized the damage in what could have been a catastrophic turn of events.
Jett returned to his usual excellent starting form with the moto 2 holeshot and early lead, while Hunter slotted into fourth and then passed Chase Sexton for third on lap 2, which he knew would be good enough for the overall win. Jett, Eli Tomac and Hunter steadily pulled away from the rest of the field, and although lapped riders made for a close finish, Jett held on for the win. Hunter was third (over 14 seconds ahead of the next rider), for an inspiring overall victory, with Jett second on the day. Quad Lock Honda’s Joey Savatgy and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis also rode well, securing ninth and 10th overall, respectively.
The first 250 moto saw Shimoda get a strong jump out of the gate and sneak through on the inside of turn 1 to emerge in second place. He held the position throughout the race, fending off both the effects of his illness and pressure from a trio of Kawasaki riders, crossing the line in the runner-up spot.
Shimoda took his CRF250RWE to the moto 2 holeshot, and although he was quickly overtaken by Tom Vialle, he knew that second place would be good enough for the overall win. That result was far from a sure thing given his physical state, but the Japanese racer knuckled down and pulled it off, putting him in an excellent position for the final round, which he enters with a crucial 10-point lead.
NOTES
- Ahead of SMX round 2 in St. Louis, Honda HRC Progressive riders Jett Lawrence, Hunter Lawrence and Jo Shimoda participated in Friday’s pre-race press conference. Unlike at most SMX events, Friday was not open to the public in St. Louis.
- Lou Fusz Honda Powerhouse, based in Fairview Heights, Illinois, joined Honda HRC Progressive for the St. Louis SMX round. The dealership displayed a CRF450R and a CRF50F, and engaged with fans and customers throughout the day.
- All three active Honda HRC Progressive riders took part in the opening ceremonies.
- In combined 450 qualifying, Jett and Hunter were first and second, respectively. Quad Lock Honda Racing’s Joey Savatgy posted the 10th-fastest time, while Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis was 13th, and Savatgy’s teammate Shane McElrath was 16th. In the Wildcard LCQ, Quad Lock Honda Racing’s Dean Wilson finished second and Valley Motorsports’ Jeremy Hand was fifth, both securing spots in the night program.
- Shimoda was 13th in combined 250 qualifying. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cullin Park and Rodbell Racing’s Justin Rodbell advanced from the Wildcard LCQ by finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
- Jett set the fastest lap times in both 450 motos.
- In all three seasons of SuperMotocross competition to date, Hunter Lawrence has earned the round 2 overall victory. He topped the 250 class in Joliet, Illinois during the inaugural SMX season in 2023, won the 450 class last year in Fort Worth, and was victorious this weekend.
- This marked the second time that Shimoda has earned a 250 overall win in SMX, as he topped the class at the series’ very first round (Charlotte) while riding for a different team in 2023.
- Honda extended its perfect record of premier-class overall victories in the still-young history of the SMX Playoffs. Jett has five wins, Hunter has two, and 2023 saw then-Honda-mounted Chase Sexton top a round.
- The SMX Next program made up its rained-out Charlotte main event on Friday in St. Louis, when Phoenix Racing Honda’s Tiger Wood finished on the podium in third. Wood went on to earn sixth place in Saturday’s regularly scheduled SMX Next main event.
- Jett and Hunter took part in the post-race press conference, while Shimoda was excused due to his illness.
- Honda HRC Progressive holds both red plates heading into next weekend’s series finale—the last regular-season race of the year. For the second year in a row, Jett and Hunter are prepared for a dramatic 450 title-fight showdown, as Jett leads his brother by six points heading to Las Vegas, where triple points will be paid out. In addition, Shimoda holds a 10-point lead over Haiden Deegan in the 250 class as the series heads to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Hunter Lawrence
“My day was good—we got the win, and that always feels great. It was a strong night for Honda, with Jo taking the 250 overall and myself and Jett going 1-2 in the 450s. I’m happy to be healthy, happy with how I’m riding, and really thankful to the team for all the work they put in. Now it’s on to Las Vegas to finish the season.”
Jett Lawrence
“The first moto was a bit of a bummer—I spun off the gate, and once you give those guys half a wheel, they shut you down quick. I had to come from pretty far back, but my riding felt really good; I found some cool lines, and it was flowing nicely. In the second moto, I executed the start the way I wanted, grabbed the holeshot, and just focused on limiting mistakes. The track was tougher that time, but I was able to build a gap and get it done. To come away second overall and with a points lead of six heading into Las Vegas feels good. It’s shaping up to be a classic finale.”
Jo Shimoda
“Tough day! I haven’t been feeling great; I had a fever going, and I was just trying to manage it. I just wanted to get a good start, ride 80 percent, do nothing crazy, and just finish it off, so I’m very happy with the result going into next weekend. I think it was a good day, for what it is.”
Lars Lindstrom – Team Manager
“I’m super proud of the team! The boys rode awesome, and we were able to take advantage of others’ misfortunes to go into the last round with a super strong chance at winning both championships! We’ll do everything possible to pull that off.”
