This Week in Powersports Racing – the week of August 9, 2026

This week in US Powersports racing.

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More Champions Crowned and Celebrated During Final Day of Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship

A memorable and historic week of racing at the 45th Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship Presented by AMSOIL came to an exciting conclusion at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch as the final 13 classes crowned champions. When the dust settled on the week’s 108 motos, each of the newly crowned AMA National Champions were celebrated at the post-race awards ceremony, where the hand-selected recipients of the AMA’s prestigious annual amateur specialty awards were also announced.

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=RHWtw2se7q8%3Ffeature%3Doembed

2026 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship:
Day 5 Highlights

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Moto 3: 85cc (10-12) Limited

• The final 85cc Limited moto featured a tie atop the overall standings coming into Saturday’s finale, as KTM Orange Brigade’s Beckham Smith and MotoBros KTM’s Anderson Waldele were set for a winner-take-all battle.
• As the field stormed through the first turns to begin the moto it was the Mendid MX KTM of Nolan Cobb out front, followed by B’s Moto Lab KTM’s Levi Geis and Altus Motorsports bLUcRU Yamaha’s Jaydin Smart. Beckham slotted into fifth, while Waldele found himself deep in the field after an off-track excursion on the opening lap, coming around in 19th.
• The clear track and strong pace allowed Cobb to open a comfortable lead over the field as Geis and Smart battled for second, with the Yamaha rider able to get the upper hand. Smith gave pursuit from fourth, while Waldele’s race suffered another blow as he went down and dropped outside the top 30.
• Cobb continued to add to his advantage and enjoyed a lead of more than five seconds at the halfway point of the moto. However, Smart was patient and made a push over the final stretch of the moto. He took significant chunks out of Cobb’s lead and closed to just over a second on the final lap. It was too little too late as Cobb held on for victory by a margin of 1.9 seconds. Geis followed in third, while Smith clinched the championship with a fourth-place effort. B’s Moto Lab KTM’s Raycin Kyler saved her best for last with a fifth in her final moto. Waldele recovered to finish 24th.
• Smith’s 4-1-4 moto scores and nine points gave him a winning margin of four points in the final classification, with Cobb’s 10-2-1 finishes and 13 points good enough for a runner-up effort. Smart rounded out the overall podium with 1-18-2 finishes and 21 points. Waldele ended up fifth with 2-3-24 finishes and 29 points.

85cc (10-12) Limited Moto 3 Results

1. Nolan Cobb / Palm Harbor, Fla. / KTM
2. Jaydin Smart / Berry Creek, Calif. / Yamaha
3. Levi Geis / Jordan, Minn. / KTM
4. Beckham Smith / Amarillo, Texas / KTM
5. Raycin Kyler / Brooksville, Fla. / KTM

Full Moto 3 Results

85cc (10-12) Limited Overall Podium (Moto Scores)

1. Beckham Smith / Amarillo, Texas / KTM (4-1-4)
2. Nolan Cobb / Palm Harbor, Fla. / KTM (10-2-1)
3. Jaydin Smart / Berry Creek, Calif. / Yamaha (1-18-2)

Final Overall Standings

KTM rider Beckham Smith captured the 85cc (10-12) Limited title with 4-1-4 finishes.
MX Sports, Inc.

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Moto 3: Open Pro Sport

• With one national championship in hand, Liqui Moly Beta’s Zach Osborne came into the Open Pro Sport finale comfortably atop of the overall standings with a chance to take home another title.
• When the gate dropped for the last time it was Osborne who once again took command with a stellar start to position himself at the front of the field and in control of his own destine. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Landon Gibson gave pursuit from second, while ClubMX Yamaha’s Jesson Turner slotted into third.
• Much like the previous moto, Gibson was able to keep pace with Osborne, with the gap between the lead duo hovering around two seconds. Turner sat slightly further back in third.
• Osborne led the way for the majority of the moto, his advantage never growing more than 1.8 seconds, but his pace slowed slightly in the closing stages, which allowed Gibson to go on the attack and take over the lead with a handful of laps remaining. Turner followed through into second and looked to initiate a battle for the lead. However, Gibson ramped up his pace to end the threat.
• The Husqvarna rider wrapped up a torrid finish to the week with his second straight Open Pro Sport win and third consecutive moto win. He took the checkered flag 7.9 seconds ahead of Turner, with ClubMX Yamaha’s Ryder Malinoski overcoming an eighth-place start to finish third. Team Husqvarna Amateur Racing’s Max Shane was fourth, while Osborne dropped back for fifth to clinch his second championship of the week.
• Osborne’s 1-2-5 finishes and eight points placed him two points ahead of Gibson in the final standings as the Husqvarna rider earned his second runner-up finish with 8-1-1 finishes and 10 points. Turner completed the overall podium with 4-5-2 finishes and 11 points.

Open Pro Sport Moto 3 Results

1. Landon Gibson / Peachtree City, Ga. / Husqvarna
2. Jesson Turner / Lockesburg, Ark. / Yamaha
3. Ryder Malinoski / Wyoming, Minn. / Yamaha
4. Max Shane / San Jacinto, Calif. / Husqvarna
5. Zach Osborne / Clermont, Fla. / Beta

Full Moto 3 Results

Open Pro Sport Overall Podium (Moto Scores)

1. Zach Osborne / Clermont, Fla. / Beta (1-2-5)
2. Landon Gibson / Peachtree City, Ga. / Husqvarna (8-1-1)
3. Jesson Turner / Lockesburg, Ark. / Yamaha (4-5-2)

Overall Standings

Beta rider Zach Osborne capped off a memorable week with the Open Pro Sport title.
MX Sports, Inc.

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Moto 3: Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C

• The first two motos of Schoolboy 2 had been a dominant showcase for Team Husqvarna Amateur Racing’s Tristan Prueitt as he entered Saturday in search of a sweep of the motos with a comfortable five-point lead.
• As the field stormed out the gate for the final time it wasn’t a surprise to see Prueitt in the position he had held all week, leading the way with Hunter Racing Kawasaki’s Trinnytie Batchelor and Altus Motorsports bLUcRU Yamaha’s McKayden Fitch in tow.
• Just two laps into the moto, Prueitt had pulled out to a five-second lead on the field and was in full control of the moto. Batchelor engaged in a battle with United Motorsports Kawasaki’s Wyatt Duff for second, as Duff successfully made an early charge from fourth to second.
• While Prueitt moved out nearly 10 seconds ahead of his rivals, the battle for the podium raged on, this time with Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Dane Pappas joining the fray with a climb from seventh to second. However, his time up front was short lived as he went down and remounted in fourth. Pappas’ miscue moved Fitch into second and Duff into third.
• Prueitt’s championship-winning ride was never in doubt as he capped off a sweep of the motos with a wire-to-wire performance. He crossed the line five seconds ahead of Fitch, with Duff in third. Pappas finished fourth, with Rob’s Performance KTM’s Ryder Skodras in fifth.
• Prueitt’s perfect score of 1-1-1 finishes and three points gave him a winning margin of eight points over Pappas, who secured a runner-up with 5-2-4 and 11 points. Duff rounded out the overall podium with 6-3-3 finishes and 12 points.

Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C Moto 3 Results

1. Tristan Prueitt / West Linn, Ore. / Husqvarna
2. McKayden Fitch / Elbert, Colo. / Yamaha
3. Wyatt Duff / Lexington, Ky. / Kawasaki
4. Dane Pappas / Loomis, Calif. / Kawasaki
5. Ryder Skodras / Sussex, Wis. / KTM

Full Moto 3 Results

Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C Overall Podium (Moto Scores)

1. Tristan Prueitt / West Linn, Ore. / Husqvarna (1-1-1)
2. Dane Pappas / Loomis, Calif. / Kawasaki (5-2-4)
3. Wyatt Duff / Lexington, Ky. / Kawasaki (6-3-3)

Overall Standings

Husqvarna rider Tristan Prueitt dominated Schoolboy 2 with a 1-1-1 sweep of the motos.
MX Sports, Inc.

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Moto 3: 65cc (10-11)

• The stage was set for a captivating finish as Cobra Elite Factory Racing’s Yumena Berning and Altus Motorsports Cobra’s Ryder Annison entered the third moto tied atop the overall standings with one moto win apiece. It presented a historic opportunity for Berning to join Raycin Kyler as a female 65cc champion.
• When the gate dropped on the final moto it was Berning and Annison giving chase to Cobra Elite Factory Racing’s Jax Baker. Berning applied heavy pressure on her teammate and was able to move into the lead on the second lap as Annison followed through into second with a pass of his own on Baker.
• With the lead in hand, Berning tipped over and handed the lead to Annison. She remounted quickly and resumed in fifth place. KTM Orange Brigade’s Talon Rogers then moved into second, with Husqvarna rider Abshur Hall in third.
• Heartbreak struck Berning moments later when the chain came off her Cobra, ending her race and her hopes for the championship after just two laps.
• Out front, Annison opened up a multi-second lead over Rogers and the top three soon spread out. Annison continued to build on his advantage and pulled away for a championship-winning victory by 6.9 seconds over Rogers, with Hall in third. Cobra Elite Factory Racing’s Levi Meyer was fourth, followed by TCD Racing’s Levi Leddy in fifth.
• Annison’s 1-2-1 moto scores and four points placed him an incredible 13 points ahead of runner-up finisher and Cobra Elite Factory Racing rider Shannon Tarnow, who earned 4-6-7 finishes for 17 points. Leddy completed the overall podium with 8-5-5 finishes and 18 points. Berning ended up 13th (2-1-DNF).

65cc (10-11) Moto 3 Results

1. Ryder Annison / Blossom, Texas / Cobra
2. Talon Rogers / Greenville, S.C. / KTM
3. Abshur Hall / Morganton, N.C. / Husqvarna
4. Levi Meyer / Cairo, Ga. / Cobra
5. Levi Leddy / Oxford, Fla. / KTM

Full Moto 3 Results

65cc (10-11) Overall Podium (Moto Scores)

1. Ryder Annison / Blossom, Texas / Cobra (1-2-1)
2. Shannon Tarnow / Thrall, Okla. / Cobra (4-6-7)
3. Levi Leddy / Oxford, Fla. / KTM (8-5-5)

Overall Standings

Cobra rider Ryder Annison claimed the 65cc (10-11) championship with 1-2-1 finishes.
MX Sports, Inc.

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Moto 3: Supermini 2 (13-16)

• After two motos of Supermini 2 action, Team Husqvarna Amateur Team’s Easton Graves and JK Powersports KTM’s Jackson Vick were the class of the field. Graves came into the third and final moto with a shot at the moto sweep and carried a two-point edge over Vick.
• The final gate drop of the week saw Graves take hold of the moto off the start, positioning himself at the front of the field with a clear track. KTM rider Samuel Hauck followed in second, with Thor Husqvarna’s Brayton Kreglow in third. Vick had his work cut out for him in ninth.
• By the end of the second lap Graves had stormed out to a seven-second lead. That advantage was nearly double digits by the next lap until it was all erased when Graves went down. He got back aboard his Husqvarna with the lead, but Kreglow had the momentum to take the lead as Graves resumed in second.
• Kreglow’s lead was short lived as Graves regrouped and went back on the attack to reclaim the top spot. As all this unfolded, Vick had made an impressive move through the field and positioned himself in third, within striking distance of the leaders. After Graves moved back out front, Vick made the move around Kreglow on the following lap.
• A little more than four seconds separated Graves from Vick in the late stages of the moto, But Graves was able to pick up the pace and pull away.
• Graves completed the sweep of the motos and captured the championship by a margin of 8.8 seconds over Vick. KTM rider Brecken Maas followed in third after a late pass around Kreglow, while Gulf States GASGAS’ Elliott Bowsher finished fifth.
• Graves’ 1-1-1 effort and three points put him three points ahead of Vick’s solid 2-2-2 performance for the runner-up spot. Bowsher rounded out the overall podium with 3-3-5 finishes and 11 points.

Supermini 2 (13-16) Moto 3 Results

1. Easton Graves / Walker, La. / Husqvarna
2. Jackson Vick / Highland Village, Texas / KTM
3. Brecken Maas / Chippewa Falls, Wis. / KTM
4. Brayton Kreglow / Panama City Beach, Fla. / Husqvarna
5. Elliott Bowsher / Clinton, La. / GASGAS

Full Moto 3 Results

Supermini 2 (13-16) Overall Podium (Moto Scores)

1. Easton Graves / Walker, La. / Husqvarna (1-1-1)
2. Jackson Vick / Highland Village, Texas / KTM (2-2-2)
3. Elliott Bowsher / Clinton, La. / GASGAS (3-3-5)

Overall Standings

Husqvarna rider Easton Graves went 1-1-1 to easily capture the Supermini 2 crown.
MX Sports, Inc.

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2026 AMA Amateur National Motocross Champions (Saturday)

College (18-24)                            Mason Nettleton / Clinton, Conn. / KTM
250 C Jr. (12-17) Limited:           Evan Witham / Carmel, Maine / Kawasaki
65cc (7-9):                                    Kameron Buckman / Live Oak, Fla. / Husqvarna
Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C:           Hudson Vagele / Selkirk, N.Y. / Yamaha
450 B Limited:                             Darren Pine / Montgomery, Texas / Triumph
Senior (45+):                                Martin Garcia / Colima, Mexico / KTM
250 C Limited:                             Gavin Wilson / Airdrie, Alberta, Canada / KTM
Girls (11-16):                                Hannah Jamison / Fayetteville, N.C. / Husqvarna

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The awards ceremony brought everyone together to look back at the memorable week of racing and give special recognition for the 36 AMA National Champions. Additionally, the specialty award recipients were given the AMA’s highest honor at the amateur level as a testament to their exceptional performances on the racetrack, most notably the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award. This year’s recipient was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Landon Gibson, who claimed victory in the last three motos he contested across 250 Pro Sport and Open Pro Sport.

2026 AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship Specialty Awards

Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award:   Landon Gibson // Peachtree City, Ga.
AMA Amateur Rider of the Year:                            Tristan Prueitt // West Linn, Ore.
AMA Youth Rider of the Year:                                 Kameron Buckman // Live Oak, Fla.
AMA Vet Rider of the Year:                                     Brandon Haas // Chesterfield, S.C.
Oakley Fastest Lap of the Week:                            Zach Osborne // Clermont, Fla.
State Championship:                                               Florida (6 Championships)*

*Won via tiebreaker with Texas.

2026 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award Winner Landon Gibson
MX Sports, Inc.

2026 AMA Amateur Rider of the Year Tristan Prueitt
MX Sports, Inc.

2026 AMA Youth Rider of the Year Kameron Buckman
MX Sports, Inc.

The 2026 Oakley Fastest Lap of the Week came from Zach Osborne.
MX Sports, Inc.

Florida captured the Loretta Lynn’s State Championship with six championships.
MX Sports, Inc.

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For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, visit the series official website at www.mxsports.com or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the event’s social media channels, along with receiving the most up-to-date news and exclusive content.

• Facebook: @LorettaLynnMX
• Instagram: @LorettaLynnMX
• X: @LorettaLynnMX

Trystan Hart and FMF KTM Factory Racing Clinch Sixth U.S. Hard Enduro Title

FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart has secured a sixth-consecutive AMA National Hard Enduro Championship, clinching the 2026 title with victory at this weekend’s Hollow Point Hard Enduro in Wellsville, Ohio.

U.S. HARD ENDURO SERIES – ROUND 8

Riders returned to action for the eighth round of the U.S. Hard Enduro series following an extended summer break, with Hart and his KTM 300 XC picking up where they left off at the front of the pack after the Canadian topped Saturday’s Prologue.

With the championship on the line in ultra-technical conditions, the 29-year-old Hart was in control once again from early on during Sunday’s Main Race, moving into the race lead within the opening hour. He remained there for the duration, recording a winning time of 3:40:47.

That result secured Hart’s sixth Pro Class title in a row, capping off what has been a convincing 2026 campaign in which he has won six of seven rounds with one event remaining – the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout in Sequatchie, Tennessee, on August 28-30.

Trystan Hart: “I realized that being in first place wasn’t necessarily the best at the start because the lines were working in, so I was kind of happy to be in second [place] at that stage. Cody [Webb] made the line, and then I could get in there and ride it better, so when I was leading, it was actually a challenge to break away. It was a gnarly race – for sure, in the top-five hardest events in the world – and this was a proper hard enduro! Overall my race was pretty much drama-free, and I’m stoked to wrap up my sixth title – a big thank you to my FMF KTM Factory Racing team.”

Pro Class Results

1. Trystan Hart, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Cody Webb, Yamaha
3. Ryder LeBlond, Husqvarna

Dunlop Riders Win 34 Championships at Loretta Lynn’s 2026

Dunlop riders once again delivered an impressive performance at the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, capturing 34 of the 36 championships contested during the 45th running of the prestigious event.

Widely regarded as the proving ground for the future stars of American motocross, Loretta Lynn’s brought together the nation’s top amateur racers for six days of championship competition. Throughout the week, changing track conditions challenged riders and teams to adapt as the historic Tennessee circuit developed from moto to moto. Temperatures also climbed toward the end of the event, adding another element to an already demanding week of racing.

The Dunlop Geomax MX14 rear tire was the prominent choice throughout the event. From freshly prepared terrain to deeper, rougher sections and changing lines as the week progressed, Dunlop riders relied on the Geomax lineup throughout their championship campaigns.

Team Dunlop Elite continued its tradition of developing and supporting the next generation of motocross talent. Robert Fender, Mayla Herrick and Beckham Smith each left Loretta Lynn’s as 2026 AMA Amateur National Motocross Champions, highlighting another successful year for the program on amateur motocross racing’s biggest stage.

Dunlop riders also earned several of the event’s most prestigious individual honors.

Landon Gibson received the AMA Nicky Hayden Horizon Award, recognizing the amateur racer poised for success at the professional level.

Tristan Prueitt was named the AMA Motocross Amateur Rider of the Year, while Brandon Haas earned the AMA Motocross Vet Rider of the Year Award.

Kameron Buckman was recognized as the AMA Motocross Youth Rider of the Year, completing an outstanding showing for Dunlop riders among the event’s specialty award recipients.

“Loretta Lynn’s is always one of the toughest tests in amateur motocross because the track continues to change throughout the week and you have to be prepared for almost anything,” said Rob Fox, Dunlop Amateur Motocross Support Manager. “We had good weather for much of the event, with the temperatures really starting to climb later in the week, and the track presented plenty of challenges as it developed. Having the MX34 and MX14 available gave our riders strong options for the different conditions we encountered.”

Fox continued, “Winning 34 of 36 championships is something everyone at Dunlop can be extremely proud of, but what means even more is seeing so many riders and families continue to put their trust in us at the biggest amateur motocross race of the year. Congratulations to all of the champions, our Team Dunlop Elite riders, the specialty award winners and every racer who competed this week. We appreciate everyone who chooses Dunlop.”

The results further reinforce Dunlop’s longstanding presence at Loretta Lynn’s and its commitment to supporting amateur motocross racers from their earliest racing years through the professional ranks.

For sponsorship opportunities and additional information about Dunlop’s amateur racing programs, visit TeamDunlop.com.

Daniels Takes Title Lead with Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT Victory

Reigning Grand National Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) put himself in prime position to defend that title with a commanding ride in Saturday night’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, Round 12 of the Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. 

It was the second successive season in which Daniels registered a clutch performance during a critical junction at the legendary Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota. 

Daniels left little doubt in the first of two Mission AFT SuperTwins Mains to be waged during this year’s 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, streaking out to the lead from the start and opening up a second-plus advantage before the race had truly fallen into shape. 

The only moment the result seemed in question happened two minutes in when Daniels caught his boot in the dirt and was at risk of being tossed from his machine. But he wasn’t, and the fact he’d already assembled a 1.665-second lead allowed him to safely settle back in and resume an otherwise master-class performance. 

By the end, the Estenson Racing superstar stacked up a 6.784-second margin of victory. While jubilant in its wake, his TT expertise is no secret, and he made clear the week’s bigger test is yet to come.  

He said, “I knew I was strong coming in here. I knew this was probably my strongest track on the schedule, just because this is what I grew up on. There is a certain thing when you come with confidence. Things just come a little bit easier.  

“But it’s been a long year. It’s been tough. I’m tired of getting beat. I want to turn this thing around. I feel like I want to be the guy. I am the guy. I have the #1 on my bike for a reason, and we just haven’t been delivering. Not really me or the team – but us as a group. We came together and did some testing. It doesn’t really apply to tonight; Monday will be the telltale for us. But regardless, I knew this back half of the season was going to be good for me.”  

Two-time series king Briar Bauman (No. 3 Super.com/RWR/Rocket Doctor Harley-Davidson XG750R) looked to be a match (or nearly so) for Daniels heading into the contest. However, an early challenge from Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) forced him to focus behind rather than ahead, allowing Daniels to pull off his escape. 

Bauman freed himself from Gauthier’s grasp in relatively short order. But even when fully focused on the task, he was unable to do anything about Daniels’ gap other than watch it grow. 

Gauthier, meanwhile, remained in third to the end, handing Royal Enfield its second-ever premier-class podium, adding to the one he claimed for the marque at the Orange County Half-Mile back in 2024. 

Fourth was taken by former points leader Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R). He actually posted the fastest time in qualifying but struggled to find the necessary space to overtake in both his heat and the Main. 

While he hounded Gauthier for a spell, the chance to fight his way to a top-three finish evaporated when he suffered a near fall that required a borderline miraculous save just prior to halfway. Despite remaining upright, Kopp lost several seconds in the aftermath but had built up enough padding on fifth to not lose his position. 

Fifth through tenth were jammed up tight deep into the contest, only breaking apart once Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) and Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMCO Yamaha MT-07) forced their way through on Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) in rapid succession. 

Bender would then fight off Wiles to claim the final spot in the top five. Behind, Lowe refused to allow anyone else through, while Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke), Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 Bubba Boswell/Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson XG750R), and Hunter Bauer (No. 24 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) rounded out the top ten. 

While their ordering has been altered, the title fight is still a tense three-rider affair at the top. Daniels now leads with 226 points, while Kopp (220) and Bauman (214) remain close enough to pounce as early as Monday night’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track. 

KICKER AFT Singles 

Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F) scored a breakthrough victory in a drama-soaked KICKER AFT Singles Main Event. 

While Kelleher leapt out to the lead on the opening lap, there would be a litany of happenings before he could take the checkered flag back from that position.  

Initially it appeared he would just prove a temporary obstacle for AFT Singles title fighters Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450). 

The championship contenders worked their way past Kelleher on successive laps and then opened up a gap on third – a gap which they used to further their long-running feud. Saathoff, who was hunting his first win of ‘26, closed in on Drane and attempted an ambitious strike with a minute-and-a-half remaining.  

Saathoff collided with Drane while angling for an inside move in the tight transition to the pavement section. The two went down locked together, adding yet another chapter to their high-profile rivalry (after crashing together earlier in the day as well). 

Kelleher sped past as Drane and Saathoff attempted to pick up their bikes but wasn’t in the clear just yet. He came under fire from an equally hungry Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Texas Utility Studies/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R), who also hoped to seize upon this golden opportunity to claim a maiden Progressive AFT victory. 

Despite a number of heart-stopping moments, Kelleher ultimately held strong by 0.529 seconds. 

The result was not just the Schaeffer’s Motorsports runner’s first-career win, it was also his first series podium full stop.  

He said, “I’ve worked a long time for this. It’s relieving more than anything. All the hard work, the money, the travel, so much sacrifice my family did for me. You start to wonder if it’s all worth it… And it’s worth it.” 

Third went to Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F), who blitzed his way to the box despite being forced to do so from the back of the grid. Pfanders showcased the pace to contend for the win all day, but a heat race run-in with Trevor Brunner (No. 21 JMC Motorsports/Fairway GMC KTM 450 SX-F) forced both into the LCQ. 

Brunner made out nearly as well, finishing fifth with Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) splitting them up in fourth. 

Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) and Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) came home sixth and seventh.

Next Up 

Progressive AFT isn’t done at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally just yet. The world’s top motorcycle dirt trackers will be back in action on Monday night for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track. 

Visit  https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954   to reserve your seats today. 

Roadracing World Action Fund Receives $50,000 Donation From Robb Talbott, One of the Largest Individual Contributions in Its History

The Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF) has received a $50,000 donation from Monterey Peninsula businessman and former racer Robb Talbott, one of the largest individual gifts in the organization’s history. Talbott presented the donation to MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey on Friday, July 10, during a pre-race celebration at Rainey’s Carmel Valley, California home. Rainey then presented the check to fund founder John Ulrich during the MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey race weekend.

Talbott has been a consistent supporter of the Action Fund ever since he first learned what it does. 

While watching a MotoAmerica race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca alongside his friend Rainey, Talbott was getting his first explanation of airfence deployed at the track (think of them like a pre-inflated airbag) when a rider crashed directly in front of them at Turn 3 and struck the inflated safety barrier. The rider was able to get up and remount the machine to continue riding, though his race was over. The soft barrier had done its job. Talbott has been a dedicated donor ever since, with this latest $50,000 gift officially pushing his lifetime contributions past the $100,000 milestone over his six years of supporting the organization.

The Roadracing World Action Fund operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving motorcycle racing safety through a highly coordinated effort. The Fund collaborates with racing series, track-day organizations, and industry donors to raise capital, procure the soft barriers and manage their assignment, deployment and maintenance, and allocation to maximize rider protection at events nationwide. This ensures that every tax-deductible donation directly fuels a sustainable, professionally managed safety ecosystem.

Talbott’s latest donation will add five additional airfence sections to the program. Funded entirely by supporters who value rider safety, money raised supports the purchase, set-up, and upkeep of this essential track equipment. Since its inception, the RWAF has raised over $3.8 million for the deployment of safety barriers at tracks across the nation.

“The Roadracing World Action Fund is a personal crusade for me,” said founder, president, and AMA Hall of Famer John Ulrich. “Seeing many riders get seriously hurt, I realized this was bigger than me. It impacts my son, my friends and their kids, my team, and everyone else in the paddock. Airfence has reduced injuries and we have changed the culture of racing in the United States, where rider safety is now accepted and expected. We’ve been able to do that because of support from former racers like Robb Talbott, from MotoAmerica, from track day organizations, and from the friends and family of individual enthusiasts and racers. Future crashers thank them all!” 

Talbott, a longtime supporter of the Action Fund alongside his wife, Vivienne, said his goal in making the donation was to spotlight the organization’s work and encourage others to give.

“After riding for over 50 years, I understand the risks firsthand through my own broken bones. I’m not a racer anymore, but I am still a lover of two wheels. Witnessing that airfence in action at Turn 3 was incredible. Laguna Seca is a track I love so dearly, and I wanted to do my part to protect the riders competing here. The increase in safety over the years is truly impressive, and I hope this inspires others to donate to the sport we all love,” said Talbott.”

MotoAmerica thanks Robb Talbott for his generosity and joins him in urging fans, teams, and partners across the paddock to support the Roadracing World Action Fund’s mission of making racetracks safer for motorcycle racers and riders.

Why the Action Fund Matters

Founded in 2001, the Roadracing World Action Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission centers on preventing racetrack injuries through the promotion of motorcycle racing safety and education. That educational mandate is central to the organization’s work: the Action Fund trains racetrack staff and event organizers on how to properly set up, patch, and use soft-barrier airfence systems, in addition to funding the equipment itself at tracks nationwide, including venues on the MotoAmerica schedule. The organization also produces copyright-free educational materials on racetrack safety, distributed to tracks, teams, and fans to build wider awareness of how soft barriers have prevented catastrophic injuries in the past.

To learn more about the RWAF, CLICK HERE. 

Daniels Completes Sturgis Sweep at Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track

Reigning Grand National Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) doubled down at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, backing up his Saturday stroll with another dominating outing in Monday’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota. 

On the backfoot for much of his Mission AFT SuperTwins title defense, Daniels has rounded into form at the perfect time with just three rounds remaining in the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. 

And Daniels didn’t just walk away at the front Monday night… he did so twice. The Estenson Racing Yamaha star had stacked up a near four-second advantage when that lead was wiped out by a red flag just past half-distance. 

No matter. Daniels resumed the drubbing when the Main got back underway, working his lead back up to 3.563 seconds when he took the checkered flag.  

After the race, Daniels said, “Just one race, one round, one lap at a time. We don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves. I’ve been doing this for a little while now, and I’ve had good years and bad years. I know that these guys are good, and they’re going to be ready whenever we go again.  

“I know I kind of got fortunate on that start – I got a really good start. My starts all day were subpar, and I just kind of dialed it in. But when I saw the red flag, I was like, ‘Come on – you’ve got to be kidding…’ But my bike was flawless. I owe it all to my Estenson Racing Monster Energy Yamaha team.” 

Believe it or not, Daniels might not have even registered the most impressive ride of the evening. Pre-race favorite Briar Bauman (No. 3 Super.com/RWR/Rocket Doctor Harley-Davidson XG750R) certainly has a claim of his own, minus a disastrous start. 

Bauman suffered off the line and was then bumped up the track. That dropped him down to eighth early with few obvious ways to make those positions back up. Therefore, Bauman took the less obvious ways. After being stuck up top, he decided to plant his flag on the outside line that everyone else shunned and then made it work as he rolled around the outside of one rider after another. 

With one minute remaining on the clock, Bauman stormed past Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) and then Chad Cose (No. 49 Parker Racing/Pro Roofing Yamaha MT-07) to end his charge in second. 

Kopp snuck under Cose at the same moment Bauman powered above him to complete an all-title-contender podium. 

Cose held on for fourth, followed by Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), who finished off an excellent week for Royal Enfield in fifth. 

Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke), Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet), and Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 Bubba Boswell/Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson XG750R) were packed up tight, finishing sixth through ninth, respectively, in close formation. Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMCO Yamaha MT-07) rounded out the top ten. 

As a result of his back-to-back victories, Daniels (249) has opened up just a bit of breathing space over rivals Kopp (236) and Bauman (233) as the Grand National Championship races towards its titanic Peoria and Springfield conclusion. 

KICKER AFT Singles 

Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) went from zero (negative five, actually) to hero in a matter of two days. 

Following Saturday’s incident that saw Saathoff disqualified and docked five points after plowing into rival Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and knocking both riders to the ground, the 1st Impressions Husqvarna pilot returned to action on Monday with his aggression still intact, merely wielded more precisely.  

It was needed. The tight racetrack offered few easy passing opportunities, and Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F) owned the starts all night long. 

That required Saathoof to balance his patience with his willingness to strike when the time was right, and he managed that balance to perfection. After showing a wheel on multiple occasions, Saathoff slipped up the inside of Pfanders a minute-and-a-half into the Main and immediately opened a gap. 

That gap threatened to evaporate once Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) worked past Pfanders and started to reel Saathoff in, but a mistake only Tadman’s part allowed Saathoff to break that pursuit completely.  

Even a run through traffic did little to slow Saathoff’s march, and he powered on to a 3.735-second margin of victory. 

Saathoff, “Jared (Mees) was preaching to me, ‘Get off the line.’ I was struggling with that a bit; Pfanders was getting really good starts. I got out of the hole pretty good and tucked in behind him. He made a couple of pretty big mistakes, and then I just locked in and got past him. After I got around him, I kind of turned it down a little bit; I knew it was going to be hard to pass me. I just really focused on consistency.” 

After giving up the chase for victory, Tadman was forced to defend second, turning away a charging Trevor Brunner (No. 21 KMA Racing/March Equipment Yamaha YZ450F) for second late. 

Pfanders stopped his descent in fourth, hitting the stripe with Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Texas Utility Studies/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) and Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) just behind in fifth and sixth. 

Meanwhile, reigning champion Drane’s week of Sturgis drama continued. At the start, the Australian got pinched off between fellow second-row starters Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Jack Brucks (No. 113 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450). He went down and was immediately run over by Jett Katarzy (No. 117 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), who had no room to maneuver. 

For a moment, it looked as if Drane might not be allowed to take the restart, but he was deemed fit following a trackside medical check and returned to the fray. From there he battled his way up from the back of the grid to finish a respectable seventh. 

Despite the difficult week, Drane remains in a commanding position. He still leads by 42 points over Saathoff (241-199) with Tadman a distant third at 183. 

Pro Motocross Championship Begins its Stretch Run from Iconic Unadilla MX with Support from ELF Lubricants

A captivating and unpredictable summer has reached its most pivotal juncture, as the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is set to embark on the stretch run of its 11-race season. Central New York’s iconic Unadilla MX, arguably the most hallowed grounds in American motocross, will be the site of Round 26 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship, kicking off a three-race stretch that will put a period on the regular season by crowning an outdoor 450SMX Class and 250SMX Class champion. The annual visit to the scenic Unadilla Valley will once again welcome title support from renowned multinational company ELF Fuels & Lubricants for the landmark 40th running of the ELF Lubricants Unadilla National this Saturday, August 15.

“After an extended break from racing, we’ve reached arguably the most crucial point of the Pro Motocross season,” said Davey Coombs, President, MX Sports Pro Racing. “This final three-week run to crown champions will be filled with tension as the championship pressure builds for our top contenders with each gate drop. Just six motos remain in each class and the title fights in both 450SMX and 250SMX are amongst the closest we’ve ever seen. This is the kind of captivating drama that makes this sport so special and there’s no better place to kick off the stretch run than Unadilla, which is woven into the fabric of American motocross and was part of the inaugural Pro Motocross season 54 years ago in 1972.”

Unadilla is the lone venue on the championship calendar that was part of the Pro Motocross Championship’s inaugural season and is arguably the foundational pillar of the summer season because of that. Founded in 1969 by pioneering organizers Ward and Peg Robinson, Unadilla MX is the oldest venue in American motocross. The track served as a centerpiece of the sport’s expansion from its European origins into the United States, hosting Trans-AMA events that predated Pro Motocross and pitted the best from Europe against aspiring American talent. The track’s lore only grew from there as it became the site of the 250cc U.S. Grand Prix and earned the historic distinction of being the country’s first host venue for the FIM Motocross of Nations. Throughout its five decades of existence, Unadilla has been one of Pro Motocross’ crown jewels, with a European inspired natural-terrain layout that sprawls across the undulating landscape of the Unadilla Valley and maximizes the contours and elevation changes of the rolling hills. Unadilla isn’t about hang time and big air; it’s gritty old school motocross that has blended seamlessly into the modern era and remains as daunting of a challenge as ever for the most talented athletes on the planet.

Central New York’s iconic Unadilla MX will kick off the stretch run of the
2026 Pro Motocross Championship.

This year’s Unadilla National will signify the third year ELF has served as the event’s title partner, as the legacy brand continues its U.S. expansion. Known as “A Brand of Passion,” ELF’s racing lineage mirrors the legacy of Unadilla by spanning more than 50 years. That passion has remained the driving force behind five decades of innovation and performance, where success on the proving grounds of racetracks ensure proven products for consumers and bring notoriety to the brand. Like Unadilla, ELF’s two-wheel legacy also dates back to the early 1970s, with hugely successful collaborations with the likes of Honda and Yamaha. Most recently, ELF has made a push in the off-road discipline with the same passion, innovation, and commitment to success that has defined the company from the very beginning.

On the track, the sibling battle between Hunter and Jett Lawrence will enter its next chapter at Unadilla, as Jett looks to end the recent surge of momentum by Hunter, who has claimed back-to-back victories to establish a 12-point lead. For Hunter, his midseason run has been nothing short of impressive, with four wins over the last five races and just a single finish outside the top two over those 10 motos. Jett, meanwhile, has been hampered by an uncharacteristic number of miscues that have put him on the ground several times and have likely cost him a couple wins, resulting in the loss of invaluable championship points. On the plus side for Jett, his record at Unadilla is exceptional with an undefeated mark in the premier class, providing a prime opportunity for a return to winning form. In fact, this will mark the first time in his 450SMX Class career that Jett comes into Unadilla without a chance to clinch the title.

As has been the case for most of the season, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan lurks in the background. With three straight podium finishes, the premier class rookie has asserted himself as the divisions’ third-best rider and has continued to improve while racing in the shadow of the Lawrence brothers. Deegan seems poised for a breakout ride if he can hit all his marks and continues to put in the work to give him the best chance at a breakthrough victory at one of the final three races.

Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence has won back-to-back races and has four wins over the last five rounds to carry a 12-point lead into Unadilla.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Despite facing a double-digit deficit in the standings, Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence heads to one of his best tracks at Unadilla, where he’s undefeated in the premier class.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan brings a three-race podium streak into Unadilla.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

In the 250SMX Class, the battle for the championship appears to be a two-man race between Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies. The veteran experience of Kitchen has allowed him to maintain his hold of the red plate, but Davies has been the class of the field more often than not this summer and certainly has momentum on his side coming into the stretch run. Just seven points sit between the pair and the biggest difference maker on the racetrack will likely be their respective ability to get good launches out the starting gate. Davies has set the pace in the class for both holeshots (5) and average starting position (6.8), which has allowed him to also lead the way in moto wins (6) and overall wins (3). If not for a forgettable Spring Creek, the young New Zealander would likely be in control of his own destiny atop the standings.

On the other hand, Kitchen’s Achilles heel has been starts, where he’s giving up six positions on average to Davies, often starting outside the top 10 in a deep field of talent. To his credit, Kitchen has the best finishing average in the class at 4.7, but it’s required him to improve more than eight positions per moto. That rate will be hard to sustain over the final three races, particularly if Davies continues to start up front and applies more pressure on Kitchen. However, it’s been shown many times over the course of the summer that anything can and will happen in a topsy-turvy 250SMX Class.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen will need to improve his starts if he hopes to maintain possession of the 250SMX Class points lead.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies brings a wave of momentum into Unadilla and has consistently been the rider to beat this summer.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

In addition to the resumption of the title fights in the 450SMX and 250SMX classes, Unadilla will signify the anticipated return of the Women’s Motocross Championship Powered by Synchrony (WMX), which will also begin is stretch run of the 2026 campaign. Reigning back-to-back champion and Altus Motorsports bLUcRU Yamaha rider Lachlan Turner sits atop the standings halfway through the six-round season, but sits just nine points ahead of her Australian rival in Quad Lock Honda’s Charli Cannon, who entered the midseason break fresh off her breakthrough first victory on U.S. soil. Unadilla was the site of the pair’s most compelling battle last summer and is poised to once again play a pivotal role in this season’s battle for the WMX crown.

After a midsummer break, the WMX will return at Unadilla for its final three rounds of the season.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

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The ELF Lubricants Unadilla National will get underway this Saturday, August 15, with on-track action starting at 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET, followed by opening ceremonies at 9:15 a.m. PT / 12:15 p.m. ET before the gate drops on motos at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Comprehensive live streaming coverage from Unadilla will air exclusively on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET before coverage of the motos gets underway at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.

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For information about the Pro Motocross Championship, please visit ProMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the Pro Motocross social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:

• Facebook: @americanmotocross
• Instagram: @promotocross
• X: @ProMotocross
• YouTube: AmericanMotocross

Motul Expands MotoAmerica ADV Experience, Now Planned for Virginia and New Jersey MotoAmerica Rounds

 Following strong community demand, Motul is expanding the popular Motul ADV Experience for the 2026 MotoAmerica season. The adventure bike-focused program returns to VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) and adds a second round at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP), creating a true East Coast tour for adventure motorcycle fans.

The ADV Experience turns MotoAmerica race weekends into interactive rallies. Open to all ticket holders, the central ADV Village will showcase leading industry manufacturers, while registered ADV participants enjoy exclusive access to a dedicated camping area, purpose-built slow-speed obstacle courses and professional clinics hosted by Dragoo Adventure Rider Training (DART). Riders can also take on a 7.5-mile off-road mini-adventure loop at VIR or a new 5-mile course at NJMP, both led by rally expert Christian Dutcher.

“Adventure riding puts extreme demands on a bike…tight off-road loops, dusty trails and high heat operation, which is where Motul lubricants really excel,” said Amber Bates, General Manager of Motul North America. “We’re thrilled to expand to NJMP and help riders build skills at both of these iconic venues.”

Both venues (Virginia, August 14-16/New Jersey September 25-27) offer quick access to premier regional riding, including the Blue Ridge Parkway near VIR and the pine barrens near NJMP.

Spaces for the Motul ADV Experience are limited. Riders ready to secure their spot and join the adventure can register now directly through MotoAmerica by visiting MotoAmerica.com.

Follow Motul USA at:
Instagram: @MotulUSA
Facebook: @MotulUSA
YouTube: @MotulUSA

Action Sports Icon and AMA Hall of Famer Travis Pastrana Named Grand Marshal of Budds Creek National

MX Sports Pro Racing, in partnership with Budds Creek Motocross Park, has announced that action sports icon and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Travis Pastrana will serve as Grand Marshal of the 36th running of the Yamaha Budds Creek National Presented by Carter CAT, the penultimate race of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing and Round 27 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship regular season. The beloved Maryland native will make an anticipated return to his home race as the event’s ceremonial ambassador, headlined by a special autograph session on race day, Saturday, August 22.

Following Saturday’s race, Pastrana will make the short drive north to his hometown of Annapolis. where he’ll be joined by fellow world class action sports athletes for the Nitro Circus 2.0 tour from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Sunday, August 23. Tickets to the show are on sale now.

“The sport of motocross, action sports, and motorsports as a whole have never seen an athlete more gifted and dynamic than Travis Pastrana,” said Ezra Beasley, Organizer, Budds Creek Motocross Park. “No one transcended into the mainstream quite like this happy-go-lucky young kid from Annapolis, who simply loved going fast and pushing the limits of what’s possible. It’s incredible to think that 26 years after his first ever professional gate drop Travis remains as popular as ever and continues to break new barriers, be it two wheels or four. We’re honored to have him as our Grand Marshal and know our fans will be thrilled to see him make a return to Budds Creek.”

Travis Pastrana has been successful at everything he’s attempted, but his exceptional talents in motocross saw him capture the 125cc National Championship as a rookie.
Image Courtesy Racer X Archives

Pastrana boasts arguably the most prolific career aboard two wheels than anyone else in history. He became a household name as a teenage freestyle motocross phenom and single handedly made X Games the ultimate spectacle for action sports. Under the mentorship and guidance of Roger DeCoster at Suzuki, Pastrana made an incredibly seamless transition into SMX competition, winning the 2000 AMA Motocross 125cc Championship and the 2001 AMA Supercross East 125cc Championship. He also helped lead Team USA to victory at the 2000 FIM Motocross of Nations in France. In the midst of his success, Pastrana’s freestyle roots kept calling and he eventually cut his racing career short and stepped away from full-time competition following the 2005 season. He remained an FMX fixture, winning countless X Games Gold Medals and breaking barriers with tricks that once never seemed possible. For all his contributions to motorcycling, Pastrana was inducted in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame as a member of the “Class of 2023.”

Pastrana also made a foray into four wheels, proving to be a quick adapter to rally racing, where he captured even more X Games success in addition to becoming an American Rally Association champion. His icon status grew even more with the creation of Nitro Circus, Pastrana’s collective of close friends and fellow action sports athletes willing to push the boundaries of physics. A hugely popular MTV show spawned the Nitro Circus Tour, which continues to visit stadiums across the globe.

Not to be outdone, Pastrana’s one-of-a-kind career has also included a stint in NASCAR and a championship-winning foray into offshore powerboat racing. He’s responsible for an array of world record stunts, on both two and four wheels, has become a central figure of the infamous Gymkhana series, carrying on a legacy created by his late mentor and close friend Ken Block. In the 27 years since Pastrana first graced television screens around the world, he has participated in more disciplines and achieved more success piloting a motorized vehicle than anyone else in history.

Pastrana’s freestyle roots followed him into every discipline, including on the racetracks of the Pro Motocross Championship and AMA Supercross Championship.
Image Courtesy Racer X Archives

In addition to his autograph session, which will be held from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. local time at Budds Creek, Pastrana will partake in various other festivities at the National and will be properly celebrated for his accomplishments and contributions to the sport.

The Yamaha Budds Creek National will take place Saturday, August 22, with on-track action starting at 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET, followed by opening ceremonies at 9:15 a.m. PT / 12:15 p.m. ET then motos for the 250SMX Class, 450SMX Class, and WMX starting at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Live network coverage of the second motos will air on NBC starting at 12:30 p.m. PT / 3:30 p.m. ET. Comprehensive live streaming coverage will air on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET before coverage of the motos gets underway at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.

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For information about the Pro Motocross Championship, please visit ProMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the Pro Motocross social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:

• Facebook: @americanmotocross
• Instagram: @promotocross
• X: @ProMotocross
• YouTube: AmericanMotocross

Women’s Motocross Championship Returns to Action at Unadilla for Final Three Rounds of 2026 Campaign

After a near two-month midsummer break the Women’s Motocross Championship Powered by Synchrony (WMX) is set to make its anticipated return to action this weekend from Central New York’s legendary Unadilla MX, the oldest track in American motocross. The second half of the six-round championship awaits at this weekend’s ELF Lubricants Unadilla National, which will resume the captivating title fight between Altus Motorsports bLUcRU Yamaha’s Lachlan Turner and Quad Lock Honda’s Charli Cannon.

Unadilla was the site of last year’s closest battle between the championship leading duo and ultimately spawned the thrilling rivalry that has unfolded this summer. While Turner came out on top at the first two rounds at Hangtown and Thunder Valley, Cannon was able to seize the momentum heading into the break with a breakthrough first stateside victory at High Point in June. As a result, nine points separate Turner and Cannon with three rounds and six motos remaining.

Adding to the intrigue of the rivalry was their recent head-to-head showdown down under in Australia during the ProMX Championship, where Cannon was the reigning champion and Turner assumed the role of her primary challenger. While it was Turner who ultimately came away with the title, it wasn’t without tension as she and Cannon fought hard every step of the way and even came together at one point fighting for the win. Now, it’s Cannon’s turn to try and return the favor and attempt to unseat Turner from her WMX reign.

WMX points leader Lachlan Turner [#1] and her championship rival Charli Cannon [#7] will renew their title fight this weekend at the Unadilla National in New York.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

While all eyes will be on Turner and Cannon, they’ll also have to contend with a growing field of talent around them. Perhaps no rider is more poised to factor into the race for victory than SLR Honda’s Mayla Herrick. The Colorado native turned heads in her pro debut at High Point, when she grabbed the holeshot and put forth a wire-to-wire victory in her first ever WMX moto. She comes into Unadilla fresh off a championship-winning outing at the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Championship at Loretta Lynn’s and has no shortage of confidence in her ability to go bar-to-bar against the best in the world.

After a eye catching debut at High Point, SLR Honda’s Mayla Herrick will look to insert herself into the battle for victory over the second half of the championship.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Also not to be overlooked is Dusty Rocks Yamaha’s Jordan Jarvis, SLR Honda’s Mikayla Nielsen, and Partzilla Blaster Power PRMX Kawasaki’s Taylah McCutcheon. No rider in the WMX has more experience than Jarvis and it’s one of the primary reasons she sits third in the championship halfway through the season. Additional gate drops in the Canadian Triple Crown Series, where she currently sits atop the championship standings, and a runner-up effort at Loretta Lynn’s have Jarvis ready to do battle at Unadilla.

For Nielsen and McCutcheon, both riders have podium finishes to their name this summer and are two of the best starters in the WMX field. In fact, McCutcheon boasts the best starting average in the championship and was in the thick of the fight in Australia alongside Turner and Cannon. With the extended break to rest up and get some additional racing under their belt, both riders will be even better when the gate drops at Unadilla.

Dusty Rocks Yamaha’s Jordan Jarvis sits third in the championship and will come into the weekend with a significant number of gate drops under her belt during the break.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

SLR Honda’s Mikayla Nielsen has been a consistent podium contender this summer and will look to capture her first top-three result since the opening round.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Partzilla Blaster Power PRMX Kawasaki’s Taylah McCutcheon will look to continue what has been an impressive first season of competition on U.S. soil.
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

As arguably the most storied venue in American motocross, Unadilla provides a unique challenge with its sprawling, natural terrain layout that takes full advantage of the rolling hills of the Unadilla Valley. It has stayed true to its roots, which span 54 years, providing an old school feel that has blended perfectly into the motocross’ modern era. With its wide racing surface, multitude of elevation changes, and several of the most iconic obstacles in the sport, Unadilla will provide an opportunity for the stars of the WMX to hang it out, which should lend itself to the best racing of the season thus far.

On-track action for the WMX at Unadilla will span two days, with qualifying and the weekend’s first 12 Minutes + 1 Lap moto scheduled for Friday, August 14. The women will return to the track on Saturday, August 15, for a midday warm-up before contesting Moto 2 in between the first and second motos of the 450SMX and 250SMX classes.

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For more information on the WMX series, visit the official website at www.RaceWMX.com or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #RaceWMX.

• Facebook: @racewmx
• Instagram: @racewmx