With the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff 1 from Charlotte in the rearview mirror, we look ahead to Playoff 2 this Saturday at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas for double points.
The reigning SMX Champions from last year's inaugural series, 450SMX Team Honda HRC Progressive's Jett Lawrence and 250SMX Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Haiden Deegan, claimed victory in Charlotte.
A new venue for the paddock provides a new vibe this weekend in Texas. Looking at the track map, the track in Texas seems fast, with the hybrid Supercross and Motocross sections. The garage pits will resemble a Daytona feel for the riders and teams. The Dirt Wurx track crew rolls sawdust and mulch into the course to mix with the clay soil to develop tacky ruts for the riders, but will hard up throughout the weekend. The challenge will be the extreme heat that the track and riders will face on Saturday. It's going to be a hot one for the gate drops. There will be more rhythm lanes than zMax Dragway offered last weekend, with one being a split lane that joins back into a right-handed turn, in addition to two sand sections, one more than last weekend. It's good to witness the best dirt bike racers in the world struggle with bike setup and feel with these hybrid tracks while searching for comfort throughout the day, from tire choices to suspension.
We finally witnessed the battle between Jett Lawrence and Eli Tomac , which we had all been waiting for. Jett did get the better of the multi-time 450 Supercross and Motocross Champion in Charlotte, but Beast Mode is back! Eli won the opening Moto, and Jett, on the other hand, had just returned from injury and was 66 days out from racing; he went on to claim the #1 spot from Tomac in the later stages of Moto 2 for the overall victory with 2-1 moto scores. Tomac was also returning from a thumb injury for the final two rounds of the AMA Pro Motocross series leading into zMax Dragway. He was trending upwards during those two Nationals, and most of us were unsure what to expect from the 2nd All-Time Supercross wins rider ahead of his debut in the SMX Playoffs. He took 2nd overall with 1-2 scores. Both riders say their injuries are good and not a factor moving forward. That was the battle we have been waiting for for some time now, and will it continue to occur during the final two rounds for the SMX Championship and the $1 million check? Jett sits 2nd in SMX points while Tomac moves up to 4th overall ahead of Playoff 2.
Eli Tomac and Jett Lawrence battle during Moto 2 from Charlotte SMX Playoff 1.
Photo Courtesy of Ayala Media &sol Josh Davey
450SMX Points leader Chase Sexton, 3rd overall from Charlotte and the new 450MX Pro Motocross Champion, is still working to get comfortable on the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine with Supercross suspension. "We have work to do with the SX setup," says Sexton after the race. Most riders run the Sx setup with the hybrid tracks because of the steep take-offs and rhythm lanes. Chase was close to the front runners in both motos, more so in Moto 2, but could not latch on to the leaders by the end. Did the team and Sexton find something this week to progress him to the front of the field and continue to hold the red plate, leaving Texas? Can we say it's a Pro Motocross Championship hangover? Remember, Jett, coming into the first round last season, was off the eight ball and rallied back the final two. Is that what Chase is dealing with? One thing is for certain: he is in shape and has the strength, quite possibly the fittest guy in the field.
250SMX
Haiden Deegan proves, yet again, why he is the best 250 rider right now in Charlotte. Both motos started near the top 10 and rallied up the field to win the overall with 1-1 moto scores. After the race, Deegan states, "I won, but not in the fashion I'd like to." That is a champion's mentality and scary for the rest of the field. Some say that was the best race of his pro-career, do you agree? Deegan enters Texas while continuing to hold the red plate and an eight-point championship advantage.
Reigning 250SMX Champ Haiden Deegan proves to be the top rider with 1-1 victory at Charlotte SMX Playoff 1.
Photo Courtesy of Ayala Media &sol Josh Davey
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's rookie, Julien Beaumer, claimed his career-first podium with a breakout ride from Charlotte. He pulled both holeshots to 2nd overall on the day with 2-4 moto scores. Self-belief and a motivating bet with team manager Carlos Rivera was a factor. Telling him to get on the overall podium or his phone would be tucked away until this weekend's race. Anything helps, right? Can Beaumer back up that 2nd place finish this weekend in Texas, and will any more bets take place? JuJu sits 5th overall in the 250SMX points leading in.
3rd place on the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki and 2nd in 250SMX standings, Levi Kitchen placed 3rd overall on the day with 5-2 moto scores. The second moto looked more like we have seen throughout the Supercross and Motocross campaigns this year on the new machine and team. Can he be the one to challenge Deegan this weekend and potentially make up some ground only eight points back?
Viewing Guide
These SuperMotcross Playoff rounds allow fans and spectators alike to camp throughout the weekend on facility grounds to participate in the Friday/Saturday Progressive Fan Zone and Fest, which gives those individuals a chance to get that up-close and personal vibe from the races. Friday is a big hit so far. There is a scheduled two-free practice rounds for all riders, which the fans can watch. Rider autographs, SMX Pit Bike Races, and SMX Insider Live will occur later in the day. Saturday racing's FanFest is included with every ticket for an insider look as teams prepare, practice, and qualify for the main events.
This weekend, the best Supermini amateurs will take to the track to show their talent during the Supermini World All-Stars race. Riders aged 12-16 will compete for this year's title. Last year, a lot of action happened during the moto, but one thing is for sure: fireworks will be shown! These riders want to show what they have in store for managers and teams alike.
Catch all the racing action live on Saturday for Race Day Live, starting at 9:30 a.m. ET, Pre-Race Show at 2:30 p.m. ET, and gate drop following at 3 p.m. ET. There will be a Same-Day Delay on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on USA and Encore showing on Monday at 1 a.m. ET on CNBC.
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