Round 2 of the SuperMotocross (SMX) World Championship brought some of the most intense racing yet, with major implications for the riders in both the 450SMX and 250SMX classes as the season moves into its final round in Las Vegas. The playoffs were held in St. Louis, Missouri in the Dome at the America’s Center.
Team Honda rider Hunter Lawrence claimed the overall win in 450SMX with moto finishes of 1-3. Round 2 delivered exactly what the SMX Playoffs scheme promised: tight races, big swings in momentum, and championship implications that carry into the final. As a result of this round, Hunter closes the gap on his brother Jett in the title chase — just six points behind going into Vegas, where triple points are on the line.
In the 250SX Jo Shimoda, despite battling illness (including a fever), rode a disciplined night to post (2-2) finishes and win the 250SMX overall in St. Louis. Haiden Deegan, who had been leading the 250SMX points before St. Louis suffered a crash with Levi Kitchen on the opening lap of the second moto, damaging his front brake lever. With Shimoda’s win and Deegan’s setback, Shimoda now leads the points by 10 heading into the final round. A second-place finish in Vegas will be enough for Shimoda to clinch even if Deegan wins. All eyes will be on both riders.
