The 2026 SuperMotocross Playoffs begin tomorrow, September 12, in Columbus, Ohio, but three-time SMX World Champion Jett Lawrence will not be on the starting line as he continues to recover from an ongoing right ankle injury.
Lawrence will miss all three rounds of the SMX postseason after undergoing a follow-up surgical procedure on his ankle. The Australian rider had hoped to return to full strength following a difficult 2026 campaign but ultimately decided that additional treatment was necessary.
Lawrence entered the season as the defending 450SMX World Champion and has won all three premier-class championships since the series was introduced in 2023. His absence means a new 450SMX champion will be crowned this season.
The SMX Playoffs open Saturday at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, with the second playoff scheduled for September 19 in Los Angeles before the World Championship Final on September 26 in Missouri.
With Lawrence sidelined, the battle for the 2026 SMX title is wide open as the sport’s top riders prepare to go racing tomorrow.
