The second round of the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, took place in Northern California for the 55th running of the Michael’s Reno Powersports Hangtown Motocross Classic Presented by Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles. The event at Prairie City SVRA was marked by abundant sunshine and temperatures nearing 90 degrees, creating a challenging yet memorable race day. This round featured a major shift in the 450 Class standings as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton claimed victory, while Haiden Deegan continued to dominate the 250 Class.
Photo By MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
450 Class
Moto 1: The first moto saw an early lead by Hunter Lawrence, who grabbed the MotoSport.com Holeshot before being overtaken by his brother Jett Lawrence. However, Jett’s hard crash ended his winning streak, allowing Hunter to reclaim the lead. Despite challenges from Jason Anderson and Justin Cooper, it was Chase Sexton who emerged victorious after an impressive late charge, securing his first moto win with KTM.
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Moto 2: The second moto was dramatic, with Sexton falling at the start and working his way from the back to the front. Aaron Plessinger initially led, but Sexton’s relentless pace saw him claw back to take the lead on the final lap, completing a stunning 1-1 sweep. Plessinger and Cooper rounded out the podium positions.
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Overall Results:
- Chase Sexton (1-1)
- Hunter Lawrence (2-4)
- Aaron Plessinger (5-2)
Sexton’s win propelled him to the top of the 450 Class standings, with an eight-point lead over Hunter Lawrence.
250 Class
Moto 1: Chance Hymas took the early lead and the MotoSport.com Holeshot. Despite a strong start and holding off the competition for much of the race, Haiden Deegan made a late charge to overtake Hymas and secure his third consecutive moto win.
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Moto 2: Deegan again showed his prowess, taking the MotoSport.com Holeshot and leading until a crash handed the lead to Tom Vialle. Vialle capitalized and won the moto, but Deegan’s second-place finish secured him the overall victory for the round.
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Overall Results:
- Haiden Deegan (1-2)
- Tom Vialle (4-1)
- Levi Kitchen (3-3)
Deegan’s consistent performance extended his lead in the 250 Class standings.
450 Class Standings
- Chase Sexton – 90 points
- Hunter Lawrence – 82 points
- Aaron Plessinger – 69 points
250 Class Standings
- Haiden Deegan – 97 points
- Levi Kitchen – 84 points
- Tom Vialle – 81 points
Rider Quotes
“That was a year and a half of pent-up frustration. I knew it was going to be a long moto after my fall, but this was the best moto of my life. I’m happy to get the win and become the new points leader.”
Chase Sexton, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing:
“We made a suspension change and it led to a crash. It is what it is. We came, we rode, and we got the win. We’ll move on from here.”
Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing:
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“I struggled the first three motos but felt great today. I could push and was confident in challenging for the win. I’m happy to be back on the podium.”
Tom Vialle, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing:
The 2024 Michael’s Reno Hangtown Motocross Classic was a thrilling spectacle, with standout performances that reshaped the championship landscape. Fans eagerly anticipate the next round, where racers will continue their battle for supremacy.