Chase Sexton Secures Fifth Consecutive Victory; Haiden Deegan Clinches 250 Class Championship
The 2024 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, made its penultimate stop at the renowned Budds Creek Motocross Park for the Yamaha Budds Creek National. Fans were treated to thrilling battles and historic moments as riders fought for supremacy on the challenging Maryland track. In the 450 Class, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing‘s Chase Sexton continued his dominant run, securing his fifth consecutive overall victory. Meanwhile, in the 250 Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing‘s Haiden Deegan clinched his first-ever Pro Motocross Championship title with a commanding performance.
450 Class: Chase Sexton Maintains Winning Streak
Chase Sexton showcased his exceptional form once again, overcoming fierce competition and challenging track conditions to claim his sixth overall win of the season. The Illinois native’s consistent performances in both motos have solidified his position at the top of the championship standings, extending his lead over Team Honda HRC‘s Hunter Lawrence as the series approaches its finale.
Moto 1
The opening moto saw Hunter Lawrence seize the early advantage by capturing the MotoSport.com Holeshot, closely followed by Aaron Plessinger and Chase Sexton. Lawrence quickly established a strong pace, with Plessinger and Sexton engaging in a tight battle for second place. Sexton managed to overtake Plessinger 13 minutes into the moto, setting his sights on Lawrence, who held a 3.9-second lead.
As the race progressed, Sexton began closing the gap, bringing the margin down to 1.8 seconds amid lapped traffic. However, a minor tip-over halted his charge, allowing Lawrence to rebuild his lead. Lawrence maintained his composure and crossed the finish line to secure his third moto win of the season, finishing seven seconds ahead of Sexton. Plessinger completed the podium in third place, with Eli Tomac impressively taking fourth in his season debut and Jason Anderson rounding out the top five.
Moto 1 Results:
- Hunter Lawrence – Team Honda HRC
- Chase Sexton – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Aaron Plessinger – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Eli Tomac – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
- Jason Anderson – Monster Energy Kawasaki
Moto 2
In Moto 2, Chase Sexton responded emphatically by grabbing the MotoSport.com Holeshot and leading the pack into the first turn. Lawrence faced an uphill battle after starting in 10th place but showcased remarkable speed and determination as he weaved through the field.
Sexton utilized the clear track ahead to establish a significant lead, while a heated contest for second place unfolded between Ken Roczen, making his first appearance of the season, and Dylan Ferrandis. Lawrence continued his relentless push, overtaking both Roczen and Ferrandis to move into second place.
With five minutes remaining, Sexton maintained a comfortable advantage and demonstrated flawless riding to take the moto win by 9.4 seconds over Lawrence. Plessinger secured another solid finish in third, underscoring his consistency throughout the event.
Moto 2 Results:
- Chase Sexton – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Hunter Lawrence – Team Honda HRC
- Aaron Plessinger – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
- Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Overall Classification
The overall victory was determined by a tiebreaker, with Sexton’s superior performance in the second moto giving him the edge over Lawrence. Plessinger’s consistent 3-3 finishes earned him the final spot on the podium.
450 Class Overall Results:
- Chase Sexton (2-1) – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Hunter Lawrence (1-2) – Team Honda HRC
- Aaron Plessinger (3-3) – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Malcolm Stewart (6-5) – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
- Jason Anderson (5-6) – Monster Energy Kawasaki
Championship Standings Update
Sexton’s victory extends his lead in the championship standings to 28 points over Lawrence, with only one round remaining. Plessinger remains third overall, showcasing a strong and consistent season.
450 Class Championship Standings:
- Chase Sexton – 454 points
- Hunter Lawrence – 426 points
- Aaron Plessinger – 359 points
- Justin Cooper – 337 points
- Jason Anderson – 328 points
250 Class: Haiden Deegan Clinches Championship Amidst Intense Competition
The 250 Class delivered a momentous occasion as Haiden Deegan secured his first Pro Motocross Championship title. The young phenom displayed maturity and skill beyond his years, dominating the first moto and securing enough points to clinch the championship before the final moto. Levi Kitchen of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki continued his late-season surge by claiming his third overall victory in four rounds.
Moto 1
Haiden Deegan set the tone early by capturing the MotoSport.com Holeshot and swiftly building a commanding lead over the field. His flawless riding allowed him to extend his advantage to over 20 seconds midway through the race. Behind him, Levi Kitchen and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing‘s Julien Beaumer battled for podium positions, with Chance Hymas of Team Honda HRC also entering the fray.
Despite a minor tip-over in the closing laps, Deegan’s dominance was unquestionable as he crossed the finish line 12 seconds ahead of Tom Vialle, who made a strong push to secure second place. Kitchen rounded out the podium in third, with Beaumer and Triumph Racing‘s Joey Savatgy completing the top five.
The moto win provided Deegan with an insurmountable points lead, officially crowning him the 2024 250 Class Pro Motocross Champion.
Moto 1 Results:
- Haiden Deegan – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
- Tom Vialle – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Levi Kitchen – Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki
- Julien Beaumer – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Joey Savatgy – Triumph Racing
Moto 2
With the championship secured, Deegan entered Moto 2 riding for pride, but it was Levi Kitchen who emerged as the standout performer. Kitchen grabbed the MotoSport.com Holeshot and fended off early pressure from Chance Hymas to control the race from start to finish.
Hymas showcased impressive speed and tenacity, remaining close to Kitchen throughout the moto but ultimately settling for a well-earned second place. Tom Vialle continued his consistent form by securing third place, while Jalek Swoll of Triumph Racing and Pierce Brown of GASGAS Factory Racing completed the top five.
Deegan faced challenges in Moto 2, starting in 15th place and struggling to make significant progress through the pack, eventually finishing in 10th position. Despite this, his earlier performance ensured a podium finish overall.
Moto 2 Results:
- Levi Kitchen – Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki
- Chance Hymas – Team Honda HRC
- Tom Vialle – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Jalek Swoll – Triumph Racing
- Pierce Brown – GASGAS Factory Racing
Overall Classification
Kitchen’s impressive 3-1 moto finishes earned him the overall victory, marking his third win in the last four rounds. Vialle secured second overall with consistent podium finishes in both motos, while newly crowned champion Deegan took third place.
250 Class Overall Results:
- Levi Kitchen (3-1) – Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki
- Tom Vialle (2-3) – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
- Haiden Deegan (1-10) – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
- Chance Hymas (8-2) – Team Honda HRC
- Jalek Swoll (6-4) – Triumph Racing
Championship Standings Update
With his championship victory, Deegan becomes the 35th rider in the history of the Pro Motocross Championship to capture the coveted Gary Jones Cup in the 250 Class. The battle for second place remains heated between Kitchen and Vialle, separated by just 14 points heading into the final round.
250 Class Championship Standings:
- Haiden Deegan – 445 points
- Levi Kitchen – 383 points
- Tom Vialle – 369 points
- Chance Hymas – 311 points
- Jo Shimoda – 289 points
Rider Quotes
“The first motos have been tough on me, but in the second motos, I come around. Even though I couldn’t keep it on two wheels today, it was a good race. That second moto was awesome. I found a good flow, and I’m excited to be back on top.”
Chase Sexton:
“It was tough. I was starting to feel it physically at the end. Traction was getting away from me, and I kept having to find different lines for the scoop tire to get traction. Those second motos keep getting me, but we’ll continue to fight. Keep knocking on that door, and it’ll open eventually.”
Hunter Lawrence:
“I just need to look at some tape and see where they’re better than me. I thought I had them today, but they’re the best riders in the world for a reason. I feel so fortunate to be able to race alongside them. I couldn’t be happier with how I’ve been riding the past few weeks.”
Aaron Plessinger:
“That was all heart for me in Moto 2. It’s late in the season, and I’m just trying to get on a roll. Better late than never, I guess. I’m starting to get that feeling back that I had in Supercross [winning races], and I want to be that guy. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Levi Kitchen:
“My starts were not very good today. I had to come from way back in both motos. I still had a lot of speed today and was able to make some passes. I’m happy with the result.”
Tom Vialle:
“It takes a lot of sacrifice by my team and my family to get here. It’s unreal to win a championship again after the 2023 SMX title. It’s just starting to kick in, and I’m so happy right now. All I wanted to do was get to the finish line and hold this number one plate.”
Haiden Deegan:
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship approaches its final round, anticipation builds for the concluding battles and final standings. Chase Sexton will aim to secure the 450 Class title, while the fight for runner-up positions in both classes promises intense competition. The series will culminate next week, delivering one last round of high-octane racing and crowning the season’s champions.
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