The highly anticipated 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Finals, fueled by Monster Energy, kicked off in spectacular fashion at zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence made an emphatic return to racing after missing much of the Pro Motocross season, securing the overall victory in Playoff 1 with a thrilling win in the final moto. Meanwhile, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan dominated the 250SMX Class, delivering two stunning moto victories to claim the overall win.
450SMX Class: Jett Lawrence Shines in Grand Comeback
Jett Lawrence, the reigning SMX Champion, showed he hasn’t lost a step in speed or endurance. After a strong battle with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac, Lawrence triumphed with a second moto win, clinching the overall victory with (2-1) finishes. Tomac, who dominated the first moto, settled for second overall after Lawrence edged him out in the second moto.
Tomac’s (1-2) finishes ensured a runner-up spot, with the veteran rider showing impressive form on the fast-paced, hybrid SuperMotocross track. The freshly-crowned AMA Pro Motocross champion, Chase Sexton, riding for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, completed the podium with a third overall (3-3) finish, battling up front but ultimately unable to match the pace of Lawrence and Tomac in the final laps.
“I surprised myself more than you guys, I think. That race pace [was] a little different than practice. But that’s so cool. I remember back in 2023 I was saying I really wanted to battle Eli in outdoors, and this is as close as we get to outdoors, so it was a really cool thing to do. I could say a goal checked off, or a little check off the bucket list, you could say. I’m just super pumped to be up here again, and yeah, I’m back!”
Jett Lawrence’s Podium Reaction:
“I felt really good. It was close. The rhythm section got me. [Jett] was better in the sand, too… [I’m] trying to learn from it. Either way it was a really fun day, [and I] felt really good on the motorcycle.”
Eli Tomac Reflects on His Performance:
“We definitely have a lot to improve on… These guys are riding really well. They honestly just smoked me today, so gotta get better.”
Chase Sexton’s Challenge:
250SMX Class: Haiden Deegan’s Commanding Victory
In the 250SMX Class, Haiden Deegan stole the spotlight with two dominant moto wins, overcoming mid-pack starts to work his way through the field in both races. Deegan’s (1-1) finishes showcased his impressive speed and racecraft, leaving no doubt about his championship aspirations.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer had a breakthrough performance, leading several laps and earning his first professional podium with (3-3) finishes for second overall. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen completed the podium in third overall (4-2), pulling an early lead in the second moto before Deegan eventually overtook him for the win.
“I surprised myself more than you guys, I think… But it was nice to win the first one, that was a good goal [to] check off the list.”
Haiden Deegan on His Victory:
“Yeah, it’s very important leading those laps and getting good starts like that. It’s very important for confidence, and after that first moto I had a lot of confidence.”
Julien Beaumer Reflects on His First Podium:
Amateur Highlight: 65cc World All-Stars Race
Adding to the excitement, promising young amateur racers competed in the 65cc World All-Stars event. KTM’s Chase Brennan took the win after a thrilling race, benefitting from a penalty given to another rider.
Looking Ahead: SuperMotocross Playoff 2
The SuperMotocross Playoff action moves to Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on 14 September 2024. With double points on offer, the stakes are higher as racers continue their quest for the SuperMotocross World Championship title. The season will culminate at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on 21 September where triple points and a massive $1 million prize in the 450SMX Class, along with $500,000 in the 250SMX Class, are up for grabs.
This SuperMotocross season is heating up, and fans can expect more thrilling battles as the championship contenders fight for supremacy in the final rounds.
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