Jett Lawrence Opens Pro Motocross Championship Season with Continued Dominance at Fox Raceway National, Haiden Deegan Begins 250 Class Title Defense with Assertive 1-1 Effort
The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kicked off with thrilling action at Round 18 of the SMX World Championship regular season on Saturday. Hosted at Southern California’s Fox Raceway in Pala, the Pala Casino Spa & Resort Fox Raceway National Presented by Fox Racing featured clear skies, moderate temperatures, and a pair of commanding performances from motocross’s brightest young stars: Jett Lawrence in the 450 Class and Haiden Deegan in the 250 Class.
450 Class Recap: Jett Lawrence Stays Perfect at Fox Raceway
Returning from an ACL injury, Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence reminded the world why he’s the reigning champion. He extended his undefeated record at Fox Raceway to six consecutive moto wins by sweeping both races in dominant wire-to-wire fashion.
Moto 1 Highlights:
- Jett Lawrence captured the holeshot and led every lap.
- Justin Cooper took a career-best second, while Hunter Lawrence finished third.
- Chase Sexton DNF’d after a crash and goggle issues.
Moto 2 Highlights:
- Hunter Lawrence took the holeshot but was overtaken by Jett and Aaron Plessinger.
- Eli Tomac pushed Jett hard but couldn’t make the pass.
- Jett Lawrence secured his sixth straight moto win at the venue.
450 Class Overall Results:
- Jett Lawrence (1-1) – “It was awesome to race against Tomac again and feel that adrenaline.”
- Eli Tomac (4-2) – “We were constantly trading momentum. I felt strong and healthy.”
- Hunter Lawrence (3-4) – “Not my best day, but glad to be on the podium.”
450 Class Championship Standings:
- 1st: Jett Lawrence – 50 pts
- 2nd: Eli Tomac – 40 pts
- 3rd: Hunter Lawrence – 38 pts
250 Class Recap: Haiden Deegan Shines Again at Home Track
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan kicked off his title defense with another perfect 1-1 sweep, repeating his season-opening dominance from 2024 at the track he grew up on.
Moto 1 Highlights:
- Chance Hymas grabbed the holeshot and led early before crashing.
- Deegan took the lead and pulled away, with Jo Shimoda finishing second.
Moto 2 Highlights:
- Julien Beaumer took an early lead before Deegan reeled him in.
- Deegan passed for the win and held off a charging Shimoda.
- Tom Vialle claimed third in the moto.
250 Class Overall Results:
- Haiden Deegan (1-1) – “We went 1-1, same as last year, so I’m stoked.”
- Jo Shimoda (2-2) – “It feels really good to be back on the podium.”
- Tom Vialle (4-3) – “Happy with the podium, but I’m working for more.”
250 Class Championship Standings:
- 1st: Haiden Deegan – 50 pts
- 2nd: Jo Shimoda – 44 pts
- 3rd: Tom Vialle – 38 pts
Next Stop: Hangtown Classic
With the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship now underway, all eyes shift to Northern California for the Hangtown Motocross Classic, where both Lawrence and Deegan will look to maintain their early momentum in the season-long battle for the crown.
