The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis played host to an unforgettable night of racing on 13 September 2025, as the SMX World Championship™ Playoff 2 delivered edge-of-your-seat drama. Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence emerged victorious in the 450SMX Class, securing the overall win with (1-3) moto finishes and closing the championship gap to just 6 points heading into the Las Vegas Final.
The night’s racing was nothing short of spectacular, with both motos going down to the wire. Hunter’s consistency paid off, giving him the double-points advantage and putting him firmly in contention for the 2025 SMX World Championship title.
His brother, Jett Lawrence, delivered one of the night’s standout performances. After climbing from 21st to 4th in the opening moto, Jett stormed back to take the win in the second, securing second overall with (4-1) finishes. He maintains the championship points lead heading into the triple-points Las Vegas showdown.
Veteran Eli Tomac of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing was in the thick of the action all night, finishing (3-2) for third overall. Tomac sits 16 points down in the standings, keeping his championship hopes alive for the Vegas finale.
250SMX Class: Jo Shimoda Shines Through Adversity
The 250SMX Class delivered its own share of fireworks. Despite battling illness, Jo Shimoda (2-2) put together two consistent rides to claim the overall win in St. Louis. His determination and resilience under tough conditions made for one of the night’s most inspiring stories.
Consistency also rewarded Seth Hammaker of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki, who finished second overall with (3-3) results, while Nate Thrasher of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rounded out the podium with (6-4).
Defending champion Haiden Deegan faced heartbreak after a first-lap collision in Moto 2 left him with a damaged brake lever. His (1-14) results dropped him to sixth overall, leaving him 10 points adrift in the championship chase.
SMX Next World All-Stars Finale
In the SMX Next Class’ Final, Yamaha’s Ryder Malinoski dominated with a wire-to-wire victory. Kayden Minear charged through the pack to take second place, securing enough points to clinch the SMX Next World All-Stars Championship. Yamaha’s Kade Johnson completed the podium in front of the enthusiastic St. Louis fans.
With only the Las Vegas Final left on the 2025 calendar – offering triple points – the SMX World Championship is wide open. Fans can expect nothing less than fireworks as Hunter and Jett Lawrence, Eli Tomac, Jo Shimoda, Haiden Deegan, and others battle for glory in what promises to be a historic conclusion to the season.