The 2025 SMX World Championship Finals delivered pure drama under the lights of The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on 20 September as Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence and Jo Shimoda etched their names deeper into motorsports history.
Jett Lawrence Clinches Third Consecutive 450SMX World Championship
Jett Lawrence proved why he’s the sport’s biggest star by securing his third straight 450SMX World Championship™. After storming to victory in the first moto, Lawrence executed a fierce late-race charge in the second moto to secure second place. His (1-2) moto finishes not only gave him the event win and a $100,000 race bonus, but also sealed the $1 million championship payout.
“I had to dig deep and just try to send it. It was either sending it or crashing at that point,”.
Lawrence reflected after the win
His brother and teammate, Hunter Lawrence, battled through illness to capture second overall in both the race and the championship, banking a $500,000 runner-up prize. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac rounded out the podium with (2-3) moto scores, taking third in the championship and $250,000 in bonus earnings.
Jo Shimoda Makes History with 250SMX World Championship
If the 450 Class was dramatic, the 250SMX Class was downright chaotic—and unforgettable. Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda overcame intense rival tactics, relentless pace, and physical collisions to secure the 250SMX World Championship, becoming the first Japanese rider to win an SMX title.
Shimoda’s defining moment came in the second moto, when Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan launched aggressive attacks—ultimately crashing out with a broken collarbone. Shimoda regrouped, charged past Tom Vialle in the final corner, and secured the crucial second-place moto finish needed to lock down the event victory and the championship.
“It’s only a three-round series, but for me, getting this title and finishing off the year with the [red] plate, that’s what I needed,” .
Shimoda said, emotional after clinching the $500,000 championship bonus
Final Standings & Legacy
- 450SMX Champion: Jett Lawrence (Honda HRC Progressive) – $1 million payout
- 450SMX Runner-Up: Hunter Lawrence (Honda HRC Progressive) – $500,000 payout
- 450SMX Third: Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) – $250,000 payout
- 250SMX Champion: Jo Shimoda (Honda HRC Progressive) – $500,000 payout
- 250SMX Runner-Up: Seth Hammaker (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki)
- 250SMX Third: Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)
The 2025 SMX Finals will be remembered as one of the most electrifying nights in motorsports history—marked by sibling rivalry, historic milestones, and racing that kept fans on their feet until the very last corner.