Hunter Lawrence Sweeps Spring Creek as Beaumer Breaks Through for Maiden 250SMX Victory
The 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship reached its halfway point with Round 24 at the iconic Spring Creek MX Park in Millville, Minnesota, where dramatic racing reshaped both championship battles.
Honda HRC Progressive‘s Hunter Lawrence delivered a flawless performance in the premier 450SMX class, sweeping both motos to earn his fourth overall victory of the season and reclaim the championship lead. Meanwhile, Julien Beaumer completed an inspiring comeback story by claiming his first-ever Pro Motocross overall victory in the 250SMX class after surviving one of the most chaotic race days of the year.
Hunter Lawrence Returns to the Top
Hunter Lawrence continued his outstanding summer campaign by dominating the 450SMX class with a perfect 1-1 scorecard.
Despite fierce competition throughout the afternoon, the Australian stayed composed and capitalised when opportunities presented themselves, while brother and championship rival Jett Lawrence endured misfortune in the second moto after a crash while leading.
The victory marked Hunter’s fourth overall win of the season and moved him back into the championship lead for the third time in seven rounds.
Speaking after the race, Hunter admitted luck played a role in the second moto.
“I got my doors blown off in the second moto. I honestly had no idea Jett crashed. He was flying. I’m happy it worked out, but it’s time to go chill now.”
Deegan Continues His Consistency
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing‘s Haiden Deegan continued to strengthen his rookie campaign with another podium finish after recording 4-2 moto scores.
Although he missed out on victory, the consistent performance kept him comfortably third in the championship standings.
“The track was gnarly. I screwed myself in the first moto, but it’s all good. Another completed round, P2 overall.”
Jett Lawrence recovered to finish third overall despite his costly second moto crash.
“We lost some points to Hunter, but we’ll come back to try and be just a little bit better.”
450SMX Overall Results
- Hunter Lawrence (Honda) – 1-1
- Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) – 4-2
- Jett Lawrence (Honda) – 2-5
- RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) – 3-4
- Justin Barcia (Ducati) – 5-8
450SMX Championship Standings
- Hunter Lawrence – 320 points
- Jett Lawrence – 310
- Haiden Deegan – 258
- Jorge Prado – 231
- RJ Hampshire – 221
Hunter’s victory also secured the top seed for the upcoming SMX Playoffs with four regular-season rounds still remaining.
Julien Beaumer Completes Incredible Comeback
The 250SMX class produced one of the wildest races of the season.
Championship contenders Cole Davies and Levi Kitchen were both caught in a frightening first-turn pile-up in Moto 1, immediately throwing the title fight into chaos.
Davies recovered initially before suffering mechanical failure after a hole in his fuel tank caused his Yamaha to run dry, resulting in a costly DNF.
Beaumer took advantage by charging through the field before making a dramatic last-lap pass on Michael Mosiman to capture his first career moto victory.
In Moto 2, Honda’s Chance Hymas dominated for his first moto victory of the season, but Beaumer’s fourth-place finish proved enough to secure the overall win.
The victory capped an emotional comeback after Beaumer suffered a burst fracture to his spine during last year’s SMX Playoffs.
“Laying in that hospital bed I thought maybe my career was over. I told myself I was going to die trying to come back. Now, I’m here.”
Kitchen Takes Championship Lead
Levi Kitchen overcame the opening moto crash to finish third overall and, more importantly, reclaim the championship lead.
Cole Davies‘ difficult afternoon saw him finish only 16th overall, allowing Kitchen to build a 25-point advantage over the New Zealander.
Kitchen now heads to his home race at Washougal carrying the coveted red plate.
“It was a tough day, for sure. I’m glad to be alright and big thank you to the fans for keeping me going.”
250SMX Overall Results
- Julien Beaumer (KTM) – 1-4
- Chance Hymas (Honda) – 9-1
- Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki) – 8-2
- Kayden Minear (Yamaha) – 3-6
- Carson Mumford (KTM) – 11-3
250SMX Championship Standings
- Levi Kitchen – 261 points
- Julien Beaumer – 237
- Cole Davies – 236
- Kayden Minear – 199
- Jo Shimoda – 194
Looking Ahead
With Hunter Lawrence extending his advantage over Jett Lawrence to 10 points in the 450SMX championship and Levi Kitchen reclaiming control of the 250SMX standings, both title races remain wide open heading into the next round.
The 2026 Pro Motocross Championship now shifts to the Pacific Northwest, where riders will battle at the legendary Washougal MX Park for Round 25 of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship.