CONCORD, N.C. — Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence kicked off the postseason with a victory at Playoff 1 of the 2025 SMX World Championship.
The two-moto format of the postseason was interrupted by lightening near the zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Both classes scored their overall results based solely on their first moto finishes due to the second motos being called because of continued lightening in the area and diminishing daylight.
Jett Lawrence, the defending two-time SMX World Champion and recently-crowned 2025 AMA Pro Motocross champion, led from start to finish in the single 20-mintue plus one lap 450SMX Class moto.
The SMX Next class, comprised of up-and-coming amateur athletes, completed their qualifying earlier in the day and were ready to compete in their one-moto format.
Due to the event being called early, the young racers will now line up according to their Concord qualifying results – on Friday, September 12th in St. Louis at The Dome at America’s Center.
The class will then compete on Saturday in St. Louis as planned for the SMX Next World Championship race.
Earning second place overall at Charlotte was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton; he gained 22 points toward the ultimate championship title after coming in seeded in sixth position. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac recovered from a late-race crash while running in second position to nab the final spot on the podium.
In the 250SMX Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan benefitted from his strong drive to win; he pushed for the moto victory, not then knowing it would pay full event points after the second motos being called.
In 250SMX Class racing, two-time SMX World Champion in the class Haiden Deegan recovered from a poor start to start the post-season with a dominating win.
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker nabbed the holeshot and pulled a huge gap on the field. Hammaker gave up the top spot with two laps remaining but held off Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen at the end.
Due to a cross-flag penalty, Kitchen was docked one position and was awarded fourth place in the moto. Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda, who crashed early during a pass attempt for the lead, recovered brilliantly from outside the top ten to take the final podium spot.
