LAS VEGAS, NEV. (September 21, 2025) – The SuperMotocross World Championship finale held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway culminated in a thrilling competition, celebrating dramatic victories and historic achievements.
Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence secured his third consecutive SMX World Championship™ with a stunning performance, clinching overall victory with a (1-2) moto score. Jett’s win in the first moto and a last-minute surge in the second moto propelled him to second place, ultimately earning him a $100,000 race win bonus in addition to an impressive $1 million championship payout.
Simultaneously, Jo Shimoda made history as the first Japanese rider to win an SMX title by triumphing in the 250SMX class. The vibrant backdrop of downtown Las Vegas provided an electrifying atmosphere for the championship-deciding races, captivating an enthusiastic crowd under a warm, clear night sky.
Hunter Lawrence, Jett’s brother and teammate, entered the event with a chance for his first 450SMX title. Despite battling a cold, Hunter delivered a commendable performance, securing a win in the second moto. His third-place finish in the first moto earned him second overall for the night, alongside a lucrative $500,000 runner-up bonus for the championship.
Eli Tomac, representing Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, also demonstrated impressive skill throughout the evening, finishing with (2-3) moto scores, which placed him third overall in both the event and the championship, earning a $250,000 bonus.
In a display of true sportsmanship, Jett Lawrence expressed mixed emotions regarding his victory, acknowledging the efforts of his brother, Hunter. “It’s conflicting; emotions of obviously wanting to win this, and get this, but then I also hate to see Hunter not get the win today, he deserved that,” Jett said. “I had a few good laps and was able to make a quick pass when I had the chance. I’m happy for the team, with going 1-2 for Honda, but right now my mind’s thinking about multiple things.”
Eli Tomac reflected on the event, noting, “It was a fantastic crowd; we had such wonderful support all night. I tried my best, but I didn’t have quite as much in that second moto, so I’m a little disappointed in myself. Of course, I want more, but we’ll take this third.”
The 250SMX Class showcased some of the most thrilling racing moments of the season. The excitement began building in the first moto; however, the second moto delivered unparalleled intensity. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan lined up next to Shimoda for what would be the final 250SMX moto of the year. The two riders exchanged contact just off the start, with Deegan’s aggressive strategies forcing Shimoda to lose positions early in the race.
Seth Hammaker from Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki grabbed the holeshot and initially led the pack. In a stunning turn of events, six minutes into the race, Deegan maneuvered past Hammaker, pushing Shimoda into a position where he needed to secure no less than third to claim the championship title.
As the competition intensified, Shimoda finally seized second place in the race, while Deegan’s tactics appeared to backfire at the midpoint of the race. Deegan’s aggressive racing led to multiple collisions with Shimoda, culminating in a crash that left him with a broken collarbone. Despite this setback, Shimoda quickly remounted and rallied, edging past Tom Vialle of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the final corners of the race to clinch the title.
In his post-race remarks, Jo Shimoda reflected on his victory, stating, “I kind of slipped out on the start. I was a little nervous. But I think we made good passes in the first few laps. At one moment I had my leg cramped and everything because of him hitting, but I just want to say thank you to my family first, my trainer, my whole team, and my mechanic Ben.”
Seth Hammaker, who finished the event in second place, shared his appreciation for the season’s journey, saying, “Came up a little short on that one, but I’m just so grateful. It’s awesome to finish second; Jo was riding awesome, and it was a hectic race for sure.”
The crowd erupted with excitement as Jo Shimoda received his championship trophy and celebrations ensued, cementing his rise in the sport and marking a significant leap in his career with the additional $500,000 payout. Shimoda’s triumph not only highlights his exceptional talent but also opens a new chapter for Japanese riders in the competitive world of SuperMotocross.
As the curtain drew on the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship, fans left with a sense of exhilaration, eagerly anticipating what the next season will bring for these dynamic athletes who showcased their skills, resilience, and passion in the high-stakes world of motorsport.
image source from：racerxonline
