Ironman Raceway is uniquely the ninth round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship in 2025. Typically, the series finale, the looming Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations was the catalyst for a reposition of this popular event. Hoping to provide more downtime between events in the same market, even two weeks will help everyone regroup and prepare for an October blowout. As for this Pro Motocross round, it’s one that riders typically enjoy. The racetrack has improved over the years and has even added sections recently in preparation for the aforementioned MXoN. The venue itself sees wildly successful Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Racing events, too, making it an all-around off-road powerhouse.
The dirt at Ironman is typical for the area but can get extremely rutty if rains lead up to Saturday. With sawdust periodically brought in to add texture, its hard base can be anything but. The area on the west side of the facility is much harder than the eastern portion. I’m not sure if this is by design or chance but it’s a noticeable difference when on track. The newest section enters a full tree canopy and adds shadows to the mix. With square edged bumps galore, riders had to be on their toes and even take a leap of faith at times. Last year was the debut for this new section so let’s see if track crews make any adjustments for 2025 and the lead up to October.
Weather looks to be on the cooperative side for 2025 but temps in the high 80’s will take a toll. Anyone riding and training in Florida won’t notice but late in moto two, everyone will be hot nonetheless. It won’t be an all-timer on the heat index, but these hotter days can change the results, especially in the last few laps. Watch the areas by the mechanics’ area and first corner for this. They are the smoothest areas of the track and allow for the most aggression. If riders aren’t aggressive in that section in the late laps, that’s a sure sign that they are feeling the effects of a hot moto. Body language is a great key to watch. Slumping shoulders, sitting down through bumps, and lower rpm on corner exit are tip-offs.
Who’s Hot
Jo Shimoda has won two out of the last three 250 overalls and a case could be made that he was a rear brake failure away from three in a row. His starts unlock the success so watch for that first lap positioning.
Garrett Marchbanks landed an outdoor podium as he continues to try to get another contract signed. Similar to Jo, starts matter here.
Dilan Schwartz has been a shining beacon for the Toyota of Redlands/Bar X Yamaha team. If he could find a way to improve his SX skills, he’s a factory talent outdoors.
Related: Haiden Deegan Re-Signs with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
Austin Forkner had a feel-good ride at Washougal. He’s been to hell and back but a fifth overall soothes a bit of pain, no doubt.
Chase Sexton won the overall at Washougal and that makes him the only person to beat Jett in a 450 overall, twice over.
Jett Lawrence bounced back in the second moto on a track he doesn’t care for. This weekend’s Ironman race will be important for tone setting through September.
Eli Tomac is back! He looked like his old self in the PNW and hopefully found what he was missing for a bit.
Who’s Not
Levi Kitchen had a rough and tumble home race. His riding doesn’t match the results on most weekends, but good riding and bad results only count so much.
Jorge Prado is arguably the most talked about rider of all time to be finishing 5-10 on a given weekend. Rumors are swirling globally about his future but all of that goes away with a solid end to 2025.
Bold Predictions
Campers build semi-permanent structures this weekend in anticipation of the looming MXoN.
Mike Pelletier sleeps for a week straight after announcing the MXoN team on time in 2025.
The WMX race steals the show as LaLa Turner and Charli Cannon give us a royal rumble. Raycin Kyler watches on Peacock, taking notes all the while.
Garrett Marchbanks is seen panhandling outside the facility in hopes of funding his contract at Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki.
My Picks
250
Deegs
Jo
Kitch
450
Jett
Chase
Eli
