The third rendition of the SuperMotocross Playoffs is here! Ever since the first announcement back in October of 2022, this idea has been a success. However I will admit, my first take was one of curiosity and skepticism. I’m happy to be wrong, though, and this concept has delivered. The playoffs have not been without its own challenges, of course, as the Texas round last year was a learning experience. The oppressive heat and less-than-ideal racetrack had people mumbling to themselves but to think there would be no hiccup in an undertaking this large would be foolhardy at best. The Texas event is gone from the schedule now, and three years in, I think this whole project has to be considered a win overall. Let’s get into what the opener for 2025 brings.
The start at ZMax Dragway is a split variety and these are interesting to dissect. Riders will typically game out which side they prefer and then jockey for positioning on that side. The interesting piece to that puzzle is knowing when to shift to the other side per your qualifying position. If one side is clearly ideal, that math changes as the picks go down the line. Also, understanding who the good and bad starters are can be important. Avoid the side with the holeshot gurus and aim for the gates next to those with less consistency. The split start adds a wrinkle that riders don’t deal with regularly so some variance may follow accordingly.
The first section after the start is fast and heads out to the backside of the dragstrip. While not “motocross” specifically, this section certainly leans towards that discipline. There are fast, sandy sections, and big sweeping corners all abound out back. The dirt is usually prepped deep to form up the more typical motocross bumps and ruts. The jumps are primarily all doubles and won’t challenge riders too much on that end of things. The key will be to have the motorcycle settings versatile enough to work in the high-speed stuff out here but also stiff enough to work in the SX type obstacles in the stadium section.
After a high-speed run back inside the venue, riders will make a 180 left just before reaching the starting gates. A short chute crosses the starting straight backwards and into a tight 180 right. These sections will be very one lined and as James Stewart often talks about, might be a place for those under pressure to take a deep breath. Riders know where they can and can't be passed, and taking it easy through even one corner can help when under fire. An easy rhythm section leads riders through the heart of the venue and this section will likely not lead to much passing, either. It’s possible that riders could go for bust up the inside, but I see this section leading to the finish as being tough to get alongside.
A 180 right leads to the finish line and riders will race towards the tight 180 that resumes the direction riders departed a few corners before (alongside the grandstands).
The tight roller that brings riders back will see riders accelerate away from the starting gates and into two sets of uneven moguls, separated by a tight switchback. The second set of moguls leads to a sandy left-hand sweeper, very similar to 2024’s layout. This sweeper was pivotal last year as Jett Lawrence figured out a way to connect the big rollers and made up time as he chased Eli Tomac.
The first true rhythm section of the track is alongside the grandstands and in the same position as 2024. Remember, Haiden Deegan made minced meat of the field here as he consistently put the quad together and was able to pass nearly every lap. With a fast lead-in this year, I don’t think there will be much separation here compared to a year ago.
A big double is the last obstacle before heading out back for lap two.
Who’s Hot
Haiden Deegan is the two-time and only 250 champ in the SMX World Championship. I have no reason to think that changes in 2025.
The only caveat to the above prediction is Jo Shimoda. This has been a breakout season for the very likable Japanese national. His starts will ultimately unlock whatever comes after.
Levi Kitchen got back on the podium at the Pro Motocross finale. He is far, far better than his results reflected this summer.
Jett Lawrence, like Deegan, has won the only two renditions of this new enterprise. Both titles have been down to the last lap, though, and this could be a similar year. The escalating points and a short series add a high level of variance to the outcome, even if the prior two years would beg to differ.
Hunter Lawrence came incredibly close to stealing the 2024 title from his little brother. His starting prowess is critical here and positions him for success. He rarely makes a mistake and if you combine a holeshot, precision, and a much-improved pace, good things happen.
RJ Hampshire may not be the first 450 name you think of, but his improvement is worthy of praise. He has been a podium threat for months now and I see no reason for that to change as long as his starts remain constructive.
| Position | Rider | Hometown | Qualifying Points | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Jett Lawrence | Landsborough, Australia  | 580 | 166 |
| 2 |  Hunter Lawrence | Landsborough, Australia | 516 | 151 |
| 3 |  Eli Tomac | Cortez, CO  | 475 | 135 |
| 4 |  Ken Roczen | Mattstedt, Germany  | 288 | 117 |
| 5 |  Justin Cooper | Cold Spring Harbor, NY | 670 | 115 |
Who’s Not
JuJu Beaumer had a scary crash at Budds but will race this weekend.
Tom Vialle decided to skip the final moto at Budds Creek and ehhhh, I'm not a huge fan of that move. Let’s see how the playoffs go as he prepares to reposition to Honda HRC MXGP in 2026.
Chase Sexton is watching the clock as his Red Bull KTM contract winds down. I am going to be watching closely to gauge his enthusiasm level for these playoff rounds. He’s capable of whatever he chooses but that requires being engaged, too.
Jorge Prado’s Budds Creek weekend will be remembered for a long time. This book is still being written but it feels more like fiction at this point. Stay tuned as this saga continues to unfold.
Eli Tomac came into the opener at Concord in 2024 like a house on fire. It doesn’t “feel” like he has that type of momentum at the moment. This track works for his skill set, though, so let’s see if he can rekindle that fire.
| Position | Rider | Hometown | Qualifying Points | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Jo Shimoda | Suzuka, Japan  | 617 | 167 |
| 2 |  Seth Hammaker | Bainbridge, PA | 408 | 144 |
| 3 |  Tom Vialle | Avignon, France  | 468 | 127 |
| 4 |  Nate Thrasher | Livingston, TN | 307 | 118 |
| 5 |  Haiden Deegan | Temecula, CA | 723 | 116 |
Bold Predictions
As temps are set to hit 90 degrees on Saturday afternoon, I mumble “it’s hot out here” to myself around 40 times.
The depths of foul language are explored between Haiden and Jo during the pre and post-race press conferences.
Jorge Prado is inconsolable after learning that he is already qualified for the afternoon’s racing.
My Picks
250
Deegs
Jo Show
The Ham-maker
450
George Jettson
Hunta
Chase
