Jett Lawrence and Jo Shimoda Emerge Victorious in Las Vegas

Jett Lawrence – First place – 450SMX
“[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. He executed two really good starts and obviously the guy’s battling with a cold right now, and [I’m] bummed to see him sad about it, because he worked really hard. We both worked hard, but I’m happy. Halfway through [the second moto] I honestly had some doubts that I could even catch those guys. [Hunter and Eli] were riding really, really well. But I had to dig deep and just try to send it. It was either sending it or crashing at that point. So, I tried, and I was able to catch up to Eli. 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. Because, obviously, this could be [Hunter’s] first 450 championship. But obviously I want it really badly as well, it’s a lot of money. It’s difficult, because you want to see your brother do well, it’s difficult competing against him.” – Jett Lawrence

Hunter Lawrence – Second place – 450SMX
“[Sarcastically] I feel amazing, if you can’t read it on my face. Yeah, I’m gutted. I did everything I could in that one, felt like I just gave it 110% every time I went on the track. Just came up short.” – Hunter Lawrence

Eli Tomac – Third place – 450SMX
“It was a fantastic crowd; we had such wonderful support all night. I did what I could. I tried. No lack of trying. Those brothers are really good. I actually didn’t have quite as much in that second moto, so [I’m] a little disappointed in myself. But the night as a whole – [it was] okay. Thank you Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing. This was a good podium for us. Of course I want more, but we’ll take this third. Thanks.” – Eli Tomac

The 250SMX Class delivered peak thrills for any form of racing, and just the type of scenario that the SMX World Championship postseason structure was designed to create. The first moto delivered excellent racing, but almost nothing in motorsports could match the excitement delivered in the second 250SMX Class moto.

Sitting second in championship points, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Haiden Deegan lined up to the inside of Shimoda for the final 250SMX moto of the year. The two bumped just off the gate, and by the third corner Deegan appeared to slow to take Shimoda wide; neither rider went down, but Shimoda lost two positions. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Seth Hammaker had the holeshot and the early lead, and as the riders were positioned as they crossed the green flag, Hammaker would have the points needed to take the night’s win and the championship. That was the math if every rider stayed where they were, but the race was about to explode with incredible riding, aggressive passes, takeout moves, heroic bravery, and frantic moto math to sort out what every development did to the championship standings.

Six minutes into the race, Deegan made his way past Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Levi Kitchen to take over second place. From there Deegan appeared to alter his pace to mix up the front runners’ positions. Six and a half minutes into the race, Deegan moved past Hammaker, which included contact on a high-speed section. Shimoda, still in fourth at that moment, needed a third-place finish in the moto to secure the title from Deegan. Kitchen then dropped out with what appeared to be a bike problem.

At the moto’s midpoint, Shimoda reached second place and Deegan slowed to allow Hammaker to tighten back up to them. Over the next laps, Deegan instigated contact against Shimoda no less than three times, and the third impact put both riders on the ground. Shimoda quickly remounted in second place while Deegan walked away from his bike with what was later diagnosed as a broken collarbone. The games up front allowed Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Tom Vialle to catch Shimoda and pass him with less than two laps remaining. With Hammaker leading, Vialle holding second, and Shimoda in third, the title would go to Shimoda with the night’s overall going to Hammaker. But Shimoda put on a final burst and passed Vialle in the final corner to earn second in the moto, an overall victory for the night, and the 2025 SMX World Championship. The title marks Shimoda’s first professional title and he becomes the first Japanese rider to do so.

The crowd was wildly enthusiastic for Jo Shimoda at the podium when he received his championship trophy, the $500,000 payout, and what sounded like a massive increase of the earnest racer’s fan base.

Jo Shimoda (#30) – First place – 250SMX
“I kind of slipped out on the start. I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous. But I think we made good passes in the first few laps. I caught Seth, passed him. [Then] I caught Deegan, but he slowed to let me pass, so I kinda knew already [that] something’s going to happen and he might attack pretty crazy, which he did. 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. You know, it’s only a three-round [postseason] series, but for me, I think getting this title and finishing off the year good, with the [red] plate, that’s what I needed. And yeah, confidence booster, for sure.” – Jo Shimoda

Seth Hammaker – Second place – 250SMX
“Came up a little short on that one, but I’m just so grateful. [There were] a lot of ups and downs to this season, and I’m just grateful to be up here. It’s awesome to finish second, Jo was riding awesome, and a hectic race for sure. Man, it just feels good. Second overall in the series, a good way to end the season, and now just time to rest up and get ready for next year. My time will come, just gotta stay true to the plan. Thank you to everybody at Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki, my entire family, everybody at the Dog Pound [training facility], Burner, my race mechanic, my practice mechanic, and everybody. These fans are wild. Thank you to everybody that comes out and supports us, so let’s go!” – Seth Hammaker

 Tom Vialle – Third place – 250SMX
“It was a big weekend for me. It was my last 250 race, so I’m really excited to move to the 450 next year. My start today was not that good. I think the riding was good. I’m pretty happy with the way I [wrapped] up my season. Third in the SMX Championship is pretty good, so I’m excited for the future and moving up to the 450.” – Tom Vialle