Jett Lawrence Triumphs in SMX Round 1 at zMax Dragway Amid Weather Cancellations

Jett Lawrence secures SuperMotocross World Championship Opener Win Amidst Stormy Conditions

Published: September 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM

CONCORD, North Carolina – Jett Lawrence demonstrated his dominance at zMax Dragway, claiming victory in teh opening round of the SuperMotocross World Championship. Lawrence skillfully navigated the challenging track to secure the win in Moto 1, a result that ultimately determined the overall outcome due to inclement weather.

Race Disrupted by Severe Weather

Persistent lightning and fading daylight forced officials to cancel the second moto in both divisions, solidifying Jett Lawrence’s Moto 1 performance as the deciding factor. All racers will receive full points for the completed race. The challenging conditions added an extra layer of difficulty for all competitors.

Lawrence’s Strategic Ride to Victory

Jett Lawrence established an early lead, creating a substantial two-second gap over his rivals. He maintained a calculated pace, acknowledging the delicate balance between speed and control on the demanding track. “It’s kind of getting to the point that it’s close enough to the limit,” Lawrence explained, “You can’t really push the track at all.”

eli Tomac and Chase Sexton aggressively pursued lawrence, pushing themselves to the brink. However, Lawrence’s consistent performance proved insurmountable. According to data from the American Motorcyclist Association,track conditions significantly impact lap times,highlighting the strategic importance of conservation and controlled riding.

A Shift in the Leaderboard

As the race neared its conclusion, worsening weather conditions played a pivotal role. Tomac experienced a fall while challenging for second place, allowing Chase Sexton to move into the position.Tomac quickly recovered but fell to third overall. Sexton acknowledged the unexpected chance, stating, “Eli went down, which gave me a gift.”

Hunter Lawrence finished fourth, with RJ Hampshire rounding out the top five. Justin Cooper,the top-seeded rider entering the event,faced an early setback,falling to last place before mounting a comeback to finish 11th.

position	Rider
1st	jett lawrence
2nd	Chase Sexton
3rd	Eli Tomac
4th	Hunter Lawrence
5th	RJ Hampshire

Did You Know? SuperMotocross is a relatively new championship, combining the best of both Supercross and Motocross into a single, unified series, launched in 2023.

The Impact of Track Conditions

The race underscored the critical impact of environmental factors in motorsports. The increasing winds and impending rainfall demanded not only speed but also precise control and adaptability from each racer. This event is a potent reminder of how unpredictable conditions can reshape a race’s outcome.

Pro Tip: In challenging conditions like these, prioritizing a consistent rhythm and minimizing risks often proves more effective than pursuing aggressive bursts of speed.

Understanding SuperMotocross

The SuperMotocross World Championship is designed to crown a single champion across both Supercross and Motocross disciplines. This format introduces a new level of intensity and demands versatility from riders. The series aims to elevate the sport and engage a broader audience. With the participation of top riders and the unique blend of disciplines, the championship is quickly becoming a highlight on the motorsports calendar.

frequently Asked Questions about SuperMotocross

• what is SuperMotocross? SuperMotocross is a championship that combines both Supercross and Motocross racing into one series, crowning a single overall champion.
• How does the points system work in SuperMotocross? Racers accumulate points based on their performance in each moto,with the overall points leader declared the champion. full points were awarded for this round due to the cancellation of the second motos.
• What are the key challenges for riders in supermotocross? Riders must adapt to varying track conditions and master both the tight, technical courses of supercross and the open, outdoor terrain of Motocross.
• How does weather impact a SuperMotocross race? as demonstrated in this event,weather can significantly impact track conditions and overall race strategy.
• Who are some of the top contenders in the SuperMotocross Championship? Jett Lawrence, Eli Tomac, and Chase Sexton are consistently among the top riders to watch in the series.

what did you think of Jett Lawrence’s performance in these challenging conditions? Do you believe the decision to cancel the second motos was the right one?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How did the weather conditions specifically impact the race schedule and format for the SMX Round 1 at zMax Dragway?

Race Recap: Lawrence Dominates SMX Opener

Jett Lawrence showcased his dominance at the inaugural SMX (supermotocross) Round 1 held at zMax Dragway in concord, North Carolina, on September 6th, 2025. Despite a challenging weekend plagued by weather cancellations and a revised race format, the Honda HRC rider secured a commanding victory in the 250cc class. The event, the kickoff to the highly anticipated SMX Playoffs, saw Lawrence consistently lead, demonstrating his skill and adaptability on the demanding track.

This victory solidifies Lawrence’s position as a frontrunner in the championship chase, building momentum as the SMX series progresses. Fans witnessed thrilling racing action, even with the condensed schedule due to the inclement weather. the SMX format, blending Supercross and Motocross elements, presented a unique test for riders, and Lawrence excelled.

Weather Impacts and Schedule Changes

The weekend wasn’t without its hurdles. Severe weather forecasts prompted notable changes to the original schedule. Friday’s qualifying sessions were heavily impacted, leading to a condensed Saturday program.

Friday Cancellations: Initial qualifying rounds were cancelled due to persistent rain and track conditions deemed unsafe for competition.

Revised Format: Organizers implemented a revised format,combining heat races and main events into a single day of racing. This meant increased pressure on riders to perform promptly.

Track Conditions: The track at zMax Dragway presented a unique challenge, becoming slick and muddy due to the rainfall, demanding precise bike control and strategic tire selection. Riders had to quickly adapt to the changing grip levels.

Thes adjustments tested the riders’ ability to adapt and perform under pressure, adding another layer of complexity to the already competitive SMX series. The unpredictable conditions favored riders with strong adaptability, like Lawrence.

250cc Class Results: lawrence’s Performance breakdown

jett Lawrence’s performance was nothing short of stunning. He consistently demonstrated speed and control throughout the day, navigating the challenging track conditions with ease.

Heat Race: Lawrence secured a strong start and quickly established a lead, winning his heat race convincingly.

Main Event: He dominated the main event, pulling away from the competition and maintaining a pleasant gap throughout the race. His smooth riding style and aggressive yet controlled approach proved to be the winning formula.

Lap Times: Lawrence consistently posted the fastest lap times, showcasing his superior speed and track knowledge.

Key Rivals: While several riders challenged, including Hunter Lawrence and Haiden Deegan, none could match Jett’s pace and consistency.

His victory wasn’t just about speed; it was about maintaining composure and making smart decisions in challenging conditions.The win marks a strong start to his SMX Playoffs campaign.

450cc Class Overview: Notable Performances

While Lawrence stole the show in the 250cc class, the 450cc class also delivered exciting racing. Chase Sexton secured the win in the 450cc class, demonstrating his strength and consistency.

Sexton’s Strategy: Sexton employed a strategic approach, conserving energy early in the race and then making a decisive move for the lead in the later stages.

Competitive Field: The 450cc field was highly competitive, with several riders battling for podium positions.

notable Mentions: Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen also delivered strong performances, showcasing their experience and skill.

The 450cc results highlight the depth of talent in the SMX series, promising intense competition throughout the playoffs.

SMX Playoffs Format Explained

The SMX Playoffs represent a new era in motocross and supercross, combining the best elements of both disciplines. The format is designed to crown a true “SuperMotocross” champion.

1. Regular Season: The regular season consists of both Supercross and Motocross rounds, awarding points based on performance.
2. Playoffs: The top riders from both disciplines advance to the SMX Playoffs, which include multiple rounds at various tracks.
3. Points System: A unique points system is used in the playoffs, combining points earned from Supercross and Motocross races.
4. championship Decider: The rider with the most combined points at the end of the playoffs is crowned the SMX Champion.

This innovative format aims to create a more exciting and competitive championship, rewarding riders who excel in both Supercross and Motocross.

Benefits of the SMX Format

The SMX format offers several benefits for riders, teams, and fans:

Increased Competition: Combining Supercross and Motocross riders creates a more diverse and competitive field.

Enhanced Spectacle: The unique track designs and racing formats provide a more exciting and unpredictable spectacle for fans.

Greater Exposure: The SMX series attracts a wider audience, increasing exposure for the sport.

True Champion: The format aims to identify the most versatile and well-rounded motocross and supercross rider.