SMX Next Launches with Exciting Hangtown Motocross Event
Scheduled for May 30, 2025, at 8:00 AM
Official update from MX Sports:
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Following the success of the recent SMX Next – Supercross series, which crowned Alexander Fedortsov as the AMA National Champion, the focus now shifts to the next chapter: SMX Next – Motocross. This exciting phase begins this Friday, May 30, at the iconic Hangtown Motocross Classic. A select group of 20 talented young riders has been invited to participate in the season’s first three-part Scouting Moto Mix, presented by the U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, as part of the weekend’s festivities during the Michael’s Reno Powersports Hangtown Motocross Classic. This event marks the second round of the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
“After five successful rounds of SMX Next – Supercross, we are eager to welcome the sport’s brightest young talents to Northern California for the start of SMX Next – Motocross,” stated a program spokesperson. “They will compete on one of the most legendary tracks in the world-Hangtown. Our ongoing partnerships with leading motorcycle manufacturers have enabled us to assemble a talented group of 20 young athletes, guided by a team of seasoned mentors and former professional racers. Despite being a relatively new initiative, SMX Next has already proven its value in nurturing future stars of motocross.”
Elite Rider Lineup and Mentorship Program
In collaboration with industry giants such as GASGAS, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha, a carefully selected roster of prospects has been invited to participate in this season’s inaugural gathering. The group includes 20 top-tier A & B class riders, blending experienced SMX Next alumni with fresh talent eager to make their mark. The competition will feature two 25-minute motos plus two-lap sprints on Friday afternoon, testing the skills and endurance of these young racers.
Leading the mentorship efforts is an esteemed team of Rider Coaches, whose extensive experience will be instrumental in developing these athletes both on and off the track. At the forefront is Broc Glover, a six-time Pro Motocross Champion, who has been a dedicated coach since the program’s inception. He will be joined by Michael Byrne, who recently led Australia to victory at the 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations, Broc Tickle, a former 250SX Supercross Champion and current Kawasaki test rider, and Ezra Lusk, a former AMA rider and multiple-time Pro Motocross winner. Additional support comes from Mike Bonacci, team manager of Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha, veteran racer Gareth Swanepoel, and Christina Denney, who coordinates SMX Next events and has been a key figure in the program’s growth.
Pathway to Professional Success
As SMX Next continues to expand its reach both nationally and internationally, its alumni are increasingly earning opportunities at the factory level. While reigning Pro Motocross 250 Class Champion and SMX World Champion Haiden Deegan has set a high standard, the current 250 class field is packed with emerging talent nurtured through SMX Next. Notable contenders include Honda HRC’s Chance Hymas, KTM’s Julien Beaumer-who was named Rookie of the Year in 2024-and Rockstar Energy GASGAS’s Ryder DiFrancesco and Casey Cochran. Yamaha’s Daxton Bennick, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Gavin Towers, and newcomers like Drew Adams from Monster Energy Kawasaki, Cole Davies from Yamaha, and Alexander Fedortsov, the reigning SMX Supercross champion, are also among the rising stars.
Enzo Temmerman from Monster Energy Kawasaki will compete in the first two Pro Motocross rounds before shifting focus to the prestigious AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. Beyond the racing, participants will gain valuable insights into essential aspects of the sport, including training techniques, nutrition, and navigating media engagement-foundational knowledge that prepares them for a successful career in motocross.
Participant List for Hangtown Motocross
- #10 Jett Kellogg / Windsor, Colorado / Yamaha
- #14 Nathan Abbott / Simi Valley, California / Yamaha
- #16 Klark Robbins / Shamong, New Jersey / GASGAS
- #18 Landen Gordon / Atascadero, California / Kawasaki
- #19 Deacon Denno / Citadel Price, Texas / KTM
- #23 Landon Gibson / Peachtree City, Georgia / Husqvarna
- #27 Vincent Wey / Murrieta, California / Kawasaki
- #32 Myles Monty / Vista, California / Yamaha
- #43 Tiger Wood / Townsville, Queensland, Australia / Honda
- #46 Luke Fauser / Midland, Pennsylvania / KTM
- #49 Brennon Harrison / Jacksonville, Florida / GASGAS
- #50 Chace Lawton / Foster, Rhode Island / Yamaha
- #66 Kayden Minear / Perth, Western Australia / Yamaha
- #124 Brock Walker / Cleburne, Texas / Honda
- #132 Leum Oehlof / Oak Hills, California / Honda
- #171 Garrett Alumbaugh / Newark, Texas / Honda
- #177 Kade Johnson / Hideaway, Texas / Yamaha
- #257 Jesson Turner / Lockesburg, Arkansas / Yamaha
- #260 Carson Wood / Zephyrhills, Florida / Yamaha
- #404 Riley Busse / Berlin, Wisconsin / Yamaha
