THIS WEEK IN MOTOCROSS: DEEGAN’S MID-AIR SCARE, LAWRENCE’S TITLE FIGHT & ROCZEN AT IRONMAN

Just in case you haven’t had time to scour the internet for your weekly fill of motocross and Supercross videos, the MXA wrecking crew has done the work for you. First, we start things off with Haiden Deegan as he goes through one of his scariest days of racing, not on the track but in the sky as his plane loses cabin pressure at 45,000 feet. We then catch up with Hunter Lawrence, who regained the momentum at Budds Creek and heads into the finale with a one-point lead over Jett. We then catch up with Ken Roczen, who hit the Ironman track for an awesome shoot with Fox paying homage to his motocross career. We finish it off with a lap around the MXGP Track in Italy. 

A DAY WE WILL NEVER FORGET | BUDDS CREEK MX

HUNTER CLUTCHES UP!! | BUDDS CREEK 2026

STILL DREAMING | KEN ROCZEN

GOPRO: RUBEN FERNANDEZ 2026 FIM MXGP QUALIFYING MOTO FROM ROUND 5 ITALY

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RYDER MALINOSKI INTERVIEW: “THIS IS WHAT WE WORK FOR”

Being from Michigan and in the snow belt, when I first heard the name Ryder Malinoski, it sounded familiar. After thinking about it, I realized that Ryder was Robbie Malinoski’s son. Robbie was a pro snocross racer, and I even have a poster signed by him. Anyways, we are talking about the son Ryder, who made his pro motocross debut at the recent Budds Creek National Motocross. The cool thing about Ryder is that he didn’t even ride a dirt bike until COVID-19 hit and stopped all school team sports. In this short time, Ryder has excelled in the SMX Next series, and now had his first pro motocross race at Budds Creek with the ClubMX Yamaha team. We spoke to Ryder just before moto one to get his thoughts. Ryder would go on to finish 24th with 19/22 moto finishes.

BY JIM KIMBALL

RYDER, LET’S PICK UP AT LORETTA LYNN’S AND TALK ABOUT YOUR RESULTS. I did Loretta Lynn’s, and I was able to win the 250 Pro Sport Championship, which was super cool! I raced the Open Pro Sport, where I ended up crashing out, but I feel I rode well. I also did the Canadian Motocross series this year and finished up second in that 250 Championship, but I was in the running to win that championship too. It was very close! Overall, I did a lot of racing this summer, and now I’m lining up for my first Pro National here at Budds Creek.

AND YOU HAVE BEEN A PART OF THE CLUB MX TEAM, ON THE AMATEUR SIDE, FOR A WHILE NOW, RIGHT? Yes, that’s correct. I have been on the Club MX Amateur team now for two years, riding and training at the facility.

Ryder has been one of the most anticipated amateurs to jump into the pro ranks and we should see some big things coming from him in the next few years.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT RACING YOUR FIRST NATIONAL TOMORROW? I am feeling excited. This is what we work for, to come out here and race professionally. So, it’s a dream come true to be able to do it. I have all good emotions heading into tomorrow, and I’m ready to go.

YOU HAVE DONE REALLY WELL IN, I DON’T KNOW IF YOU WOULD CALL IT, SMX NEXT? Yes, I have been able to do solid in most of them, and those have helped me a lot to learn and race against good, top, up-and-coming talent for sure.

HOW ARE THE DYNAMICS AT THE CLUB FACILITY? I AM ASSUMING YOU DO EVERYTHING THE PRO GUYS ARE DOING? Yes, I’m doing all of it; you name it. I’m doing all the same training. We even have a nutritionist at Club MX, so most of our lunches and food we eat are pretty much the same healthy meals. But everything is specific to what you need because everybody is different. Overall, the whole program works great, and we all are similar.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST THING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED AS FAR AS RACING PRO? I would say the biggest thing that I have learned from the pro riders at Club MX is just the experience they have, just a little bit more knowledge they have from racing. They know all the important stuff surrounding pro motocross, I would say. It is not so much the “just go fast” part! It is all in the little things and the little details required to race pro motocross. That is something that I have learned at Club MX that I would say is going to help me become a good pro.

Ryder Malinoski raced his first Pro National at Budds Creek.

WITH THAT SAID, DO YOU HAVE SOME TYPE OF EXPECTATION OF WHERE YOU WANT TO BE? I don’t really have too much of an expectation. But I want to score points, and that is, I would say, my goal: to score some points. If it goes well tomorrow, I think I could do well. As I said, I really don’t have a number, but just score some points.

YOU ARE ALREADY SIGNED WITH THIS TEAM FOR NEXT YEAR, RIGHT? Yes, I am with Club MX through the 2027 season. Next year, I will be racing full-time as a professional.

YOU’VE DONE PRETTY WELL IN THE SMX NEXT, RIGHT? At Anaheim 2, I had a bad crash in the final, which caused me to miss most of the others. But I’ve had three SMX Next podiums and won one round.

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE TALENTED BOTH INDOORS AND OUTDOORS. I believe so. My outdoors is getting better. I would say that I was more confident in my indoor ability, but now, with all the racing I have been doing outdoors, I am getting better outdoors, and it is becoming good both indoors and outdoors.

LET’S FINISH UP WITH THIS; THE 2027 YAMAHA YZ 250-F IS ALL NEW. HAVE YOU RIDDEN ONE? Yes! It is funny you ask; I just rode the new bike this week at Club MX. They had the launch there, so I rode just a stock 2027 250F, and it was a lot of fun. I think it will have a lot of potential to be a really good bike, and I am excited that I will be on it next year.

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2026 IRONMAN NATIONAL PRE-RACE REPORT: INJURED LIST, TV SCHEDULE & MORE

The 2026 Pro Motocross Championship heads to Ironman Raceway this weekend for the final National of the season, and both championships will be decided with just two motos remaining. After ten rounds of racing, the 450 title has come down to a winner-take-all battle between Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence, while Cole Davies carries a 14-point advantage over Levi Kitchen into the 250 finale.

Hunter Lawrence enters Ironman back in possession of the 450 red plate after delivering exactly what he needed at Budds Creek. Hunter swept both motos with (1-1) scores, erasing the 10-point deficit he carried into the weekend and turning it into a one-point championship lead over Jett, 442 to 441. Jett was forced to work through the field throughout the afternoon, going (5-2) for fourth overall, while Hunter controlled both motos from the front. With only one point separating the brothers, there is virtually no championship strategy left. Whoever finishes ahead when the final points are counted will leave Ironman as the 2026 450 Pro Motocross Champion.

The 250 Championship also took another major turn at Budds Creek. Cole Davies entered the weekend one point behind Kitchen but leaves Maryland with the red plate and a 14-point advantage, 378 to 364. Davies won the opening moto and finished third in moto two for second overall, while Kitchen’s afternoon was complicated by an early crash and a four-position penalty that dropped his moto one result to 14th. Kitchen responded with a second-place finish in moto two, but his (14-2) scores left him fifth overall as Chance Hymas took the victory with (2-1) finishes. Davies now controls his own destiny, but with 50 points still available at Ironman, Kitchen still has a chance to turn the championship around. After a season filled with momentum swings, mistakes and late-race charges, everything comes down to the final two motos at Ironman.

2026 IRONMAN NATIONAL // FULL COVERAGE

2026 IRONMAN NATIONAL: RACE DAY SCHEDULE

The start of a 250 moto is the most critical part of the race.

NOTE: All times listed below are Pacific Standard Time (PST).

2026 IRONMAN NATIONAL: INJURY REPORT

CHASE SEXTON – KNEE

Torn ACL suffered during media day at Thunder Valley. Sexton is out for the remainder of the 2026 season.

SETH HAMMAKER – SHOULDER

Shoulder injury from his High Point crash. He is out for the remainder of the season.

DEREK KELLEY – ARM

Broke his humerus at High Point. He is targeting the SMX Playoffs for a return.

NICK ROMANO – BACK

Sustained a compression fracture of his T6 vertebra along with an acute fracture of his T5 vertebra at Southwick.

COTY SCHOCK – WRIST

Injured the lunate bone in his wrist and will miss the rest of the season.

JO SHIMODA – COLLARBONE / CONCUSSION

Broke his collarbone and suffered a concussion during qualifying at Southwick. He is working toward returning for the SMX Playoffs.

JALEK SWOLL – ACHILLES

Right Achilles injury. He is out for the season.

ENZO TEMMERMAN – CONCUSSION

Sustained a concussion at High Point and remains out indefinitely.

Fractured his hand at High Point. He had originally hoped to return at Unadilla, but the hand has not healed enough. He is now targeting the SMX Playoffs.

2026 IRONMAN NATIONAL: TV SCHEDULE

The Peacock Premium streaming service costs $10.99 per month, and it provides LIVE coverage of the daytime qualifying sessions at each Round and live coverage of each Supercross race. International Supercross fans can now watch LIVE using the SuperMotocross Video Pass streaming service (Supermotocross.tv) for a one-year subscription.

IRONMAN motocross RACE DAY LIVE – 7:00 a.m. (Pacific), 9:00 a.m. (Central) 10:00 a.m. (Eastern) – Peacock

IRONMAN motocross GATE DROP – 10:00 a.m. (Pacific), 12:00 p.m. (Central), 1:00 p.m. (Eastern) – Peacock

MXA FANTASY LEAGUE: WIN A STARK VARG, GIANT BICYCLES MOUNTAIN BIKE & MORE

MXA Fantasy Apple app download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mxa-fantasy-league/id6473468112
MXA Fantasy Android app download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mxa.fantasyleague&pcampaignid=web_share

We are proud to have our own app, built in-house by MXA’s Justin Lee. We love the camaraderie that is created amongst family and friends who play it, and we believe in it so much that we decided to throw some extra motivation into the pot for 2026. This Grand Prize will be randomly selected after the Las Vegas SMX Finale from a list of names of the people who were consistent and diligent enough to enter their picks on time for every race, all season long.

The Giant Bicycles Trance X2 mountain bike will go to the player who has the most points at the end of the 31-round 2026 SuperMotocross season.

As usual, the MXA Fantasy League app is free to download and free to play. In addition to the Stark Varg, we will still be rewarding the top finishing players with weekly prizes, and with a brand new Giant Bicycles Trance X2 Mountain Bike, going to the player with the most points at the end of the 31-race season. Find your flow on the mountain with the Giant Trance X2 (the one we’re giving away is Metallic Black, as pictured). This bike has adjustable geometry, the option to change rear wheel size, and it comes with a new 140mm Maestro rear suspension setup. This versatile trail bike is ready to conquer single-track with confidence and control, and it is perfect for cross-training for motocross.

The post 2026 IRONMAN NATIONAL PRE-RACE REPORT: INJURED LIST, TV SCHEDULE & MORE appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.

Ken Roczen celebrated with RCH Suzuki this past weekend at Budds Creek after wrapping up the 2016 AMA 450 National Championship.

2016 IRONMAN 450 NATIONAL RESULTS
1. Ken Roczen (Suz)……………… 1-1
2. Justin Barcia (Yam)……………2 2
3. Eli Tomac (Kaw)………………… 3-3
4. Marvin Musquin (KTM)…….4-4
5. Jason Anderson (Hus)………. 5-5
6. Phil Nicoletti (Yam)…………… 6-8
7. Weston Peick (Yam)………….. 8-7
8. Matt Bisceglia (Suz)…………. 11-6
9 . Fredrik Noren (Hon)…………. 9-9
10. Benny Bloss (KTM)…………. 7-11
11. Kaven Benoit (KTM)……….12-10
12. Dean Wilson (KTM)…………10-12
13. Cole Martinez (Yam)………..15-14
14. Ryan Sipes (Hus)……………….19-13
15. Cade Clason (KTM)…………..14-18

2016 450 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL POINTS STANDINGS
1. Ken Roczen (Suz)…………………584
2. Eli Tomac (Kaw)……………………498
3. Marvin Musquin (KTM)………401
4. Justin Barcia (Yam)………………360
5. Phi Nicoletti (Yam)………………..229
6. Benny Bloss (KTM)………………..228
7. Christophe Pourcel (Hus)…….217
8. Weston Peick (Yam)…………….. 197
9. Andrew Short (KTM)…………….197
10. Fredrik Noren (Hon)…………..192

Photos by Scott Mallonee

IRONMAN NATIONAL ROUND-UP

At the beginning of the season, we all hope for a riveting end to the championships like in 1996, where Jeff Emig edged out Jeremy McGrath by a mere 10 points. As recently as two years ago, Ken Roczen won his first AMA National Championship by beating teammate Ryan Dungey by only 14 points. This year, however, Ken Roczen turned the 450 title fight into a snoozefest. He wrapped up his second 450 National title a round early. Eli Tomac kept Kenny honest by winning at Southwick and Washougal, but that was about the extent of it. Still, Tomac clinched second overall in the 2016 450 standings, which isn’t too shabby. If he can gel better with the Monster Energy Kawasaki SR450, there is hope for a Tomac resurgence (remember Eli in 2015?). Even so, Ken Roczen is at an all-time high. At the press conference he threw jabs at his old trainer, Aldon Baker, and dropped the mic. And while the championship is over, there are still fans in Indianapolis who haven’t had the chance to watch the boys of summer scream around their home track. Roczen and Tomac will put on a good show, just as they have the 11 previous rounds.

Aaron Plessinger put the hammer down off the start. Notice the compressed forks and shock.

Aaron Plessinger finished the season strong. That’s his father, Scott, who was a National off-road racing legend, is next to Aaron. 

The AMA 250 National championship also wrapped up on Saturday. Unlike Ken Roczen, Cooper Webb did not go 1-1 in clinching the title. In fact, he didn’t even finish on the podium. As for teammate Alex Martin, his season has been very strong, but mechanical failures and a few crashes slowly led to a points deficit that he couldn’t overcome. Joey Savatgy has nothing to be sad about, but he’ll look back at 2016 and think, “What if?” He lost the 250 West Supercross title to Cooper Webb, and then the 250 National title slipped out of his grasp midway through the series. While Savatgy has been a serious contender, second moto DNF’s have been his Achilles heel. However, Budds Creek wasn’t all losses for the 250 riders. Zach Osborne earned his first career overall, and rookie Austin Forkner made the podium for a third consecutive race.

2016 IRONMAN 250 NATIONAL RESULTS
1. Austin Forkner (Kaw)…………..1-3
2. Aaron Plessinger (Yam)………..8-1
3. Cooper Webb (Yam)…………….5-2
4. Alex Martin (Yam)……………….. 3-4
5. Adam Cianciarulo (Kaw)……..6-5
6. Arnaud Tonus (Kaw)……………..4-9
7. Mitchell Harrison (Yam)………10-6
8. Mitchell Oldenburg (KTM)…..7-13
9. Joseph Savatgy (Kaw)…………..2-34
10. Justin Hill (KTM)……………….. 15-7
11. RJ Hampshire (Hon)………….14-10
12. Bradley Taft (Yam)……………..12-14
13. Zach Osborne (Hus)………….11-15
14. Tristan Charboneau (Hon)…16-12
15. Martin Davalos (Hus)………….22-8

2016 250 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL POINTS STANDINGS
1. Cooper Webb (Yam)………………..495
2. Alex Martin (Yam)……………………422
3. Joseph Savatgy (Kaw)…………….383
4. Austin Forkner (Kaw)………………376
5. Aaron Plessinger (Yam)…………..351
6. Jeremy Martin (Yam)……………….321
7. Zach Osborne (Hus)…………………312
8. Adam Cianciarulo (Kaw)………….266
9. Arnaud Tonus (Kaw)…………………243
10. Mitchell Oldenburg (KTM)……237

Ken Roczen blazed to a 1-1 finish at Budds Creekand repeated at Ironman?

450 CLASS NOTES

1. KTM has the most podiums at Ironman–three in two years. Honda, Suzuki and Husqvarna all have one podium.
2. Only European bikes have won the overall in the 450 class in any Indiana National. KTM is the only bike to win in the 450 class. The single 250 two-stroke race was won on a Bultaco by Gary Bailey in 1972.
3. Ken Roczen has led the most laps at Ironman. He has led 24 laps. Ryan Dungey has led 14, Trey Canard has led 13, Justin Barcia led three and Christophe Pourcel has led one.

Cooper Webb collected two titles this year.

250 CLASS NOTES

1. While there was an AMA National in Indiana in 1972 and 1973, there were no 125 class races in the series–just a 250 two-stroke and a 500 class.
2. Cooper Webb is the first 250 rider to win both the Supercross and AMA National Championships in the same year since 2009. Ryan Dungey was the last to do it.
3. In both 2014 and 2015 Joey Savatgy earned second overall and Jessy Nelson earned third overall. However, both were riding different bikes in 2014 and 2015. Nelson was atop a Honda in 2014 and switched to KTM in 2015. Savatgy was on KTM and switched to Honda.

Justin Brayton is the latest casualty in a string of injury victims.

INJURIES

450 Class

James Stewart – Bubba has a tweaked shoulder and is done for the rest of the AMA Nationals.
Trey Canard – Recovering from a practice track concussion.
Justin Brayton  – Recovering from injuries sustained at Washougal.
Ryan Dungey – Dungey’s crash at Thunder Valley looked like no big deal. He got up and finished the moto. After the fact, doctors discovered a crack in the C6 vertebrae.
Cole Seely – Out with a broken finger, which had to be plated back together. Fredrik Noren will fill in at HRC Honda.
Jason Anderson – Broke his collarbone early in the season, but has been selected for the MXDN team, so will probably make an appearance at the final National.
Christophe Pourcel – Out for the rest of the season with a fracture in C6 at Washougal.
Josh Grant – Ankle surgery cut his season short. His fill-in, Tyler Bowers,  injured his shoulder and is also out for the season.
Justin Bogle – Out for the rest of the series with a neck injury.
Blake Baggett – Re-injured his shoulder. He is out for the rest of the season.
Broc Tickle – Tickle sustained a fractured pelvis at Millville when he crashed with Weston Peick.
Ben Lamay – Torn MCL at Washougal.

250 Class

Jeremy Martin – Injured some ribs in the Savatgy vs. Webb fiasco at Washougal. He won’t return this season.
Jessy Nelson – Serious back injury and broken wrist from Unadilla. He has undergone surgery to repair T4 and T5.
Colt Nichols – A torn meniscus at Washougal. He won’t return this season.
Shane McElrath – A shoulder separation, broken ribs and a concussion at Soutwick. He won’t return this season.
Alex Frye – Troy Lee Designs’ Alex Frye sustained a torn ACL and additional torn ligaments in his knee. He will be out for the rest of the 2016 National season.
Christian Craig – Craig collided with teammate Jordon Smith at Glen Helen. In the crash, Craig broke his tib/fib.
Chase Sexton – The AMA Horizon award winner was supposed to make his Pro debut at Unadilla, but he has an avulsion fracture of the knee.
Jesse Wentland – Broken collarbone.

There is a number one hidden in Cooper Webb’s plate.

Alex Martin put in a strong ride for fourth overall.

Joey Savatgy had a strong first moto. However, he DNF’ed the second moto for the third week in a row. Since Tennessee his second motos have been dismal.

Photos by Scott Mallonee

The post TEN YEARS AGO TODAY: HARD FACTS ABOUT THE 2016 IRONMAN NATIONAL appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.

INTRODUCING LEATT’S ALL-NEW 5.5 RACEWEAR

Leatt Corporation (OTCQB: LEATT) reinvents high-performance motocross apparel with the introduction of 5.5 Racewear. 2027 5.5 Racewear is a complete performance system: Unrestricted mobility, advanced ventilation, race-proven durability, and, above all, enhanced bike control. Every seam, every panel, every material has been refined to reduce distractions, maximise comfort and perform under the demands of modern motocross. This is racewear at the leading edge: racewear that moves with you, so you can focus on riding at your limit.

INTRODUCING HEATGRIP TECHNOLOGY

Now featured in Leatt’s latest 5.5 I.K.S. pants. HeatGrip replaces traditional leather inner-knee panels with a next-generation material engineered to provide superior grip, exceptional durability and consistent performance in all conditions. Leatt developed HeatGrip by combining its abrasion- and cut-resistant Deflextion fabric with a durable, heatproof coating. The result is a material that resists the drying, cracking and deterioration commonly associated with leather while remaining fully machine washable and requiring no special maintenance. HeatGrip also provides more grip than leather in both wet and dry conditions, giving riders increased confidence and control through ruts, berms and braking zones. With 100-percent aramid reinforcement, the material offers excellent resistance to wear from knee braces while also being lighter, longer-lasting and more sustainable through the use of Bluesign® materials. HeatGrip is another example of Leatt’s continued focus on creating a performance advantage for riders.

MOBILITY, EVOLVED

Both the 2027 5.5 jersey and pants maximise mobility by reducing unnecessary bulk with streamlined multi-panel construction. By minimising seams and strategically placing stretch materials, the clothing follows the rider’s natural body position to create a fit that feels almost invisible on the bike. The result is unrestricted movement through every corner, jump and landing, allowing riders to stay fluid, comfortable and in complete control.

KEEP YOUR COOL

5.5 Racewear combines lightweight performance fabrics, advanced mesh construction and strategically placed laser-cut ventilation to maximize airflow and help regulate body temperature. Together, the jersey and pants provide exceptional breathability without sacrificing the durability needed for professional-level motocross and Supercross.

• Moto 5.5 UltraWeld Jersey /// $84.99 USD / €75.99 EU / £66.99 GBP – A lightweight, race-ready jersey built for maximum performance and comfort.

• Moto 5.5 I.K.S. Pant /// $224.00 USD / €189 EU / £166.99 GBP – Pro-level, race-ready pants designed for unrestricted movement, durability and performance.

The post INTRODUCING LEATT’S ALL-NEW 5.5 RACEWEAR appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.

MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT

The MXA Mid-Week Report is your weekly stop for everything happening in motocross. From the latest racing news and results to industry updates, rider spotlights, videos, product releases and everything in between, we bring together the stories you may have missed and the ones worth keeping an eye on as the week rolls on.

#WHIPITWEDNESDAY

Rider: Axell Hodges

Axell is one of the best to do it when it comes to throwing a motorcycle sideways. Over the years, Hodges has developed one of the most recognizable whip styles in freestyle motocross, combining huge amplitude with a smooth, almost effortless look in the air. What started as a natural extension of his riding style has turned into a signature part of his career, with Axell constantly pushing his whips flatter, farther, and more controlled. His ability to bring the bike back from extreme angles while staying composed has helped set the standard for modern whip contests and made him one of the riders everyone watches when the jumps get big.

HAIDEN DEEGAN SURVIVES DISASTER

Haiden Deegan continued to show progress in the 450 class at Budds Creek, putting together 2-4 moto scores for third overall and another trip to the podium. But the racing was only part of his weekend. Deegan later shared that his flight home experienced a loss of cabin pressure while cruising around 45,000 feet, forcing the pilots to deal with a potentially life-threatening situation. At that altitude, a pressurization failure is extremely serious because the amount of usable oxygen drops rapidly. The FAA lists the time of useful consciousness at 45,000 feet at roughly nine to 15 seconds without proper supplemental oxygen, meaning there is very little time for the crew to get oxygen on and begin an emergency descent before hypoxia can severely impair judgment or cause unconsciousness. What started as another solid podium weekend for Deegan ended with a reminder that the most dangerous part of the trip had nothing to do with the racetrack.

HUNTER LAWRENCE AND JETT LAWRENCE BATTLE INTO THE FINAL ROUND

Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence will take the 450 Pro Motocross Championship all the way down to the final round, separated by just a single point. Hunter reclaimed the red plate at Budds Creek with a dominant 1-1 performance, while Jett salvaged a 5-2 day to keep himself right in the fight. The championship lead has changed hands six times between the brothers this summer, and now everything comes down to the final two motos of the season. With essentially no margin for error, whoever performs best at the finale will walk away with the title, setting up a true winner-take-all battle between the Honda HRC teammates and brothers.

CHANCE HYMAS GRABS THE WIN AT BUDDS CREEK

Chance Hymas’ Budds Creek win meant more than just another trophy. Hymas went 2-1 for his first overall victory of the 2026 season, leading every lap of moto two while holding off a late charge from Levi Kitchen. It was also his third career Pro Motocross overall win. The result carries extra weight after the last few seasons have repeatedly been interrupted by injuries. Hymas had his 2023 season cut short, dealt with a knee injury in 2024, then saw another promising 2025 campaign end early after tearing his ACL. He also spent the beginning of 2026 working back from a shoulder injury and admitted his confidence had taken a hit through the opening rounds. Budds Creek was proof that the speed is still there. After years of rehab, setbacks, and having momentum taken away just as it started building, Hymas finally put everything together again and returned to the top step of the podium.

COLE DAVIES CAPITALIZES ON KITCHEN’S MISTAKES

Cole Davies has put himself in control of the 250 championship by doing exactly what a long outdoor series demands, staying consistent and taking advantage when opportunities come his way. Davies has rarely given away big chunks of points, and when Levi Kitchen has run into trouble, Cole has been there to capitalize. That was especially clear over the last two rounds, with Davies winning Unadilla and then going 1-3 for second overall at Budds Creek. Even when he did not have the speed to win the second moto at Budds Creek, he did not force the issue and throw away valuable points. That maturity has helped Davies turn what was once a championship deficit into a 14-point lead with only the final round remaining.

For Levi Kitchen, the problem has not been a lack of speed, but a lack of consistency across the entire season. Kitchen has shown several times that he can be the fastest rider in the class, but crashes, poor starts and costly mistakes have continued to take points away from otherwise strong weekends. Budds Creek was the latest example. Kitchen qualified fastest and grabbed the moto one holeshot, but a crash and a four-position penalty eventually left him 14th in the moto. He rebounded to second in moto two, but the damage had already been done. In a championship this close, those isolated bad motos add up quickly, and Kitchen now enters the finale 14 points behind Davies with very little room left to recover.

LANDEN GORDON FIRST PODIUM FINISH

Landen Gordon had a breakthrough ride at Budds Creek, earning the first Pro Motocross overall podium of his young career with 3-7 moto scores for third overall. The rookie started the day strong by qualifying near the front, then backed it up with a third-place finish in moto one before doing enough in moto two to secure the overall podium. Gordon said he has been putting together better days during the week and finally felt like he was able to bring that practice speed into a race setting. After going through most of the outdoor season without a top-ten overall, Budds Creek was a huge step forward and showed what the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider is capable of when he gets a good start and puts a full day together.

MXA PHOTO TRIVIA

Who is this rider? The answer can be found at the bottom of this article.

TM DESIGNWORKS TRIUMPH REAR GUIDE

Built for everything from Hard Enduro and Baja to motocross and everyday off-road riding, this chain guide is designed to take serious abuse without sacrificing performance. Its streamlined profile adds protection around the swingarm mounting tabs, while large chamfered edges help deflect rocks and trail debris before they can cause damage. A replaceable wear pad handles abrasive conditions such as mud, sand and oversized sprockets, with redesigned recessed mounting bolts and strengthened low-profile pins for improved clearance and durability. The proprietary RMS plastic formula absorbs impacts and returns to center, while friction-reducing additives and UV protection help extend service life and prevent fading. Compatible with both standard and sealed chains, it includes new mounting hardware, is used by championship-winning race teams around the world, and is proudly made in the USA. Looking to shop? Click here!

TWO-STROKE SPOTLIGHT: JEFF WARD’S 1987 KX250SR

Jeff Ward is a two-time 250 Supercross Champion and four-time outdoor National champ—among other highlights.

Jeff Ward’s second AMA 250cc Supercross championship was won on this KX250 SR in 1987 using the number 3. During the 1987 season, Jeff Ward and Hondas Rick Johnson were involved in a very heated battle for the championship. Jeff prevailed over the heavily favored Honda rider and won his 4th AMA Championship. Jeff’s race bike was based on a production KX model with  KYB works suspension, magnesium front hub, reinforced swingarm area and KMC-developed porting specs along with a Pro Circuit exhaust pipe. Jeff used the number three.

Jeff Ward’s 1987 factory KX250 engine mated with a Pro Circuit pipe.

A Keihin carburetor was used with the factory KX250 SR engine.

 The swingarm on Jeff Ward’s KX250 was reinforced from stock.

 The famous number 3.

Rear disc brake and uni-track suspension were big things back in 1987.

Ward racing this 1987 bike. 

BREAKING NEWS: LUCAS AND SACHA COENEN TO RACE FULL-TIME IN THE U.S. FOR 2027

Lucas and Sacha Coenen are officially headed to the United States full-time for the 2027 season. The Belgian twins will make the move from the FIM Motocross World Championship to the SuperMotocross series with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, bringing two of Europe’s brightest young talents into the American Supercross and Pro Motocross championships. Lucas will step into the 450 ranks, while Sacha will continue aboard the 250 as both brothers begin the next chapter of their careers in the U.S.

Sacha Coenen will make the move to the United States as one of the top young riders coming out of the MX2 World Championship. The Belgian has become a consistent threat for wins with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, claiming multiple Grand Prix victories and holding the MX2 red plate during the 2026 season. Most recently, Coenen dominated the Swedish Grand Prix for his fourth overall victory of the year, going 1-1 on the day. Sacha has also shown that starts are one of his biggest strengths, something that could translate well to the shorter and more aggressive style of racing found in American Supercross. For 2027, Sacha will remain aboard the KTM 250 SX-F and compete in the 250SX and 250MX divisions, although KTM has not yet announced whether he will race the East or West Coast Supercross series.

Lucas Coenen will arrive in America with an already impressive résumé in the premier class. After finishing runner-up in the 2025 MXGP World Championship during his rookie 450 season, Lucas entered 2026 as one of the favorites for the title and took control of the championship lead early in the season. He became the youngest premier-class Grand Prix winner in MXGP history and continued adding victories in 2026, including dominant performances where he controlled entire weekends from qualifying through both motos. A left hip issue has interrupted his championship run late this season, but his speed on the KTM 450 SX-F has already established him as one of the fastest riders in the world. Lucas will go directly into the 450SX and 450MX classes when he makes the full-time move to America in 2027.

The addition of both Coenen brothers brings two legitimate international contenders into an already deep American field. Sacha adds another proven race winner to the 250 class, while Lucas will immediately face the established stars of the 450 division in both Supercross and Pro Motocross. The brothers already received their first taste of AMA racing with a wildcard appearance at Thunder Valley in 2026, but racing the complete SuperMotocross schedule will be a completely different challenge. They will have to adapt to Supercross, new tracks and a different racing format, but their raw speed is not in question. With two more young riders capable of fighting near the front, the arrival of Lucas and Sacha Coenen should only make the 2027 season that much more competitive.

MXA FANTASY LEAGUE: THE WINNER OF THE BUDDS CREEK NATIONAL SCORED 259 POINTS

Jenafireperez came out on top at Budds Creek with 259 points, earning this week’s MXA Fantasy win and a $500 value prize package from Twisted Handlebars. Budds Creek proved to be another difficult round to predict as rain, changing track conditions, and championship pressure shook up both classes. In the 250 class, Chance Hymas put together 2-1 moto scores to take the overall victory, while Cole Davies went 1-3 for second and took control of the championship standings. Levi Kitchen’s difficult opening moto left him playing catch-up, and despite finishing second in moto two, he ended the day fifth overall. The 450 class belonged to Hunter Lawrence, who swept both motos and erased the ten-point deficit he carried into the weekend. Jorge Prado finished second overall, Haiden Deegan took third, and Jett Lawrence finished fourth with 5-2 moto scores. Hunter now leaves Budds Creek with the red plate and a one-point advantage over Jett heading into the final round of the championship.

WEEKLY TOP TEN

The 250 class was very interesting as Kitchen and Davies battled for the points lead.

250 RACE PREDICTIONS 

Ryder DiFrancesco had a scary crash in the second moto but has been riding well.

For Budds Creek, the 250 picks had several strong calls, but the order at the front changed quite a bit once the motos were complete. Levi Kitchen was selected to win, but a difficult opening moto and a four-position penalty left him fifth overall despite rebounding with a second-place finish in moto two. Cole Davies was picked second and landed exactly there with 1-3 moto scores, while Chance Hymas was selected third but went 2-1 to take the overall victory.

Julien Beaumer was another exact prediction, finishing fourth overall right where he was picked. Kayden Minear also matched his sixth-place selection with a solid 5-10 afternoon. Carson Mumford was the biggest miss of the group, as he was picked fifth but ended the day 11th overall after a strong fourth in moto one was followed by a 40th-place finish in moto two. Altogether, Davies, Beaumer and Minear earned exact-position bonuses, while five of the six selected riders still finished inside the top 11 overall.

450 RACE PREDICTIONS 

Hunter Lawrence continues to dominate and has regained momentum after his crash at Unadilla.

For Budds Creek, the 450 picks produced a strong score despite the Lawrence brothers finishing in the opposite order from the original selections. Jett Lawrence was picked to win but finished fourth overall, while Hunter Lawrence was selected second and swept both motos to take the overall victory. Haiden Deegan was the best prediction of the group, finishing exactly where he was picked in third and earning the 10-point exact-position bonus.

Jorge Prado was selected fourth but finished second overall with consistent 3-3 moto scores. Cooper Webb was another exact prediction, taking sixth overall after being picked sixth and earning the bonus. R.J. Hampshire was selected fifth but finished outside the top six in tenth overall, while Mikkel Haarup was the top-six rider who was not selected, finishing fifth. Altogether, Deegan and Webb earned exact-position bonuses, and five of the six selected riders finished inside the actual top six.

MXA FANTASY LEAGUE: WIN A STARK VARG, GIANT BICYCLES MOUNTAIN BIKE & MORE

MXA Fantasy Apple app download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mxa-fantasy-league/id6473468112
MXA Fantasy Android app download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mxa.fantasyleague&pcampaignid=web_share

We are proud to have our own app, built in-house by MXA’s Justin Lee. We love the camaraderie that is created amongst family and friends who play it, and we believe in it so much that we decided to throw some extra motivation into the pot for 2026. This Grand Prize will be randomly selected after the Las Vegas SMX Finale from a list of names of the people who were consistent and diligent enough to enter their picks on time for every race, all season long.

The Giant Bicycles Trance X2 mountain bike will go to the player who has the most points at the end of the 31-round 2026 SuperMotocross season.

As usual, the MXA Fantasy League app is free to download and free to play. In addition to the Stark Varg, we will still be rewarding the top finishing players with weekly prizes, and with a brand new Giant Bicycles Trance X2 Mountain Bike, going to the player with the most points at the end of the 31-race season. Find your flow on the mountain with the Giant Trance X2 (the one we’re giving away is Metallic Black, as pictured). This bike has adjustable geometry, the option to change rear wheel size, and it comes with a new 140mm Maestro rear suspension setup. This versatile trail bike is ready to conquer single-track with confidence and control, and it is perfect for cross-training for motocross.

FIRST RIDE: ALL-NEW 2027 YAMAHA YZ250F

CLASSIC MXA PHOTO

This is Jody Weisel at Rincon in central California. Both Jody and MXA editor Justin Lee have a passion for surfing. Surfing is about as raw with nature as it gets. There is no engine, no track and no way to control what is coming at you. You are reading the ocean, feeling the wind, watching the swell and trying to work with something far more powerful than you are. Dirt bikes have that same connection in a different way. A motorcycle can take you deep into mountains, deserts and forests where almost nothing else can go, with the exception of a horse. Both put you directly into the environment instead of separating you from it. You feel the terrain, the weather and every change beneath you, which is what makes riding and surfing feel less like traditional sports and more like interacting with nature itself.

The post MOTOCROSS ACTION MID-WEEK REPORT appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.

2027 YAMAHA YZ250F NEW, ENGINE , SUSPENSION & CHASSIS

The MXA wrecking crew traveled across the country to ClubMX in Chesterfield, South Carolina, to put the 2027 Yamaha YZ250F to the test. Josh Fout and Dennis Stapleton break down how the new Yamaha performs on one of the East Coast’s premier tracks, evaluating its engine, suspension, handling and overall potential in the ultra-competitive 250 four-stroke class.

The post FIRST RIDE 👀 ALL- NEW 2027 YAMAHA YZ250F appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.

BREAKING NEWS: LUCAS AND SACHA COENEN TO RACE FULL-TIME IN THE U.S. FOR 2027

Lucas and Sacha Coenen are officially headed to the United States full-time for the 2027 season. The Belgian twins will make the move from the FIM Motocross World Championship to the SuperMotocross series with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, bringing two of Europe’s brightest young talents into the American Supercross and Pro Motocross championships. Lucas will step into the 450 ranks, while Sacha will continue aboard the 250 as both brothers begin the next chapter of their careers in the U.S.

Sacha Coenen will make the move to the United States as one of the top young riders coming out of the MX2 World Championship. The Belgian has become a consistent threat for wins with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, claiming multiple Grand Prix victories and holding the MX2 red plate during the 2026 season. Most recently, Coenen dominated the Swedish Grand Prix for his fourth overall victory of the year, going 1-1 on the day. Sacha has also shown that starts are one of his biggest strengths, something that could translate well to the shorter and more aggressive style of racing found in American Supercross. For 2027, Sacha will remain aboard the KTM 250 SX-F and compete in the 250SX and 250MX divisions, although KTM has not yet announced whether he will race the East or West Coast Supercross series.

Lucas Coenen will arrive in America with an already impressive résumé in the premier class. After finishing runner-up in the 2025 MXGP World Championship during his rookie 450 season, Lucas entered 2026 as one of the favorites for the title and took control of the championship lead early in the season. He became the youngest premier-class Grand Prix winner in MXGP history and continued adding victories in 2026, including dominant performances where he controlled entire weekends from qualifying through both motos. A left hip issue has interrupted his championship run late this season, but his speed on the KTM 450 SX-F has already established him as one of the fastest riders in the world. Lucas will go directly into the 450SX and 450MX classes when he makes the full-time move to America in 2027.

The addition of both Coenen brothers brings two legitimate international contenders into an already deep American field. Sacha adds another proven race winner to the 250 class, while Lucas will immediately face the established stars of the 450 division in both Supercross and Pro Motocross. The brothers already received their first taste of AMA racing with a wildcard appearance at Thunder Valley in 2026, but racing the complete SuperMotocross schedule will be a completely different challenge. They will have to adapt to Supercross, new tracks and a different racing format, but their raw speed is not in question. With two more young riders capable of fighting near the front, the arrival of Lucas and Sacha Coenen should only make the 2027 season that much more competitive.

The post BREAKING NEWS: LUCAS AND SACHA COENEN TO RACE FULL-TIME IN THE U.S. FOR 2027 appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.

Motocross history is filled with examples of creative ideas that were heralded as groundbreaking, but, because of the rapid rate of change in development, sank into the swamp of forgotten technology. Although some ideas are best left abandoned, others were truly innovative (if not ultimately successful). MXA loves to reveal motocross’ tech trivia. Do you remember this idea? Scott EFS electronic Roll-Off goggles.

Dr. Bob Smith started Smith goggles in his kitchen in 1965, and by 1974 the company was big enough to form a joint venture with Scott Goggles. When Scott went bankrupt in 1981, Dr. Bob Smith bought it. In five short years, from 1979 to 1984, Smith made history with Turbo Fan goggles, which had a battery-operated micro fan in the frame to ventilate the goggles and the Roll-Off system, which provided a continuous strip of film that could be moved from roll to roll via a pull cord. Because of the Roll-Off patent, only Smith and, by proxy, Scott could make Roll-Offs.

In 1991, Scott came out with the Scott EFS electronic Roll-Off system for the Model 89 goggles. It used the battery pack from the Turbo Fan goggle to operate an electric motor that would reel the film across the lens with no need for the pull cord. Instead, an electronic photo cell started the electric motor when you waved your hand in front of it. When it worked, it was phenomenal, but it didn’t work every time; and, often it would work when you raced into a shady area or when you threw your EFS goggles into your gear bag. Scott tried to fix it with an updated push-button model, but by that time, EFS was deemed a failure by the buying public and was discontinued.

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The post FORGOTTEN MOTOCROSS TECH: SCOTT EFS ELECTRONIC ROLL-OFFS appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.

We get misty-eyed sometimes thinking about past bikes we loved and those that should remain forgotten. We take you on a trip down memory lane with bike tests that got filed away and disregarded in the MXA archives. We reminisce on a piece of moto history that has been resurrected. Here is the test of the 2011 Husqvarna TC449.

The 2011 Husqvarna TC449 was a Swedish, Italian, German and Taiwanese collaboration that’s the worst expression of international harmony.

Q: FIRST AND FOREMOST, IS THE 2011 TC449 BETTER THAN THE 2010 TC449?

A: Yes it is, but this an apples-and-oranges question. The 2011 Husqvarna TC449 has almost nothing in common with the 2010 TC450—and we mean nothing. The only part that we could find that both bikes shared in common was the front wheel—and even it had been modified for 2011. 

Q: IS THE HUSKY TC449 OLD FASHIONED OR CUTTING EDGE?

A: It is beyond cutting edge—this is not your grandpa’s motocross bike, or your father’s bike, or your son’s bike or your next door neighbor’s bike. The TC449 isn’t similar to any motocross bike in recent history. Husqvarna has thrown out the bike-building rule book, ripped it to shreds and lit it on fire. No motocross bike has ever looked like this, worked like this or had as many Gyro Gearloose ideas.

Q: WHAT ARE THE 10 MOST UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE 2011 HUSQVARNA TC449?

A: What isn’t? Here is the list.

(1) Engine. The BMW-designed engine is the first full-size motocross bike to come with a Taiwanese-manufactured engine (from Kymco).

(2) Valve train. The four-valve dual-cam engine drives the exhaust valves with a bucket-over-shim system, while the intake valves are operated by finger-followers.

(3) Clutch. The tiny Belleville washer-controlled Husqvarna clutch is located on the end of the crankshaft.

(4) Gas cap. Fuel goes into the TC449 via a gas cap that is positioned behind the seat.

This is the left-side gas tank. There is also a second gas tank on the right side of the bike and one under the seat, but even stranger, the gas cap is in the back of the seat.

(5) Gas tanks. That is plural because there are two gas tanks—one under the seat and one behind the cylinder. The second gas tank is translucent so the rider can quickly check if he has any gas left in the tank. The combined volume of both tanks is only 1.98 gallons.

(6) Swingarm pivot. Unique to the Husky and BMW G450X is a concentric swingarm pivot that is located directly over the countershaft sprocket.

(7) Ignition map. Riders can choose between two preprogrammed ignition maps by pressing a handlebar-mounted switch.

(8) Bodywork. It looks more like an airplane fuselage than the typical motocross bike; it makes the KTM’s cladding-style design look commonplace.

(9) Shock linkage. Don’t look under the swingarm to see the rising-rate shock linkage. Instead, look on top of the swingarm.

(10) Seat. The seat can be removed to access the air filter or battery by the twist of a Dzus fastener at the front; no tools required.

IT IS BEYOND CUTTING EDGE—THIS IS NOT YOUR GRANDPA’S MOTOCROSS BIKE, OR YOUR FATHER’S BIKE, OR YOUR SON’S BIKE OR YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR’S BIKE. THE TC449 ISN’T SIMILAR TO ANY MOTOCROSS BIKE IN RECENT HISTORY.

Q: IS THE TC449 FUEL INJECTED?

A: Yes. In fact, it uses the same basic EFI setup as every major fuel-injected bike. It has a 46mm Keihin throttle body with two ignition maps. It is equipped with a NGK CR9EKB spark plug and electric starting (via a battery under the seat).

The clutch plates were tiny. Not only that, but the clutch was mounted on the end of the crankshaft. We placed a Timex wrist watch next to it to give you a size comparison

Q: HOW DOES THE CRANK-MOUNTED CLUTCH WORK?

A: The BMW-designed engine is the only modern motocross bike to mount the clutch on the crankshaft, where it spins faster than a typical clutch (almost three times faster). It gets its mechanical advantage from its rotation, not its size. The steel clutch basket holds very small clutch plates, which are controlled by a Belleville-style concentric washer. Because the clutch is so small, there is no room for rubber or spring cushions to absorb shock loads. To handle sudden forces, Husky geared the clutch basket to the gearbox via a torque limiter, which is essentially a metal-to-metal friction disc that slips when the jolt to the clutch exceeds a certain force.  The BMW-designed, Taiwan-built, fuel-injected engine was a refugee from the failed BMW G450X project.

Q: WHAT IS THE BORE AND STROKE OF THE TC449

A: The bore and stroke is 98mm x 59.6mm with a displacement of 449.6cc and a compression ratio of 13:1. There is a 501cc version, called the TC511, that has a 3mm-larger bore.

Q: HOW WOULD WE DESCRIBE THE 2011 TC449 POWERBAND?

A: Torquey. It is the most hooked up of any 450 four-stroke we have ever ridden. Thanks to heavy flywheels, the TC449 can be chugged and lugged with ease. Although it doesn’t have much in the way of top-end over-rev, it gets the job done when the rider short-shifts and uses the torque curve instead of the rpm curve.

Q: IS THE HUSKY TC449 THE FASTEST 450 MADE?

A: No, no, no! Without any over-rev, the TC449’s claim to fame is its ability to grab traction on rock-hard dirt, pull up steep hills with minimal spin, and power out of turns with no need to close your eyes and hang on. It is, however, not only slow-revving but slow in motion.

NO, NO, NO! WITHOUT ANY OVER-REV, THE TC449’S CLAIM TO FAME IS ITS ABILITY TO GRAB TRACTION ON ROCK-HARD DIRT, PULL UP STEEP HILLS WITH MINIMAL SPIN, AND POWER OUT OF TURNS WITH NO NEED TO CLOSE YOUR EYES AND HANG ON.

Q: WHAT IS A COAXIAL TRACTION SYSTEM (CTS)?

A: To tell the truth, we don’t really know. Here are four things we noted:

(1) Close inspection of the TC449 will reveal that the swingarm’s pivot is directly aligned with the center of the countershaft sprocket. This means that the chain’s tension never changes through the arc of the rear swingarm’s travel. That is good because it enhances the life of the chain and sprocket, and perhaps lessens chain snatch to some degree.

(2) The swingarm is slightly longer than the typical swingarm (basically because it is extended forward to line up with the countershaft). Most test riders noticed a tendency for the TC449 to squat under acceleration and lift the front wheel under drive.

(3) Husqvarna makes no claims about reducing chain torque and, in fact, their claims of decreased movement of the rear wheel and minimal rear-wheel squat under acceleration would lead one to believe that CTS increases chain torque instead of reducing it.

(4) No matter how you cut it, Husqvarna has carved their own path (led by the BMW G450X) when it comes to rear suspension, but it is a confusing path of contradictions.

Q: WHAT DID WE HATE?

A: The hate list:

(1) Chassis setup. The rear of the TC449 is much higher than the front. This stinkbug setup means that any test rider under 5-foot-10 had trouble touching the ground.

(2) Weight. Although the German/Italian/Taiwanese engine is small and compact, the overall machine is quite heavy. This seems to be a universal crime in the 450 class in 2011, as only the Honda CRF450 comes in under 240 pounds. The Husky’s unique bodywork doesn’t leave a lot of options for picking it up.

(3) Gas cap. The gas cap is behind the seat. You can’t see where the gas level is, because it is very dark under the seat. The warning that the gas tank is almost full is only one-tenth of a second. We spilled gas every time we filled the TC449.

(4) Rear brake pedal. It sticks out, probably because the clutch actuator extends beyond the clutch cover. It was weird.

THE LASTING LEGACY OF THE 2011 TC449 WAS ITS STRANGE-FOR-THE-TIMES PLASTIC, WHICH WAS DISLIKED WITH A PASSION, BUT WENT ON TO SET THE TREND THAT MANY MANUFACTURERS HAVE ADOPTED IN THE ENSUING 15 YEARS.

Q: WHAT DID WE LIKE?

A: The like list:

(1) Clutch. We admit that we haven’t seen a crank-mounted clutch in 35 years (and that was on a Hodaka), but it did work, although we didn’t think it would and we can’t guarantee how long those Munckin clutch plates will last. We credit Brembo’s hydraulics for the consistent feel. There are two maps—“Soft” and “Hard.” They don’t refer to engine power, but instead to the dirt type.

(2) Maps. Husqvarna equipped the TC449 with two maps. They are labeled “soft” and “hard.” Don’t assume that the soft map is for a mellower hit, and the hard map is for more punch. Not so. The soft map is for soft dirt (thus, more hit), and the hard map is for hard dirt (less hit). We tested this bike at several tracks (including some in Italy) and actually did preferred the hard map when the ground was hard and slippery. But, for prepped racetracks, we ran the soft map. You can’t switch maps on the fly. You have to turn the engine off for 10 seconds before flipping the switch.

(3) Brakes. The 260mm front rotor does a great job of hauling the Husky down from speed.

Q: WHAT DO WE REALLY THINK?

A: Husqvarna adds much-needed flavor to the American motocross market, but it is a flavor that most people won’t jell with. From its torque-focused powerband, to its aerospace plastic, to its two gas tanks, to its unusual rear-suspension system, to its BMW roots, to its Taiwanese engine, to its shock linkage on top of the swingarm (instead of under it)—this is a recipe for disaster.

Editor’s note: After this MXA test was published, Husqvarna elected not to import the motocross version of the TC449. This, on top of the total failure of the BMW G450X version of these same ideas, made BMW elect to get out of the dirt bike business and they sold Husqvarna to KTM. The lasting legacy of the 2011 TC449 was its strange-for-the-times plastic, which was disliked with a passion by most racers, but went on to set the trend that many manufacturers have adopted in the ensuing 15 years. 

The post MXA RETRO TEST: STRANGE-FOR-THE-TIMES 2011 HUSQVARNA TC449 appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.

MXA FANTASY LEAGUE: THE WINNER OF THE BUDDS CREEK NATIONAL SCORED 259 POINTS

Jenafireperez came out on top at Budds Creek with 259 points, earning this week’s MXA Fantasy win and a $500 value prize package from Twisted Handlebars. Budds Creek proved to be another difficult round to predict as rain, changing track conditions, and championship pressure shook up both classes. In the 250 class, Chance Hymas put together 2-1 moto scores to take the overall victory, while Cole Davies went 1-3 for second and took control of the championship standings. Levi Kitchen’s difficult opening moto left him playing catch-up, and despite finishing second in moto two, he ended the day fifth overall. The 450 class belonged to Hunter Lawrence, who swept both motos and erased the ten-point deficit he carried into the weekend. Jorge Prado finished second overall, Haiden Deegan took third, and Jett Lawrence finished fourth with 5-2 moto scores. Hunter now leaves Budds Creek with the red plate and a one-point advantage over Jett heading into the final round of the championship.

WEEKLY TOP TEN

The 250 class was very interesting as Kitchen and Davies battled for the points lead.

250 RACE PREDICTIONS 

Ryder DiFrancesco had a scary crash in the second moto but has been riding well.

For Budds Creek, the 250 picks had several strong calls, but the order at the front changed quite a bit once the motos were complete. Levi Kitchen was selected to win, but a difficult opening moto and a four-position penalty left him fifth overall despite rebounding with a second-place finish in moto two. Cole Davies was picked second and landed exactly there with 1-3 moto scores, while Chance Hymas was selected third but went 2-1 to take the overall victory.

Julien Beaumer was another exact prediction, finishing fourth overall right where he was picked. Kayden Minear also matched his sixth-place selection with a solid 5-10 afternoon. Carson Mumford was the biggest miss of the group, as he was picked fifth but ended the day 11th overall after a strong fourth in moto one was followed by a 40th-place finish in moto two. Altogether, Davies, Beaumer and Minear earned exact-position bonuses, while five of the six selected riders still finished inside the top 11 overall.

450 RACE PREDICTIONS 

Hunter Lawrence continues to dominate and has regained momentum after his crash at Unadilla.

For Budds Creek, the 450 picks produced a strong score despite the Lawrence brothers finishing in the opposite order from the original selections. Jett Lawrence was picked to win but finished fourth overall, while Hunter Lawrence was selected second and swept both motos to take the overall victory. Haiden Deegan was the best prediction of the group, finishing exactly where he was picked in third and earning the 10-point exact-position bonus.

Jorge Prado was selected fourth but finished second overall with consistent 3-3 moto scores. Cooper Webb was another exact prediction, taking sixth overall after being picked sixth and earning the bonus. R.J. Hampshire was selected fifth but finished outside the top six in tenth overall, while Mikkel Haarup was the top-six rider who was not selected, finishing fifth. Altogether, Deegan and Webb earned exact-position bonuses, and five of the six selected riders finished inside the actual top six.

MXA FANTASY LEAGUE: WIN A STARK VARG, GIANT BICYCLES MOUNTAIN BIKE & MORE

MXA Fantasy Apple app download: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mxa-fantasy-league/id6473468112
MXA Fantasy Android app download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mxa.fantasyleague&pcampaignid=web_share

We are proud to have our own app, built in-house by MXA’s Justin Lee. We love the camaraderie that is created amongst family and friends who play it, and we believe in it so much that we decided to throw some extra motivation into the pot for 2026. This Grand Prize will be randomly selected after the Las Vegas SMX Finale from a list of names of the people who were consistent and diligent enough to enter their picks on time for every race, all season long.

The Giant Bicycles Trance X2 mountain bike will go to the player who has the most points at the end of the 31-round 2026 SuperMotocross season.

As usual, the MXA Fantasy League app is free to download and free to play. In addition to the Stark Varg, we will still be rewarding the top finishing players with weekly prizes, and with a brand new Giant Bicycles Trance X2 Mountain Bike, going to the player with the most points at the end of the 31-race season. Find your flow on the mountain with the Giant Trance X2 (the one we’re giving away is Metallic Black, as pictured). This bike has adjustable geometry, the option to change rear wheel size, and it comes with a new 140mm Maestro rear suspension setup. This versatile trail bike is ready to conquer single-track with confidence and control, and it is perfect for cross-training for motocross.

The post MXA FANTASY LEAGUE: THE WINNER OF THE BUDDS CREEK NATIONAL SCORED 259 POINTS appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.

BY JODY WEISEL

Life’s most important lessons come at some expense, considerable embarrassment and an emotional toll. In my chronological rear view mirror, I believe that everything I ever achieved came easy to me. Maybe that is true, but in hindsight, it is possible that the rear window of my memory might have been fogged up. I didn’t learn quick. I learned things the hard way.

When I was a young baseball player, I ended up getting an offer to play for a Boston Red Sox’s minor league team at 16 years old. Sounds great, but when I was in the Little League my coach benched me in the third inning of a game. I was so embarassed that I went to the far end of the dugout and cried. The coach came down and sat next to me and said, “Jody, you have nothing to cry about. We are leading seven to nothing and I wanted to take the opportunity to let some of our players who never get into a game to have their chance. You should be happy for them.” Lesson learned!

Jody at Rincon Del Mar in the winter of 1969.

When I was a wannabe surfer and I paddled out for the first time, I struggled to punch through the incoming waves. I didn’t know enough to “duck dive” and for every 10 feet I made by padding hard, I lost 12. When I finally got outside I was exhausted. Worse yet, I was afraid to catch a wave because then I would have to paddle back out again. It turns out that there would be no surfing without paddling. This photo of Jody was shot at Rincon Del Mar in 1969 during a winter swell. Lesson learned!

Jody on his 1974 Hodaka Super Combat at Mosier Valley in Texas.

When I rode a dirt bike for the first time on a race track, every time I came to a jump I would jump off the footpegs, thinking I was helping the bike get into the air. I didn’t know any better, until a grizzled motocross veteran of 18 pulled me aside and said, “You are going to kill yourself doing that. Press down on the pegs as you go up the face of the jump. If you keep lifting your feet off the pegs, you will end up doing a Flying W.” I didn’t know what a Flying W was, but I knew from the look on his face that I didn’t want to find out. Lesson learned!

JODY ON HIS 1981 MAICO MEGA 2 AT LAKE MADERA IN 1982

When I was a hot-shot motocross racer, I got hired to test bikes, aftermarket products and gear for manufacturers. I felt like I had a sacred trust to write harsh test reports so that the bosses at the company would know what was wrong with his shocks, boots, levers or spring rates. I was sure that he would appreciate my input and fix all the flaws I found. It turns out that in many cases, I was the only flaw that they found with their product. Lesson learned!

JODY WENT TO COLLEGE FOR NINE YEARS TO BECOME A COLLEGE PROFESSOR, ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT LEATHERS, BOOTS, GOGGLES AND A HELMET WERE HIS BEST BUSINESS ATTIRE.

When I taught Social Research Methods at North Texas State University, the first day that I walked into a classroom and started explaining Chi Square to 30 sophomores, I noticed that the ten people in the front of the classroom were very smart girls and that the ten students in the back rows of the class, mostly football players and frat boys, weren’t paying any attention. The only people learning anything that day were the ten students in the middle rows and me. Lesson learned!

Legendary motorcycle designer Horst Leitner’s 1974 Pursang with multiple shocks.[/caption]

LEGENDARY MOTORCYCLE DESIGNER HORST LEITNER BUILT A 1974 PURSANG WITH MULTIPLE SHOCKS AND A LINK BETWEEN THE SWINGARM AND THE AND THE REAR WHEEL.

When ATK’s Horst Leitner asked Alan Olson and I to take his latest creation for a couple laps at Saddleback and tell him what we thought, I was surprised when Alan came in and Horst said that he didn’t want Alan’s opinion, only mine. I asked him why, since Alan was a very good test rider. He said, “He wasn’t serious about it, he didn’t try hard enough.” I asked him, “How do you know that Alan wasn’t serious about testing the bikes?” Horst said in his Austrian accent, “He didn’t put his gloves on.” Lesson learned!

“I DON’T CARE IF YOU’RE RIGHT OR WRONG, AS LONG AS YOU ARE ALWAYS RIGHT OR ALWAYS WRONG. BUT YOU CAN’T BE A GOOD TEST RIDER IF YOU ARE ONLY RIGHT HALF THE TIME.”

Jody and Ed Scheidler 30 years later.

When I tested bikes for Yamaha’s Ed Scheidler, I was often back in the pits 15 seconds after he sent me out to test something. He insisted in language I can’t repeat that I needed to ride the requisite three laps.

I said, “I don’t need three laps when it’s bad on the way to the track. I’m right about this.” He told me that he wanted me to put my butt in the saddle and go back out and prove that the setting was wrong. To which I said, “But I’m right, this change was no good.” He sternly replied, “I don’t care if you’re right or wrong, as long as you are always right or always wrong. But you can’t be a good test rider if you are only right half the time.” Lesson learned!

Today, much like Yamaha’s Ed Scheidler, I rely on MXA’s test riders and I don’t like it when I think they didn’t put enough effort into testing the things I wanted information on. When I confront them, they replied that what I wanted them to test was going in the wrong direction and a waste of time. I always reply, “You learn as much from being wrong as you do from being right.” Thanks Ed.

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The Lawrence brothers continue to lead the 2026 AMA 450 Nationals . They traded places and they traded wins, which gave them a stranglehold on the 2026  title.—Well one of them then at the east.

Jorge Prado (26) not only holeshot, but he chased Hunter and Jett Lawrence all the way to the finish line and ended-up second overall at Budds Creek.

Budds Creek was inundated by a powerful rain storm, but as the day progressed the track became more manageable. In the 250 class Honda’s Chase Hymas took the overall victory with a 2-1 edging out Cole Davies 1-3. Meanwhile in the 450 class Hunter Lawrence, was under pressure from Jorge Prado in the second 450 moto, who would later be challenged by Jett Lawrence, who first had to disperse with Mikkel Haarup to get to third behind Hunter and Jorge. Jett finally caught and passed Jorge Prado with one laps to go, but Prado’s third in the second moto matched his third in the first moto to get him to the second step on the podium. Haiden Deegan’s 2-4 was good enough for third overall—edging out Jett’s 5-2.

2026 BUDDS CREEK 450 RESULTS
1. Hunter Lawrence (Hon)……1-1
2. Jorge Prado (KTM)……………3-3
3. Haiden Deegan (Yam)………2-4
4. Jett Lawrence (Hon)…………5-2
5. Mikkel Haarup (Tri)…………..8-5
6. Cooper Webb (Yam)………….6-9
7. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)…..10-7
8. Justin Barcia (Duc)……………..7-10
9. Eli Tomac (KTM)………………….4-13
10. R.J. Hampshire (Hus)……….12-6
11. Garrett Marchbanks (Kaw)..9-11
12. Dylan Ferrandis (Duc)………..14-8
13. Malcolm Stewart (Hus)……..15-14
14. Christian Craig (Hon)………..11-18
15. Benny Bloss (Bet)……………18-12

Chance Hymas (26) holeshot the second 250 moto and then went on to win the second moto and the overall

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2026 PRO MOTOCROSS POINT STANDINGS (AFTER ROUND 10 OF 11)

Budds Creek threw another major twist into the 250 championship with the rain, mud and penalties all playing a role. Levi Kitchen started the day with a one-point lead over Cole Davies and grabbed the moto one holeshot, but his advantage disappeared almost immediately when he went down and dropped deep into the pack. Chance Hymas took over out front before Davies worked his way past and began pulling away. Kitchen charged back through the field, but his race became even tougher after he was forced to ditch his goggles. He eventually crossed the line tenth, but a four-position penalty dropped him to 14th in the official results. Davies took the win ahead of Hymas and Landen Gordon, giving Davies control of the championship heading into moto two. Hymas came back with the holeshot in the second moto and opened a gap while Davies and Kitchen worked into second and third. Kitchen eventually found another gear, caught Davies and made the pass for second before closing all the way onto Hymas in the final laps. Lapped riders made things difficult for both of them, but Hymas held his ground and took the moto win. His 2-1 scores gave him the Budds Creek overall, while Davies went 1-3 for second. Gordon’s 3-7 finishes put him third overall, Julien Beaumer went 8-4 for fourth and Kitchen’s 14-2 scores left him fifth. The championship that entered Budds Creek separated by one point now leaves Maryland with Davies holding a 14-point advantage over Kitchen, 378 to 364, with only the Ironman finale remaining.

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The 450 class delivered another championship swing, this time in Hunter Lawrence’s favor. Haiden Deegan grabbed the moto one holeshot, but Hunter wasted little time getting to the front and took over the lead on the opening lap. Jett Lawrence’s race started much differently. He was forced wide into the grass off the start and came around 22nd on lap one, leaving him with a long climb back through the field. While Hunter controlled the race out front, Deegan kept him honest and Jorge Prado moved into third. Jett steadily worked his way forward and eventually salvaged fifth, but Hunter’s win cut the championship gap from ten points to just two. Moto two was more straightforward for Hunter. Prado got a strong jump, but Hunter slipped underneath him and took control almost immediately, building a gap before the first lap was complete. Jett worked his way into third and later moved past Prado for second, while Deegan climbed into fourth and Mikkel Haarup put together a strong ride in fifth. Nobody had an answer for Hunter, who completed the 1-1 sweep and erased the championship deficit entirely. Prado’s consistent 3-3 scores earned him second overall, Deegan went 2-4 for third, Jett’s 5-2 finishes placed him fourth and Haarup rounded out the top five with 8-5 scores. Hunter leaves Budds Creek with 442 points and the red plate, while Jett sits just one point behind at 441 heading into the final round.

2026 BUDDS CREEK NATIONAL // FULL COVERAGE

250 POINT STANDINGS (AFTER BUDDS CREEK)

Landen Gordon scored his first podium finish. 

Cole Davies stayed consistent and grabbed the points lead once again.

Ryder DiFrancesco was very fast but a crash in moto two put him back.

450 POINT STANDINGS (AFTER BUDDS CREEK)

Hunter Lawrence goes 1-1 on the day and regains the points lead by one.

Haiden Deegan had strong finishes putting himself on the podium.

Jorge Prado went 3-3 on the day and keeps things moving forward.

2026 BUDDS CREEK NATIONAL // FULL COVERAGE

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450 OVERALL RACE RESULTS // 2026 BUDDS CREEK NATIONAL – PRESENTED BY FXR

Presented by FXR Racing: The 450 class is heading into the motos at Budds Creek with the track looking completely different from what the riders saw early in the morning. Haiden Deegan grabbed the top qualifying spot before the rain took over, with Jett Lawrence second, R.J. Hampshire third, Hunter Lawrence fourth and Eli Tomac fifth. By the second session, the track had deteriorated so badly that most of the field completed only a lap before heading back to the pits, leaving the opening-session times untouched. Deegan was one of the few riders willing to keep circulating in the mud, and he looked comfortable even as conditions continued to get worse. Jett enters the afternoon with a ten-point championship lead over Hunter, but on a track this wet and unpredictable, outright speed may matter less than getting a start, staying upright and keeping the bike moving. Budds Creek is set up for a completely different kind of 450 race.

2026 BUDDS CREEK NATIONAL // FULL COVERAGE

450 OVERALL RACE RESULTS

R.J. Hampshire was very fast, but a few mistakes kept him from the top five.

Jorge Prado got a strong jump off the start, but Hunter Lawrence slipped underneath him in the opening corner and quickly took control of the race. Hunter wasted no time building a gap, stretching his advantage to nearly three seconds by the end of the first lap.

Further back, Haiden Deegan and Jett Lawrence were working through traffic while battling around R.J. Hampshire and Justin Barcia for position. Jett was able to make his way forward into third, while Deegan had a tougher time getting around Barcia before eventually moving into fifth.

Out front, Hunter continued to look comfortable and extended his lead to roughly six seconds over Prado. Prado was also riding well in second and keeping Jett behind him, while Mikkel Haarup held a strong fourth aboard the Triumph.

As the race wore on, Deegan eventually found his way past Haarup for fourth, but there was no catching Hunter Lawrence. Hunter controlled the moto from the opening lap to the finish and maximized his points with another strong win.

Jorge Prado ran a consistent second but would lose the spot to Jett on the last lap. 

Eli Tomac had a better day and is starting to find some speed.

450 RACE RESULTS MOTO 1

Hunter Lawrence is a man on a mission.

Haiden Deegan and the Budds Creek track work very well together.

2026 BUDDS CREEK NATIONAL // FULL COVERAGE

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