The legendary sands of The Wick 338 will mark a significant milestone this weekend as Southwick celebrates 50 years of hosting Pro Motocross Championship racing. The Crestview Construction Southwick National, scheduled for Saturday, 11 July, represents round six of the outdoor campaign and the halfway point of the 2026 season.
First held in 1976 during the championship’s formative years, the Southwick National has endured as one of American motocross’ most gruelling and celebrated events. The 45th running of the race will once again provide the ultimate test of patience and endurance in Western Massachusetts’ unique sand circuit, nestled behind American Legion Post 338.
“For the past five decades The Wick 338 has not only remained an integral contributor and supporter of the community in Southwick, but it has also carved out a truly unique and indelible legacy within American motocross,” said Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing.
The event continues its multi-year partnership with local business Crestview Construction, which returns as title sponsor. Established in 1983, the Southwick-based company has grown from a two-truck operation to become one of the area’s most prominent businesses.
450SMX Class Championship Battle Intensifies
The premier class arrives at Southwick with championship points incredibly tight at the top. Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence reclaimed the red plate with his class-leading third overall victory of the season at RedBud, establishing a slender three-point advantage over younger brother Jett Lawrence.
Hunter’s recent form at High Point and RedBud suggests the elder Australian is poised to tighten his grip on the championship. However, Jett remains a formidable threat despite continuing to adapt to racing with his surgically repaired foot and ankle. The younger Lawrence brother arrives at Southwick undefeated in three premier class starts at the venue.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado showcased world championship form at RedBud, leading the most laps and securing a career-best runner-up finish. The Spaniard’s momentum continues at Southwick, where he earned his first Pro Motocross top-five last season. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan sits fourth in points after a sixth-place finish at RedBud.
The 450SMX Class receives a significant boost with three European guests. Belgian Lucas Coenen, the current MXGP points leader, returns to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing following his memorable Thunder Valley debut. The sand specialist should be considered a genuine victory contender. Italian legend Antonio Cairoli will compete again with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing, whilst Dutch veteran Roan van de Moosdijk makes his second start with Kosak KTM Racing Team.
250SMX Class Takes Shape
After an unpredictable opening month, the 250SMX Class championship picture is crystallising. Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda carries the red plate for the first time, holding a four-point advantage over Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies.
Davies became the division’s first repeat winner with back-to-back victories at High Point and RedBud, whilst Shimoda has strung together three consecutive podium finishes since his Thunder Valley victory, including his first moto win of the season at RedBud.
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen has dropped from first to third after costly miscues in the past two races. The American faces a nine-point deficit to Shimoda heading into Southwick.
The 250SMX Class also welcomes international reinforcements, spearheaded by Sacha Coenen, the other half of the Coenen twins and current MX2 championship leader. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider captured a moto win at Thunder Valley and brings formidable sand-riding credentials. Venum BUD Racing Kawasaki’s Francisco Garcia and Jake Cannon, who sit first and second in the EMX250 Championship, will also compete.
On-track action begins Saturday at 8 a.m. ET, with opening ceremonies at 12:15 p.m. ET before the first moto at 1 p.m. ET. Comprehensive live streaming coverage will air exclusively on Peacock.
Photo: MX Sports Pro Racing Media
