The second half of the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship kicks off this Saturday at Minnesota’s legendary Spring Creek MX Park, where the FXR Spring Creek National Presented by Frescados Tortillas will host Round 7 of the outdoor season. The 44th running of the event promises to be one of the most anticipated races of the summer, with the title fights in both classes separated by a combined three points.
Spring Creek MX Park has remained a staple of the Pro Motocross calendar since joining the schedule in 1983, making this year’s event the venue’s 44th consecutive running. The track features the longest start straight in American motocross, along with iconic sections including the infamous sand whoops, the Holy Schmidt jump named after late Minnesota legend Donny Schmidt, and the challenging Mount Martin section.
For 2026, Mount Martin has undergone a significant redesign. Rather than featuring the steepest and longest ascent and descent in the championship, the hillside centrepiece now includes a technical downhill s-turn that bisects the descent into two parts, creating additional passing opportunities for riders.
In the 450SMX Class, siblings Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence continue their historic battle for supremacy. The Honda HRC Progressive teammates have traded wins throughout the first six rounds, with three victories apiece. Following a late-race mistake by Hunter at Southwick, Jett Lawrence reclaimed the red plate and now holds a slim one-point advantage heading into Minnesota.
Both Lawrence brothers have excelled at Spring Creek previously, with Jett capturing victories in both of his premier class starts at the venue, while Hunter has earned back-to-back runner-up finishes. Adding intrigue to the 450SMX battle is the news that four-time champion Eli Tomac of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is set to return to action, whilst Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan continues to make progress during his rookie campaign.
The 250SMX Class remains exceptionally competitive despite injuries to former points leaders Seth Hammaker and Jo Shimoda. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies carries the red plate for the first time in his career, holding a two-point advantage over Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen. The New Zealander will make his Spring Creek debut, whilst Kitchen returns to the site of his maiden outdoor victory in 2024.
The first half of the season has produced five different winners in the 250SMX Class, including three first-time victors. Kitchen and Davies both earned podium finishes at Southwick, where MX2 points leader Sacha Coenen delivered a captivating one-off performance to claim victory.
Track action begins at 6:00 AM PT / 9:00 AM ET on Saturday, 18 July, with opening ceremonies at 10:15 AM PT / 1:15 PM ET. The motos will commence at 11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET, with comprehensive live streaming coverage available exclusively on Peacock.
Photo: MX Sports Pro Racing Media
