The 2026 Pro Motocross Championship reaches its most pivotal juncture this weekend as the series arrives at Unadilla MX for Round 26 of the Monster Energy SMX World Championship. With just three races remaining in the outdoor season, both the 450SMX and 250SMX classes feature championship battles amongst the closest in series history.
The ELF Lubricants Unadilla National marks the 40th running of the series’ oldest race, taking place on Saturday, 15th August. Unadilla, founded in 1969, is the only venue from the championship’s inaugural 1972 season still on the calendar, making it arguably the foundational pillar of American motocross.
Hunter Lawrence has seized momentum in the 450SMX Class, winning back-to-back rounds to establish a 12-point lead over his brother Jett Lawrence. The Honda HRC Progressive rider has been exceptional recently, claiming four victories over the last five races with just a single finish outside the top two during that stretch.
Jett, meanwhile, has endured an uncharacteristic run of miscues and crashes that have cost him valuable championship points. However, his record at Unadilla provides reason for optimism—he’s undefeated at the venue in the premier class. This marks the first time in his 450SMX career that Jett arrives at the iconic New York circuit without the opportunity to clinch the title.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan continues to lurk as the division’s clear third-best rider. The premier class rookie brings a three-race podium streak into Unadilla and appears poised for a breakthrough victory if he can execute a flawless performance.
The 250SMX Class features a compelling two-rider battle between points leader Levi Kitchen of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki and Cole Davies from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing. Just seven points separate the pair, with Davies holding momentum as the class’s most dominant rider this summer.
The young New Zealander leads the class in holeshots (5), moto wins (6), and overall victories (3), whilst maintaining a superior average starting position of 6.8. Kitchen’s Achilles heel has been starts—he gives up six positions on average to Davies and often starts outside the top 10. Whilst Kitchen boasts the best finishing average at 4.7, sustaining his current rate of advancement through the field will prove difficult over the final three rounds.
The Women’s Motocross Championship Powered by Synchrony also returns at Unadilla for its final three-round stretch. Reigning champion Lachlan Turner of Altus Motorsports bLUcRU Yamaha holds a nine-point advantage over Quad Lock Honda’s Charli Cannon, who captured her first U.S. victory before the midseason break.
On-track action begins at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday, with opening ceremonies at 12:15 p.m. ET and racing commencing at 1 p.m. ET. Comprehensive live coverage will stream exclusively on Peacock, with Race Day Live beginning at 10 a.m. ET.
Photo: MX Sports Pro Racing Media
