The penultimate round of the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship heads to Budds Creek Motocross Park this Saturday, with both the 450SMX and 250SMX class championships reaching critical stages. Yamaha Motor Corp. USA returns as title sponsor for the fourth consecutive season.
The legendary Southern Maryland venue, known for its iconic Henry Hill descent and challenging elevation changes, has produced more varied winners over the past decade than any other track on the calendar. Eight different riders have won the 450SMX class at Budds Creek over the last 10 seasons, whilst nine have claimed 250SMX victories.
Jett Lawrence has reclaimed the red plate in the 450SMX class, holding a 10-point advantage over his older brother Hunter Lawrence following the first DNF of Hunter’s premier class career. The Honda HRC Progressive teammates have exchanged the points lead five times this season, setting up a tense finale with four motos remaining.
“Hunter is now in a must-win situation as he pursues his first premier class championship,” said Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing. “There’s such a rich history at Budds Creek, which has been a fixture of so many memorable moments during the history of this championship.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing‘s Jorge Prado has emerged as a potential spoiler, delivering his best U.S. performance with a runner-up finish last time out. The multi-time FIM MXGP Champion now believes a breakthrough American win is within reach. Meanwhile, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan has quietly assembled a four-race podium streak and sits comfortably third in the standings.
The 250SMX class battle couldn’t be tighter, with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen holding just a single-point lead over Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies. The sophomore New Zealander arrives with the hot hand, having secured back-to-back victories and four wins over the past six races. Both riders return to a venue where they’ve tasted success, with Davies earning his first-ever moto win here last season.
Yamaha boasts an impressive legacy in Pro Motocross, capturing its first title in the inaugural 1972 season with Gary Jones. Since 2015, no manufacturer has won more championships than Yamaha’s eight titles, with a ninth within reach through Davies’ championship bid.
The Women’s Motocross Championship will also contest its penultimate round, with Altus Motorsports bLUcRU Yamaha’s Lachlan Turner holding a 12-point lead over Quad Lock Honda’s Charli Cannon.
Racing begins Saturday, 22nd August, with motos starting at 1 p.m. ET. NBC will provide live network coverage of the second motos beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET, whilst comprehensive streaming coverage will air on Peacock from 10 a.m. ET.
Photo: MX Sports Pro Racing Media
