The Pro Motocross Championship returns to action this weekend with the 53rd running of the RedBud National, marking a historic occasion as America celebrates its 250th Anniversary on 4th July 2026. The legendary Michigan venue will host the fifth round of the outdoor season with 5.11 serving as title sponsor in their maiden year of outdoor support.
“The first month of the summer has been incredible, with compelling action on the racetrack witnessed by some of the largest crowds in recent memory,” said Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing. “You’d be hard pressed to find a better way to come out of the break than a celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary at RedBud. It is going to be a truly special race and a memorable first year of title support for 5.11.”
RedBud MX has maintained a storied Independence Day tradition for half a century, with the track’s dynamic layout featuring high-speed sections, technical challenges, and iconic obstacles like LaRocco’s Leap. The venue’s position at the championship’s midpoint has historically served as a critical junction in title fights.
450SMX Class: The sibling rivalry between Honda HRC Progressive teammates Jett Lawrence and Hunter Lawrence continues to dominate, with the brothers separated by just two points after sharing victories equally through the opening month. Jett has won two of the past three years at RedBud, whilst Hunter carries momentum from a dominant performance at the previous round.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan remains the top American threat in his rookie 450SMX campaign. The Californian broke through for his first professional victory at RedBud three years ago and will bring added motivation from the patriotic atmosphere. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado continues to show flashes of his multi-time world champion speed and aims to make it a four-rider battle at the front.
250SMX Class: Four different winners through four rounds have created an exceptionally tight championship fight. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen carries the red plate with just a single-point advantage over Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda and two points over Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies sits seven points back after earning his first Pro Motocross victory at the previous round.
Shimoda could be considered the favourite having won at RedBud twice previously, including last season, but the class’s unpredictability means a fifth different winner remains possible.
SMX Next – Motocross will kick off the weekend on Friday, 3rd July, with 25 elite amateur prospects receiving professional-level exposure through educational sessions and a pair of motos. The riders will receive mentoring from AMA Hall of Famers Broc Glover and Kevin Windham, along with former racers Michael Byrne and Gareth Swanepoel.
The 5.11 RedBud National takes place on Saturday, 4th July, with opening ceremonies at 12:15 p.m. ET and motos starting at 1 p.m. ET. Live streaming coverage will air exclusively on Peacock.
Photo: MX Sports Pro Racing Media
