The SuperMotocross World Championship Series (SMX) is set to make history this weekend as it roars into Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. This pivotal round marks several significant milestones and promises to shake up the championship standings in both the 450 and 250 classes.

Double Points, Double Drama

The Fort Worth round carries extra weight as a double points event. This format has proven to be a game-changer in the past, as evidenced by last year’s Playoff 2 round in Chicagoland. The increased points on offer could dramatically alter the championship landscape, making every position on the track crucial.

450 Class: A Tight Championship Battle

Heading into Fort Worth, the 450 class championship is finely poised:

Chase Sexton currently holds the red plate, but his lead is a narrow four points.

Jett Lawrence, fresh off strong performances, is hot on Sexton’s heels.

Eli Tomac, despite coming back from injury, is only 12 points off the lead and cannot be counted out.

With double points up for grabs, we could see a significant shuffle in the standings by the end of the night.

250 Class: Deegan Leads, but the Pack is Close

In the 250 class:

Haiden Deegan holds an eight-point lead over Levi Kitchen.

The competition remains fierce, with riders like Jo Shimoda and Tom Vialle looking to make up ground.

The double points format gives challengers a golden opportunity to close the gap or even overtake Deegan in the standings.

Texas Motor Speedway: A New Chapter in SMX History

This weekend’s event is groundbreaking for several reasons:

It marks the 47th round of SMX racing in the DFW Metroplex, but the first at Texas Motor Speedway.

Fort Worth becomes the fourth different city in the Metroplex to host an SMX round.

For the 250 class, this will be the 42nd SMX round held in the Metroplex.

Historical Context and Manufacturer Battle

The DFW Metroplex has a rich history in SuperMotocross dating back to 1975. Over the years, we’ve seen intense competition among manufacturers:

Honda leads with 13 wins in the area

Yamaha follows closely with 11 victories

Kawasaki has 10 wins to its name

In the 450 class, Cooper Webb holds the record for most wins in the Metroplex with 6, while the 250 class has seen multiple first-time winners make their mark in Texas.

Riders to Watch

Several riders have shown strong form in the Metroplex:

Cooper Webb: With his impressive record in the area, he’s always a threat.

Eli Tomac: Has 3 wins in the Metroplex and is hungry for more as he returns from injury.

Chase Sexton: The current points leader will be looking to extend his advantage.

Jett Lawrence: On a hot streak and aiming to overtake Sexton in the standings.

In the 250 class, keep an eye on Haiden Deegan as he tries to maintain his points lead, and Levi Kitchen, who’s been consistently strong throughout the season.

Conclusion

With its unique double points format, historical significance, and the potential for major shifts in the championship standings, the Fort Worth round of the SuperMotocross World Championship Series is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event. As riders tackle the challenges of Texas Motor Speedway for the first time in SMX history, fans can expect intense battles, potential upsets, and perhaps even some new names etching themselves into the record books of this storied sport.

Phot from supermotocross.com