The 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship roared to life at Fox Raceway at Pala with a pair of dominant performances that served notice to the competition. Jett Lawrence’s emotional return from injury and Haiden Deegan’s flawless execution provided the perfect storylines to kick off what promises to be an exceptional season of racing.

Both riders captured perfect 1-1 scores in their respective classes, with Lawrence overcoming doubts about his readiness following a torn ACL in supercross, while Deegan continued his meteoric rise with a commanding performance in the 250 class.

The biggest question mark entering the season centered on Jett Lawrence’s fitness and form following his ACL injury. Those doubts were emphatically answered as the Australian star dominated both 450 motos at Fox Raceway, leading wire-to-wire in the opener despite a sketchy first-turn incident with his brother Hunter.

Lawrence’s path to victory wasn’t without drama. After bouncing off Hunter in the first turn of the opening moto, Jett settled into his rhythm and pulled away from the field. Justin Cooper provided the strongest challenge, riding to a solid second place finish, while elder brother Hunter recovered to third.

The second moto delivered the race of the day as Lawrence faced serious pressure from veteran Eli Tomac. The two engaged in a fierce battle that showcased different strengths around the challenging Pala circuit. Tomac pressured Lawrence throughout the moto, excelling in certain sections while Lawrence found his advantages elsewhere.

Despite the relentless pressure, Lawrence held strong and captured his second moto victory of the day. The emotional weight of the moment overwhelmed the young Australian, who broke down in tears during his celebration.

“It was an incredible feeling to be back and racing at this level again,” Lawrence said through his emotions. “Eli put so much pressure on me in that second moto, but I was able to stay focused and get it done.”

If Lawrence’s performance answered questions about his readiness, Haiden Deegan’s ride served as a statement of intent for the 250 championship. The Yamaha rider showcased remarkable patience and racecraft in both motos, picking his moments to strike with surgical precision.

The opening moto began with Chance Hymas grabbing the holeshot, only to lose the lead briefly to Ty Masterpool, who used the outside berm to rail past on the opening lap. Hymas quickly regained control and appeared set for victory until a costly mistake after the finish line jump sent him tumbling.

Deegan, who hadn’t gotten an ideal start, showed veteran-like patience in the early stages before flipping the switch ten minutes into the moto. He methodically worked past Masterpool and closed on Julien Beaumer for second. When Hymas crashed, Beaumer inherited the lead but lost traction on an uphill section, allowing Deegan to motor past for his first moto victory.

The second moto saw Tom Vialle grab the early lead before Beaumer took control. Deegan started third and had Jo Shimoda pressuring him early, but again showed remarkable composure. Around the ten-minute mark, Deegan began his charge, passing Vialle and then Beaumer to take the lead and cruise to victory.

The season-opening results have established clear early favorites in both classes. Lawrence’s perfect 50-point haul gives him an early 10-point advantage over Tomac, while Deegan’s flawless performance puts him six points clear of runner-up Shimoda.

In the 450 class, the Lawrence brothers occupy first and third in the standings, separated by Tomac. Aaron Plessinger sits fourth after a consistent 5-3 showing, while Justin Cooper rounds out the top five despite a disappointing eighth in the second moto.

The 250 standings show Deegan leading Shimoda (44 points), Tom Vialle (38 points), Chance Hymas (36 points), and Julien Beaumer (35 points). The tight points battle suggests the 250 class could provide exceptional racing throughout the season.

Several storylines emerged beyond the class winners. Jorge Prado’s AMA Pro Motocross debut resulted in a respectable sixth overall with 7-6 finishes, showing promise for the MXGP star’s adaptation to American racing.

RJ Hampshire’s move to the 450 class produced mixed results, with the veteran going 6-12 for ninth overall. His debut showed flashes of speed but highlighted the adjustment period required for the premier class.

The day wasn’t without disappointments. Chase Sexton’s season got off to a disastrous start when he crashed hard after the finish line jump in the first moto and was unable to continue. He also missed the second moto, leaving him with significant points to make up early in the championship chase.

Cooper Webb’s mechanical issues forced him to nurse his smoking machine before it expired completely, relegating him to 37th in the opening moto. Levi Kitchen also suffered mechanical problems in the 250 class, failing to finish the second moto.

Jeremy Martin’s return to Pro Motocross after time away resulted in 20-20 finishes for 21st overall, indicating the former champion has work ahead to return to his previous form.

The Fox Raceway opener provided everything motocross fans could want: dominant performances, emotional victories, intense battles, and enough drama to set up compelling storylines for the remainder of the season.

Lawrence’s emotional return and Deegan’s commanding presence suggest both riders will be the men to beat in their respective classes. However, with Tomac’s strong showing and the depth of talent in both classes, the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship promises to deliver exceptional racing throughout the summer.

The early season form displayed at Pala indicates fans are in for a treat as the series moves forward. With Lawrence proving his fitness and Deegan announcing his arrival as a title contender, the stage is set for what could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.

Photo by Align Media