Under the lights and energy of The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the final round of the 2025 SMX World Championship™ delivered a spectacle that redefined the meaning of high-stakes motorsports. With a million-dollar title on the line, dramatic battles, emotional podiums, and historic firsts, it was a night that won’t soon be forgotten.

Jett Lawrence Secures Third Consecutive SMX Crown in Nail-Biting Fashion

Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence added another major chapter to his young legacy by capturing his third straight 450SMX World Championship, overcoming serious pressure and delivering a clutch second-moto performance to seal the title and the $1 million championship bonus.

Jett set the tone with a dominant win in the first moto, then found himself with ground to make up in the second. With Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac and his brother Hunter Lawrence battling at the front, Jett clawed his way to second place late in the race, enough to secure the overall (1-2) score and clinch both the event win and championship.

“Halfway through I honestly had doubts I could catch those guys,” Jett admitted. “But I had to dig deep… It was either send it or crash.”

Though elated with his win, Jett also expressed visible emotional conflict, knowing that his championship win meant heartbreak for his brother.

“It’s difficult… You want to see your brother do well, but obviously I want it really badly as well. It’s a lot of money.”

Hunter Lawrence Guts Out Second Overall and Championship Runner-Up

Despite battling illness, Hunter Lawrence put on a gritty performance, going 3-1 in the motos and finishing second overall in both the race and the championship. Entering the Vegas finale with the points lead, Hunter did everything possible to hold off Jett, but the final standings earned him the $500,000 runner-up bonus.

“Yeah, I’m gutted,” Hunter said. “I gave it 110% every time I went on the track… Just came up short.”

Eli Tomac Finishes Third in Championship and Vegas Event

Rounding out the podium was Eli Tomac, who showed pace and fight all night with (2-3) moto finishes, ending the season third overall in the championship standings and taking home a $250,000 bonus.

“Those brothers are really good,” said Tomac. “I did what I could. A good podium for us, but of course I want more.”

Historic Night in the 250SMX Class: Jo Shimoda Claims Championship in Chaos-Filled Finale

If the 450 class was high drama, the 250SMX finale was pure chaos, culminating in one of the most thrilling races in recent motorsports memory.

Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda emerged from a collision-filled second moto to not only secure second place in the race but clinch the 250SMX Championship—his first professional title—and the $500,000 payout. In doing so, he became the first Japanese rider to win an SMX title, a landmark achievement celebrated by fans and competitors alike.

“I knew something crazy was coming,” Shimoda said, referencing repeated contact from title rival Haiden Deegan. “But I just want to say thank you… This is a big confidence booster for me.”

Shimoda’s race was far from straightforward. After aggressive moves and eventual contact from Deegan left both riders on the ground, Shimoda remounted in second place. On the final lap, with the championship on the line, he pulled off a dramatic pass on Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle in the final corner to clinch the overall and the title.

Seth Hammaker Shines with Second Overall

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker led early and did everything he could to wrestle the title away. Though he finished second in the championship standings, Hammaker left Vegas with his head high after a hard-fought performance.

“It just feels good. Jo was riding awesome. A hectic race for sure… My time will come.”

Tom Vialle Caps 250 Career on the Podium

Tom Vialle, who moves up to the 450 class next season, ended his 250 career with a third-place finish in the race and championship.

“Third in the SMX Championship is pretty good… I’m excited for the future.”

Deegan’s Aggression Backfires in Championship Collapse

Entering the finale with a legitimate shot at the 250 title, Haiden Deegan’s strategy backfired. After several aggressive moves—culminating in a crash with Shimoda—Deegan walked off with a broken collarbone, ending his night and title hopes.

Following the chaotic 250SMX Class finale, Haiden Deegan was officially assessed a 5-point penalty by the AMA for rough and aggressive riding during the second moto. The penalty stemmed from repeated contact and a crash involving title rival Jo Shimoda, which resulted in Deegan suffering a broken collarbone and withdrawing from the race.

The 5-point deduction dropped Deegan from 4th to 5th in the final 250SMX standings, confirming Nate Thrasher as the fourth-place finisher in the championship. Shimoda’s victory and title were unaffected by the penalty.

“All I can say is I’m gonna fight. That’s all I can say,” Deegan had stated after Moto 1. Unfortunately, that fight ended in controversy, injury, and a significant points loss.

Podium Results – SMX World Championship Final, Las Vegas

450SMX Class Podium:

🥇 Jett Lawrence – (1-2) – 2025 450SMX World Champion – $1,000,000 bonus

🥈 Hunter Lawrence – (3-1) – Runner-Up – $500,000 bonus

🥉 Eli Tomac – (2-3) – Third Place – $250,000 bonus

250SMX Class Podium:

🥇 Jo Shimoda – (2-2) – 2025 250SMX World Champion – $500,000 bonus

🥈 Seth Hammaker – (4-1) – Runner-Up

🥉 Tom Vialle – (3-3) – Third Place

A Night to Remember

The 2025 SMX World Championship Final brought Las Vegas to life with adrenaline, drama, and history. With Jett Lawrence cementing his dominance, Jo Shimoda making international history, and the future of the sport looking brighter than ever, fans were treated to a showcase of resilience, talent, and heart.

In the glow of the Las Vegas skyline, champions were made—and legends born.