Intrigue is already building across the Monster Energy SMX World Championship as the sport transitions from a historic Supercross campaign into a highly anticipated Pro Motocross season, where rivalries, momentum, and new challenges will define the summer.

The opening half of the 2026 season delivered one of the most dramatic Supercross championships in recent memory, as German standout Ken Roczen captured his first-ever 450SMX title after 13 attempts, overcoming a 31-point deficit over the final stretch of the season to edge Australian rival Hunter Lawrence in a championship decided by just three points.

At 32 years old, Roczen’s breakthrough made him the oldest champion in Supercross history and capped a comeback narrative that defined the season, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s most resilient and popular figures.

With Supercross now complete, attention shifts outdoors to a grueling 11-round Pro Motocross Championship that will test riders across 44 motos, beginning May 30 at Fox Raceway and concluding in August at Ironman Raceway.

A New Era Begins: Lawrence vs. Deegan

The biggest storyline heading into the summer is the emergence of a generational rivalry between Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan.

Lawrence, the reigning Pro Motocross champion and established face of the sport, enters the season returning from offseason ankle surgery but remains one of the most dominant forces in SMX competition. Deegan, meanwhile, steps into the 450 class after completing one of the most successful 250SMX careers in recent history, bringing aggressive style, confidence, and massive fan attention into his new division.

Their first official meeting in the premier class is expected to set the tone for a rivalry that could define the next era of the sport.

Veterans and Champions Reload for Summer Battles

While the spotlight is on the young stars, a deep field of experienced contenders is poised to challenge for wins and championships.

Four-time Pro Motocross champion Eli Tomac enters a new chapter with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, looking to rediscover “Beast Mode” form. Alongside him, past champions Chase Sexton and Dylan Ferrandis also arrive with new teams and renewed motivation after strong Supercross finishes.

Hunter Lawrence carries momentum from his runner-up Supercross campaign into the outdoors, where he remains one of the most consistent championship threats without a 450 title. Riders like Jorge Prado, Justin Cooper, and Cooper Webb also enter the summer with expectations of podium contention, making the 450 field one of the deepest in recent memory.

250 Class Opens Wide After Deegan Departure

With Deegan moving up, the 250 division becomes one of the most unpredictable fields in years. Early favorites include Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas and Jo Shimoda, along with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen.

Breakout Supercross champion Cole Davies will also be a key storyline as he attempts to translate his indoor success into outdoor dominance. Veteran Max Anstie adds experience and consistency to a field filled with rising talent and shifting dynamics.

A Summer Built for Storylines

The 2026 Pro Motocross Championship begins a new chapter in SMX competition, combining established champions, emerging superstars, and renewed rivalries across some of the most historic venues in American motocross.

With Roczen’s emotional Supercross breakthrough setting the tone and a stacked field ready for battle, the summer promises a high-stakes continuation of one of the most competitive eras in the sport’s history.