The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship kicked off in spectacular fashion at Fox Raceway in Pala, California, as Round 1 drew massive crowds eager to witness top-tier motocross action. With packed stands and intense competition across both classes, fans were treated to an unforgettable day filled with thrilling battles and standout performances from some of the sport’s biggest names.
Among the standout stars were returning champions and fan favorites like Eli Tomac, Jett Lawrence, Chase Sexton, and the rising Haiden Deegan. However, when the dust settled, it was Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan who truly stole the show by sweeping the day with flawless 1-1 moto finishes in their respective classes.
450 Class: Moto 1 Recap
The first 450cc moto was a return to form for 2023 Champion Jett Lawrence. As the gates dropped, Lawrence wasted no time grabbing the holeshot and immediately asserted his dominance out front. He led every single lap of the 15-lap race, maintaining a commanding pace that none of his competitors could match.
Justin Cooper, who is in his sophomore year in the 450 class, put on a solid performance, finishing second. Cooper, wearing the No. 32, demonstrated great consistency and composure, managing to keep pace with the front runners throughout the moto. Coming off a strong Supercross season where he claimed third place, Cooper showed he’s becoming a force to be reckoned with in the outdoor series as well, though he crossed the finish line more than 10 seconds behind Lawrence.
Hunter Lawrence, Jett’s older brother and a Honda HRC rider, secured third place in the opening moto. Hunter had a challenging race as Eli Tomac pressed him relentlessly for the final podium spot. The battle between Hunter and Tomac was intense, with both riders exchanging positions and pushing each other hard, eventually finishing less than two seconds apart.
Eli Tomac finished a close fourth in Moto 1, while Aaron Plessinger rounded out the top five. Unfortunately, Chase Sexton’s day took a drastic turn when he crashed hard after the finish line. Due to the severity of the crash, Sexton did not complete the first moto and opted not to start the second.
450 Class: Moto 2 – The Showdown
The second 450 moto delivered the excitement fans had hoped for. At the gate drop, Jett Lawrence once again made a swift move to take the lead. This time, Eli Tomac was right on his tail, and the two engaged in a breathtaking head-to-head duel that lasted the entire race—30 laps plus 2 extra laps for the main event.
Throughout the moto, Lawrence and Tomac traded blows, never giving each other an inch. Whenever Jett would attempt to pull away, Tomac would close the gap. The race came down to the final three laps when Lawrence managed to open a decisive lead, ultimately crossing the line ahead of Tomac.
This thrilling battle reminded everyone why Jett Lawrence is the reigning champion and why Eli Tomac remains a perennial threat. The chemistry and competition between these two riders promise an exhilarating season ahead.
As the 2025 Pro Motocross season is just getting started, the performances at Fox Raceway set a high bar. Jett Lawrence’s dominance in the 450 class was clear, but the intense rivalry with Eli Tomac hints at many more epic battles to come. Meanwhile, Haiden Deegan’s sweep in his class signals a bright future for this young star.
Fans can look forward to another exciting round as the championship heads to its next destination. For now, motorsport enthusiasts can bask in the incredible action and skill displayed at Fox Raceway—the perfect way to kick off the 2025 Pro Motocross season.