What We're Watching as Pro Motocross Returns From the Break

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Pro Motocross is back! Following a weekend off, the series returns to its annual Fourth of July bash at RedBud and both title fights have been amazing through the opening four rounds. Jett Lawrence holds a two-point lead over his brother Hunter, while the 250 Class appears to be wide-open with four riders separated by seven points.

Can anyone slow the Lawrences down and who will win the chaotic 250 championship? Lets dive in:

Jett or Hunter For the Title

Barring something unforeseen, the 450 title will run through the Lawrence brothers. They have split the opening four rounds (two wins each), are 1-2 in points and the clear front-runners of the class.

Prior to the off-weekend, Hunter was dominate at High Point and stopped Jett’s two race winning streak in its tracks. Since Jett turned pro, there have been very few times he’s been beaten straight up in Pro Motocross. After the race, he even admitted he tried taking some of Hunter’s line and “he still gapped me out.”

“Obviously, it doesn’t happen very often, where someone kind of pulls away,” said Jett. “But yeah, I just didn’t really gel with the track today. You know, I felt like in the past I haven’t really gelled with this track well. I’ve been able to get results out of it decently, but just didn’t feel good on the track all day today in a way. But yeah, he was riding really well. I tried taking some of his lines and he still gapped me out. So I’m like, you know what, today’s not my day for trying to go after it. So, I just pulled in for a second and just kind of cruised.”

Right now, it’s hard to call anyone the “favorite”. Both have had their moments, with Jett holding onto a slim two-point lead heading into RedBud. These next two rounds could be crucial in the title fight, as RedBud and Southwick favor both brothers. Jett has gotten the better of his older brother the last few title fights, will it change this year?

What The Heck Happens in this 250 Class?

Four riders separated by seven points through four rounds and that’s not even considering the co-points leader entering High Point, who we aren’t sure if he will even race RedBud or not.

This 250 title fight has been beyond entertaining through four rounds and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Levi Kitchen holds a one-point lead over Jo Shimoda with Julien Beaumer two back and High Point overall winner Cole Davies seven behind.

If there is a favorite, they haven’t shown themselves yet. Davies feels to have found his footing, but has little to no experience at the final seven rounds. Kitchen and Shimoda are the veterans, but have struggled with consistency. Beaumer has been remarkable in his return to racing, but can he hold this form all season? And what about Hammaker? He had a heavy crash at High Point and left the track holding his shoulder and the team has been mum on his status for RedBud. Hammaker has had shoulder issues in the past, so hopefully everything has checked out.

Buckle up, because this 250 title fight could be one of the best we’ve seen in years and no one has any idea what the next seven rounds will look like.

Can Anyone Stop the Lawrences Winning Ways?

With Chase Sexton out for the remainder of the season, I think we are down to two riders who could: Haiden Deegan and Jorge Prado. Will they? That’s an entirely different question.

Looking ahead, one would have to think Prado has a chance next weekend at Southwick. Yes, it’s not Lommel, we don’t need to say that every time we go to the Wick, but it is still a sand track and Prado excels in the sand. I think Prado will shine at RedBud, but enough to taken the win? I don’t think so. Jett notoriously hates Washougal, so maybe there? If you were to put me on a lie detector, I’d say its Southwick or Ironman for Prado.

And what about Deegan? He’s made significant progress, no doubt about it. If he can continue his rapid progression, could he challenge for wins late in the season? Sure. I don’t have it happening over the next four rounds though. If he does win, I think it comes at Budds Creek or Ironman.

That’s it. That’s the list.