2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Pala Raceway: Round 1 Recap

Introduction

The gate finally dropped on the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross season, and Fox Raceway wasted no time setting the tone. Round 1 at Pala brought speed, chaos, and statement rides across both the 450 and 250 classes. Under the California sun and across some of the roughest terrain in recent memory, the championship contenders and hungry upstarts got their first taste of the long road ahead.

In the 450 class, 2024 champion Chase Sexton returned as the defending title holder, but it was Jett Lawrence who reminded everyone why he’s the sport’s most watched talent. Coming off an injury-riddled Supercross season, Lawrence looked sharp and in full control at Pala, sweeping both motos. Meanwhile, Sexton’s day ended abruptly with a brutal crash that may reshape the championship early.

The 250 class was just as intense. Haiden Deegan came out swinging with a clean 1-1 sweep that signaled he is not just a contender, he is the rider setting the pace. Jo Shimoda and Tom Vialle applied pressure but could not match Deegan’s late-race execution and raw speed.

From dramatic crashes and standout debuts to a track that demanded focus at every corner, Round 1 at Pala was more than just an opener. It was a statement. The 2025 season is underway, and no one is easing in.

450 Class Recap

The 450 class wasted no time establishing who’s in control. Jett Lawrence walked into Pala with a point to prove. After missing much of Supercross with injury, the 2023 Pro Motocross champion came out swinging, sweeping both motos with total control. He grabbed the holeshot in Moto 1 and never looked back. In Moto 2, he mirrored the performance; smart, fast, and mistake-free, locking in a perfect 50-point day to reassert himself as the man to beat.

Behind him, the battle for second overall was anything but smooth. Eli Tomac shook off a quiet fourth-place finish in Moto 1 and stormed back with a strong second in Moto 2. The result earned him second overall on the day and confirmed he is still very much in the title picture. Hunter Lawrence, consistent across both motos, rounded out the podium with 3-4 finishes and looked sharp throughout the day.

Aaron Plessinger showed solid form as well, posting a 5-3 score for fourth overall. Justin Cooper was a standout early, finishing second in Moto 1, but struggled in the second moto and slipped to eighth, ending the round in fifth overall.

The biggest shakeup came from Chase Sexton. A preseason favorite, Sexton suffered a high-speed crash just after the finish in Moto 1 and did not return for Moto 2. Early reports indicate no serious injury, but the points lost may haunt him later in the season.

Top 10 Overall – 450 Class

With Jett Lawrence already putting a gap between himself and the rest of the field, the rest of the 450 class has some catching up to do. Round 1 was his playground. The real question is whether anyone else can take the fight to him next weekend.

250 Class Recap

If there was any doubt about who owns the 250 class in 2025, Haiden Deegan erased it at Pala. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider delivered a dominant performance, sweeping both motos with authority and poise. In Moto 1, Deegan battled through a mid-pack start, picking off riders with precision and closing strong to take the win. In Moto 2, he raced with the confidence of a rider in full control, taking the lead and never letting it go.

Jo Shimoda was the only rider to consistently apply pressure. The Honda HRC standout finished second in both motos and looked composed all day. His smooth riding and smart lines kept him within striking distance, but Deegan never gave him an opening. Still, Shimoda’s 2-2 result made him the clear second-best on the day and a serious title threat moving forward.

Tom Vialle rode a steady pair of motos to earn third overall. The Red Bull KTM rider went 4-3 and showed signs of building momentum. While he was not quite on the pace of Deegan or Shimoda, his consistency could become a key advantage as the season progresses.

Chance Hymas got off to a fast start in Moto 1, even leading early before a crash dropped him down the order. He recovered to finish third in that moto and sixth in the second for fourth overall. Julien Beaumer quietly put together a strong day as well, going 5-4 and rounding out the top five.

Top 5 Overall – 250 Class

With Deegan firing on all cylinders and riders like Shimoda and Vialle staying close behind, the 250 class is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines of the season. Round 1 left no question about who set the pace, but there is still a long road ahead.

Standout Riders

Round 1 didn’t just show who won. It revealed who’s ready to take control, who’s closing the gap, and who refuses to be counted out. From dominant performances to quiet consistency, these are the riders who made the biggest statements at Pala.

Jett Lawrence – The Standard

Jett Lawrence looked untouchable in the 450 class. He led every lap of both motos with surgical precision, never flinching under pressure. What made his performance even more impressive was how effortless it looked. No mistakes. No hesitation. Just speed, control, and composure. If this is how he starts the season, the rest of the field is already playing catch-up.

Haiden Deegan – The Breakout is Over

Haiden Deegan is no longer a rising star. He’s the guy to beat. His 1-1 sweep in the 250 class was not just about speed. It was about maturity, decision-making, and timing. He carved through the pack in Moto 1, managed the lead in Moto 2, and did it all without looking rattled. His confidence is growing, and his riding reflects it.

Jo Shimoda – The Shadow Threat

Jo Shimoda may not have taken a moto win, but he stayed within reach in both races and never cracked. His smooth riding and steady pace kept Deegan honest. If Deegan slips at any point this season, Shimoda will be there to take advantage.

Hunter Lawrence – Quietly Consistent

While most eyes were on Jett, Hunter Lawrence quietly put together a rock-solid day in the 450 class. A third and a fourth might not grab headlines, but consistency is key in a long season. If he keeps stringing together top-five finishes, he could become a real title contender.

These riders didn’t just perform. They sent a message. The season is young, but the tone has been set, and the top names are already starting to separate themselves from the pack.

Major Injuries

Opening rounds in Pro Motocross are often unpredictable, but few expected the injury list to start forming this early. At Pala, two high-profile crashes shifted the tone from excitement to concern.

Chase Sexton – A Title Hit Right Out of the Gate

Chase Sexton entered the season as one of the top picks for the 450 title. His speed, intensity, and offseason prep had him looking sharp coming into Round 1. But after crossing the finish line in Moto 1, he suffered a violent crash that ended his day and left fans holding their breath. Sexton did not return for Moto 2, and although early reports indicate he avoided serious injury, his DNF delivered a significant blow to his championship campaign. Depending on recovery, the gap in points could become difficult to close.

Nate Thrasher – A Rough Start in the 250 Class

In the 250 opener, Nate Thrasher’s day went sideways almost immediately. He crashed on the first lap of Moto 1 and was run over by multiple riders. It was a scary moment, and Thrasher was taken off the track for evaluation. He did not start Moto 2 and was later transported to a local hospital. Fortunately, the team confirmed he avoided major injuries and is aiming to return for the next round. Still, missing valuable points at Round 1 puts him in a tough spot early in the season.

Both riders are expected to recover, but in a championship this deep, even one missed moto can be the difference between chasing the lead and chasing hope. The field is stacked, and the margin for error is razor thin.

Team News and Milestones

The first round of any championship is more than just race results. It’s the debut of fresh team dynamics, rising expectations, and key leadership shifts that can shape the entire season. At Pala, several storylines off the track helped define where things are headed in 2025.

Justin Cooper Steps Into the 450 Spotlight

After a solid rookie year in the 450 class, Justin Cooper returned with confidence. His second-place finish in Moto 1 showed he has the pace to run up front, but his slip to eighth in Moto 2 highlighted the learning curve that still remains. As he finds more consistency, Cooper could become a regular podium threat and a valuable piece of Monster Energy Yamaha’s 450 campaign.

Wil Hahn Takes Over at Yamaha Star Racing

One of the most notable shifts this season came in the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing camp, where Wil Hahn stepped in as the new 250 Team General Manager. A respected figure in the paddock and a former racer himself, Hahn’s leadership is expected to bring structure and sharpness to an already powerful lineup. With riders like Haiden Deegan and Nate Thrasher under his wing, the team looks poised to stay on top.

New Faces, Same Pressure

While the rider lineup remains largely familiar, there’s no shortage of new energy in the field. From Julien Beaumer making noise in the 250 class to Jorge Prado finding his rhythm in the 450s, the blend of seasoned veterans and rising prospects creates a grid that’s as deep as it is unpredictable.

The teams are loaded, the leadership is sharp, and the early performances suggest this will be a season of constant adjustments. At Round 1, some statements were made. Now it’s a matter of who can sustain them.

Track Conditions and Rider Feedback

Fox Raceway has never been a smooth ride, and 2025 was no exception. The opening round delivered a course that challenged every rider from the first gate drop to the final flag. Sharp ruts, shifting lines, and embedded rocks made traction unpredictable and mistakes costly. It was the kind of track that rewarded patience and punished ego.

A Brutal Surface Right Out of the Gate

Multiple riders noted how quickly the track deteriorated throughout the day. Deep ruts formed early, especially in the corners, forcing riders to commit to their lines with zero margin for error. Once those ruts dried out under the Southern California sun, they became unforgiving. Front-end washouts, hard landings, and missed braking points became a recurring theme across both classes.

The roughest sections created bottlenecks that tested throttle control and timing. Riders who tried to force the pace paid the price, while those who adapted found smoother flow and better results.

What the Riders Said

In post-race interviews, most agreed that Fox Raceway was one of the most physically demanding openers in recent memory. Jett Lawrence mentioned the importance of managing energy and staying calm through the chaos. Haiden Deegan pointed to line selection as a deciding factor in both motos, emphasizing how easy it was to get trapped in slower lines. Even veteran riders like Eli Tomac and Jason Anderson commented on how mentally taxing the layout was by the second half of the day.

No Controversy, Just Challenge

There were no protests, no penalties, and no officiating drama. The track was the biggest talking point, and for good reason. Riders had to be smart, tough, and flexible to survive it, let alone win.

Round 1 didn’t just test speed. It tested control, focus, and resilience. Fox Raceway set the tone, and the message was clear. This season is going to be a grind.

What This Round Means for the Season

Round 1 is always a tone-setter, but this year’s opener at Fox Raceway didn’t just hint at the direction of the season. It spelled it out. Clear frontrunners emerged, key contenders hit setbacks, and the depth of talent across both classes signaled that no win will come easy.

Jett Lawrence Is in Control, for Now

In the 450 class, Jett Lawrence reminded everyone why he’s the defending champion. His speed looked effortless, but it was his ability to manage the track, the field, and the pressure that stood out most. If anyone plans to take the title from him, they’ll need to be perfect, because Lawrence already is.

The 250 Class Has a Clear Target

Haiden Deegan didn’t just win. He sent a message. His racecraft, patience, and top-end speed put him a step ahead of the competition. But with riders like Jo Shimoda, Tom Vialle, and Chance Hymas right behind him, that gap could close fast. One mistake from Deegan, and the door opens.

The Injury Factor Is Already in Play

Chase Sexton and Nate Thrasher’s crashes are reminders that the season is long, and no rider is invincible. Early missed points can snowball fast, especially when the competition is as stacked as it is this year. Staying healthy may prove just as important as being fast.

Consistency Will Separate the Real Contenders

Riders like Hunter Lawrence, Jo Shimoda, and Aaron Plessinger showed the value of consistent top-five finishes. They may not have grabbed headlines at Pala, but they’re well-positioned to stay in the title hunt by doing the little things right week after week.

The 2025 AMA Pro Motocross season is officially underway. With aggressive riding, deep rosters, and unpredictable tracks ahead, what happened at Fox Raceway wasn’t just a great opener. It was a preview of the chaos, control, and championship drama to come.

Sources and References

The insights, stats, and quotes in this recap were sourced directly from trusted motocross media outlets and race coverage platforms. Below is a full list of references used to compile the results and narratives from Round 1 at Fox Raceway.

1. Cycle News – 2025 Pro Motocross Round 1 Fox Raceway National Results
   https://www.cyclenews.com/2025/05/article/2025-pro-motocross-round-1-fox-raceway-national-results

2. Racer X Online – Dominance on Display at the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Season Opener
   https://racerxonline.com/2025/05/25/dominance-on-display-at-the-2025-ama-pro-motocross-season-opener

3. Pro Motocross – 2025 Fox Raceway National Highlights
   https://promotocross.com/2025/05/25/highlights-2025-pala-casino-spa-resort-fox-raceway-national

4. Roadracing World – Pro Motocross: Results From Fox Raceway National, California
   https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/promotocross-results-from-fox-raceway-national-california

5. Motocross Action Magazine – 2025 Pro Motocross Point Standings (After Round 1 of 11) https://motocrossactionmag.com/2025-pro-motocross-point-standings-after-round-1-of-11

6. Racer X Online – Nate Thrasher Update After Crash, DNS in Fox Raceway Pro Motocross Opener
   https://racerxonline.com/2025/05/27/thrasher-after-fox-raceway-dns-ill-be-doing-everything-i-can-to-be-ready-for-hangtown