Mechanicsville — The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship culminates Saturday at Budds Creek Motocross Park, where the 35th Yamaha Budds Creek National will decide the 250 Class title and celebrate Jett Lawrence’s clinched 450 Class crown amid an international field of 180 riders from nearly 20 countries. Practice and qualifying begin at 8 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 12:30 p.m., first motos at 1 p.m. and second motos at 3:30 p.m. General admission tickets cost $74.96 for adults and $41.20 for kids ages 4 to 11, with pit passes at $36.82 for all ages, including taxes and fees.
Jett Lawrence, the Honda HRC Progressive rider from Australia, secured his second consecutive 450 Class championship last weekend at Unadilla with a 1-1 moto sweep, his 23rd career victory, extending his points total to 462. His brother, Hunter Lawrence, sits second with 409 points, 53 behind, positioning the siblings for a potential historic 1-2 finish at Budds Creek Motocross. Eli Tomac follows in third with 364 points, ahead of Justin Cooper at 349 and RJ Hampshire at 328. Lower in the standings, Jorge Prado holds sixth with 241 points, Malcolm Stewart seventh at 209 and Aaron Plessinger eighth with 204. Valentin Guillod and Justin Barcia round out the top 10 at 179 and 165 points, respectively.
In the 250 Class, Haiden Deegan of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing leads with 460 points after a second-place finish at Unadilla, where Jo Shimoda’s 1-1 victory narrowed the gap to 43 points and delayed Deegan’s potential clinch. Shimoda, riding for Honda HRC Progressive, has 417 points, followed by Garrett Marchbanks at 320, Levi Kitchen at 289 and Tom Vialle at 282. Mikkel Haarup is sixth with 239 points, Seth Hammaker seventh at 216, Max Vohland eighth with 212, Jordon Smith ninth at 198 and Michael Mosiman 10th with 180. With 50 points available per round, Shimoda must significantly outscore Deegan to claim the title at Budds Creek Motocross, a tall order given Deegan’s consistency across the 11-round series.
Budds Creek Motocross Park, a fixture since 1989, features light brown clay soil for superior traction and dramatic elevation changes that challenge riders and offer prime viewing for spectators. The track hosted the FIM Motocross of Nations in 2007, the second U.S. venue to do so, solidifying its world-class status. Late-summer heat and humidity often lead to unpredictable outcomes, with surprise winners in past events. This marks just the second time in nearly four decades that Budds Creek Motocross serves as the season finale, adding to its legacy near the nation’s capital.
The series, in its 54th season, spans 10 states from late May to late August, showcasing stars like Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, Jett Lawrence, Jorge Prado and Haiden Deegan. American Motorcyclist Association national champions will be honored in both classes, with Lawrence already locked in for 450.
Local rider Jarrett Frye, from Southern Maryland, made his pro debut at Budds Creek Motocross in 2021, adding hometown motivation. The 2021 return after a pandemic cancellation drew large crowds, emphasizing community resilience.
Jason Anderson’s 2022 victory at Budds Creek Motocross showcased consistent racing in humid conditions. The track’s mix of ruts, hills and tacky soil demands precision, often amplified by August weather.
As the series visits hallowed venues with decades-long legacies, Budds Creek Motocross provides a fitting close, blending Americana with high-stakes competition. Fans can expect close racing, with the 250 title on the line and celebrations for Lawrence’s dominance.
