The 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship continued with Round 10 at Budds Creek, and the competition in both the 450MX and 250MX classes was fierce. Chase Sexton emerged victorious in the 450MX class, securing a 2-1 finish across the two motos. His impressive performance keeps him firmly in the hunt for the championship title, as he managed to come back strong after a difficult start in Moto 1. In that first race, Sexton found himself almost last at the start but fought his way up to second. In the second moto, he capitalized on an early pass and never looked back, earning the top spot on the podium.
Hunter Lawrence, who had a strong showing as well, finished second overall with a 1-2 result. He took the early lead in both motos but was eventually overtaken by Sexton in the latter stages of each race. Lawrence’s consistency has been a hallmark of his season, and his podium finish at Budds Creek further cements his position as a top contender in the championship standings.
Aaron Plessinger rounded out the top three with a solid 3-3 finish. Plessinger, who led for portions of both motos, showed speed and determination but was unable to hold off the charging Sexton and Lawrence. His performance, however, was enough to secure the final podium spot, adding valuable points to his season tally.
Eli Tomac made his much-anticipated return to racing at Budds Creek after recovering from an injury. Tomac, a fan favorite and former champion, showed flashes of his old form but was unable to challenge for the win. He finished seventh overall, with a 4-11 result across the two motos. His return adds an interesting dynamic to the remaining rounds, as fans and competitors alike are eager to see if he can regain his top form.
In the 250MX class, Haiden Deegan continued his stellar rookie season by dominating the first moto at Budds Creek. Deegan, who is on the cusp of winning the championship, showed maturity and speed beyond his years. However, a tenth-place finish in the second moto saw him slip to third overall on the day. Despite this, his performance in the first race was enough to maintain his championship lead going into the final round.
Levi Kitchen was the overall winner in the 250MX class, finishing with a 3-1 result. Kitchen capitalized on Deegan’s misfortune in the second moto to take the win and secure valuable points in the championship standings. Kitchen’s win at Budds Creek marks a significant achievement in his career and boosts his confidence heading into the final round.
Elsewhere, Jett Lawrence, who had already clinched the 250MX championship earlier in the season, opted to sit out the Budds Creek round. His absence opened the door for other riders to shine, and both Deegan and Kitchen seized the opportunity. Lawrence’s early success this season has allowed him to focus on preparing for a potential move to the 450MX class next year.
The action at Budds Creek also saw strong performances from other riders, including Jo Shimoda and Justin Cooper. Shimoda finished fourth overall in the 250MX class, while Cooper, who had a tough start to the day, managed to claw his way back to a respectable finish. These riders continue to push the limits and add depth to the competition, making each round of the championship unpredictable and exciting.
As the championship heads into its final round, all eyes will be on the top contenders in both the 450MX and 250MX classes. The battle for the title is far from over, with Sexton and Lawrence set to duke it out in the 450MX class, while Deegan, Kitchen, and others will be vying for the 250MX crown. The final round promises to deliver more thrilling racing action as the riders leave everything on the track in pursuit of glory.
The Budds Creek round served as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that motocross racing offers. Whether it’s the dramatic comebacks, the intense rivalries, or the sheer skill of the riders, each race is a spectacle. As the season draws to a close, fans can look forward to more memorable moments and an epic conclusion to the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship to.