Three decades of World Championship stage: Teutschenthal celebrates MXGP anniversary

When the Motocross World Championship returns to the Teutschenthal valley next weekend, it's not just about crucial championship points. The MSC Teutschenthal is also celebrating an extraordinary anniversary: ​​the club is hosting a round of the Solo Motocross World Championship for the 30th time.

This means that Teutschenthal has long been one of the most traditional and important Grand Prix venues in international motocross.

The valley basin has long since become a cult destination.

Over decades, the track south of Halle has become a fixture on the MXGP calendar. Hardly any other German venue combines a modern world championship atmosphere with classic motocross character as strongly as this valley.

In addition, there is the unique setting.

Because as soon as the natural slopes around the track fill with thousands of fans, the atmosphere that Teutschenthal has been known for within the scene for years is created. International riders in particular regularly speak of how special the crowd and the atmosphere in the valley are.

The fact that MSC Teutschenthal can now look back on a total of 32 events with World Championship status — including Motocross of Nations and Sidecar World Championship — shows at the same time the international importance of the location.

From a sporting perspective, the anniversary could hardly be more fitting.

From a sporting perspective, everything seems set for another major event. Almost all the top riders from the current MXGP and MX2 World Championships are expected to be at the starting line. The starting positions, especially in the MXGP class, promise enormous excitement.

Lucas Coenen travels to Germany as the championship leader, but only narrowly ahead of Jeffrey Herlings. The Dutchman is currently in impressive form, having already won three of the season's six Grands Prix. Other big names like Romain Febvre, Tim Gajser, and Tom Vialle are also still in contention for the title.

In the MX2 class, all eyes from a German perspective are primarily on Simon Längenfelder. The reigning world champion travels to his home race as the leader in the championship standings and can therefore expect particularly strong support in the valley.

Especially in Teutschenthal, the atmosphere can quickly become an additional factor.

German motocross is experiencing a rare moment

The attention surrounding Simon Längenfelder is likely to be particularly intense.

With the reigning MX2 World Champion, a German rider will be traveling to his home Grand Prix in Teutschenthal as the championship leader for the first time in a long while. Expectations and support along the track are therefore likely to be correspondingly high.

The weekend is likely to be particularly emotional for Larissa Papenmeier. The star German female driver will contest her 100th Grand Prix in Teutschenthal — a milestone that only a few German female drivers have reached so far.

Teutschenthal remains one of the most important races on the calendar.

That Teutschenthal has been part of the World Championship for three decades now seems anything but a given in modern motocross. Many tracks have disappeared from the calendar in recent years, while new venues have been added. The valley basin, however, has remained a constant for decades.

That is precisely why this year's anniversary has a special significance — not only for MSC Teutschenthal itself, but for German motocross sport as a whole.

The Start Everyone Is Waiting For!

By: Jason Thomas

And just like that, we are entering a brand-new Pro Motocross Championship and continuing on in the overall SMX World Championship. In what might be the most anticipated start to a motocross season ever, the line-up is simply jaw dropping. Name dropping the likes of Jett, Deegs, Hunter, Eli, Prado, Sexton, and the Coop’s, I can’t remember a season more jammed near the top. Then add to that list podium hopefuls like RJ Hampshire, Aaron Plessinger, Dylan Ferrandis, Justin Barcia, and Malcolm Stewart.

The most intriguing part of this campaign is that I truly have no idea what to expect in either class. The clamoring for dominance in the 450 Class leaves a vacancy for who’s to reign in the 250 Class. There will be a new 250 champion crowned in 2026 and many are staking their claim before the first gate even drops. Who’s to say they are right or wrong? With Deegs exiting to the premier division, the iron throne is available. Riders like Shimoda, Hymas, and Davies all won motos in 2025, but can they bring the consistency it will take to stand atop the field come Ironman? That question, as they say, is why we go racing.

This Fox Raceway racetrack is not one for the meek. Traction levels that change from a soft, rutty, muck in the morning to a brutally hard square edged bumps in the afternoon wreak havoc on riders and chassis engineers alike. It’s a track that is difficult to truly trust and most riders spend the afternoon giving it the side eye.

And just like that, we are entering a brand-new Pro Motocross Championship and continuing on in the overall SMX World Championship. In what might be the most anticipated start to a motocross season ever, the line-up is simply jaw dropping. Name dropping the likes of Jett, Deegs, Hunter, Eli, Prado, Sexton, and the Coop’s, I can’t remember a season more jammed near the top. Then add to that list podium hopefuls like RJ Hampshire, Aaron Plessinger, Dylan Ferrandis, Justin Barcia, and Malcolm Stewart.

The most intriguing part of this campaign is that I truly have no idea what to expect in either class. The clamoring for dominance in the 450 Class leaves a vacancy for who’s to reign in the 250 Class. There will be a new 250 champion crowned in 2026 and many are staking their claim before the first gate even drops. Who’s to say they are right or wrong? With Deegs exiting to the premier division, the iron throne is available. Riders like Shimoda, Hymas, and Davies all won motos in 2025, but can they bring the consistency it will take to stand atop the field come Ironman? That question, as they say, is why we go racing.

This Fox Raceway racetrack is not one for the meek. Traction levels that change from a soft, rutty, muck in the morning to a brutally hard square edged bumps in the afternoon wreak havoc on riders and chassis engineers alike. It’s a track that is difficult to truly trust and most riders spend the afternoon giving it the side eye.

Most riders will use the scoop tire, especially early in the day, but that second moto may offer a chance to bring in a hybrid option or “cut” knob variation. The start is so critically important that most will fear losing forward drive in the deep loam, keeping them on the aggressive side of tread patterns as a rule. There are ways to skirt the edges, though, as a less aggressive tire can be “cut” to add gap in the knob spacing. This would entail taking a cutting tool and simply removing part of the large knob in the middle of the tire.  The side knobs would remain, giving more grip in the harder sections, but the “cut” knob would create a wider area for loose, loamy dirt to fill, propelling the bike forward and helping to offset the loss of dirt displacement on the start a full scoop would offer.

Who’s Hot

Cole Davies won the SLC finale, besting his teammate Haiden Deegan. The jury is still out on Davies' MX expectation, but it’s hard to think he won’t be a player.

Chance Hymas was crazy hot early in 2025 Pro Motocross. There’s no reason to think that same trend won’t hold. The only question is can he keep the story together for 11 rounds?

Jo Shimoda must feel like this is a championship run in the making. On paper, he looks to be a favorite. He’s coming off an injury in St. Louis so how healthy and prepared he is will be the main question for round 1.

Levi Kitchen has never had a better Pro Motocross opportunity than this summer. He will need to execute, but if a championship is in his future, I can’t picture a better setup than 2026.

Jett Lawrence is the reigning champion and the tour de force until proven otherwise. It’s a guessing game as to how ready he is, but betting against him is a good way to go broke.

Haiden Deegan is the most capable rookie in 450 Pro Motocross since Jett Lawrence in 2023. That’s a serious comparison to live up to but with the prep in place, Deegs should be an immediate factor in this fight.

Hunter Lawrence lost the SX title in a heartbreaking duel with Ken Roczen. His mental and emotional resilience will be tested early in these rounds. Ability is not in question for me, it’s how engaged he can will himself to be after such a draining SX run.

Jorge Prado will be looking for revenge after an underwhelming 2025 summer. He has been logging laps on this very racetrack and I can’t picture a scenario where he’s outside of the top 3 in the first corner of each moto. Watch out for the 26, he’s going to be foaming at the mouth to prove people wrong.

A healthy Eli Tomac is always a threat to win. His performance at this round a year ago should speak to his capability. Not many are talking about Tomac right now as a title contender, which could prove to be a big mistake. He’s good at Pala and will be thinking good things entering Saturday.

Chase Sexton might have the least hype since he entered the 450 class. Reminder, he won the last race in SLC! That’s why he lands here. Chase is as good as he decides to be. He can win or be fifth and I would shoulder shrug at both. I have no idea what to expect from Chase this summer, honestly. I could see very different scenarios play out. I do believe, very strongly, that him starting fast in the first round is more important than for any other contender. A poor opening round could set a very disruptive narrative moving forward. Momentum snowballs in both directions.

Most riders will use the scoop tire, especially early in the day, but that second moto may offer a chance to bring in a hybrid option or “cut” knob variation. The start is so critically important that most will fear losing forward drive in the deep loam, keeping them on the aggressive side of tread patterns as a rule. There are ways to skirt the edges, though, as a less aggressive tire can be “cut” to add gap in the knob spacing. This would entail taking a cutting tool and simply removing part of the large knob in the middle of the tire.  The side knobs would remain, giving more grip in the harder sections, but the “cut” knob would create a wider area for loose, loamy dirt to fill, propelling the bike forward and helping to offset the loss of dirt displacement on the start a full scoop would offer.

Tim Gajser: “I’m doing everything I can to be back on the gate this weekend”

Image: Ray Archer

After a hard-fought weekend in France, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are eager to bounce back as they head to Teutschenthal, Germany, for round seven of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

The MXGP of Germany returns to the iconic Talkessel Circuit, a venue steeped in motocross history. Sprawling across the Teutschenthal hillside, this classic hard-pack track is a brutal test of man and machine, characterized by its deep ruts and unforgiving, square-edged bumps. Known for its elevation changes and technical complexity, the circuit demands absolute precision and favours a smooth, calculated riding style. Having hosted its first Grand Prix in 1971, Teutschenthal has become a legendary staple of the calendar, hosting 29 Grands Prix over the last 32 years.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Maxime Renaux arrives with a point to prove. After feeling slightly off the pace at his home Grand Prix, the Frenchman has wasted no time refocusing, putting in extra hours of testing this week with a specific emphasis on his starts. Renaux holds fond memories of the tight, technical German circuit, having clinched a memorable MX2 GP victory there in 2021—a significant confidence boost as he targets a return to the podium this weekend.

At the same time, Tim Gajser is doing everything in his power to be back on the gate this weekend following the right-knee impact sustained in the chaotic first-turn pile-up in France. The five-time World Champion has an incredible track record at the German venue, having stood on the podium eight times, including four overall Grand Prix victories. Determined to add to that tally, Gajser has spent the week working closely with specialists to fast-track his recovery, maintaining a positive outlook as he evaluates his fitness. Known for his incredible toughness, the Slovenian remains focused on his championship goals and will make a final decision alongside his team on Friday.

In MX2, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s Janis Reisulis arrives in Teutschenthal ready to translate his blistering raw speed into a podium result. The young Latvian showed flashes of brilliance in France, delivering a breakthrough performance where he led all but two laps of the second race. With his confidence at an all-time high, J.Reisulis is poised to be a front-runner once again in Germany.

Joining him is his older brother, Karlis, who approaches the weekend with quiet determination and a desire to bounce back from a challenging French GP. The 20-year-old Latvian has fond memories of the Talkessel circuit, having secured his career-first EMX125 round win at this very venue—a milestone that provides an extra boost of confidence heading into the weekend. Having maintained a disciplined training block this week to ensure he is in peak condition, the hungry ‘47’ is focused on finding his flow early in the weekend to ensure he rides to his full potential.

Adding to the excitement of the Germany Grand Prix, De Baets Yamaha Supported MX Team’s Lotte van Drunen returns to the gate for the second round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship. Van Drunen showcased incredible resilience during a tough season opener, salvaging critical points to finish fourth overall. Now, the reigning World Champion turns her focus to the German soil, where she aims to reclaim the top step of the podium and assert her dominance in the title chase.

Finally, the EMX250 Championship resumes for round five. While VHR Yamaha Official EMX250’s Mano Faure continues his recovery from a broken leg sustained in Trentino, the team is thrilled to welcome back Jarne Bervoets. After a solid period of recovery following a heavy fall in Sardinia, Bervoets is ready to make his return to European competition and regain his race rhythm.

— Tim Gajser, 4th MXGP Championship Standings, 223-points

“I’m doing everything I can to be back on the gate this weekend. After the crash in France, I’ve been working closely with specialists all week to recover as fast as I can. We’ll make the final decision later this week, but I’m feeling positive. I really like Teutschenthal, it’s a nice track. I’ve had many wins and podiums there in the past, so I have a lot of good memories. I hope to line up, ready to enjoy the weekend, and make some more good memories.”

MXLarge Johnny O'Mara Interview

Eric Johnson Interview 

Johnny O'mara and Eric Johnson are long time friends. A relationship that started in the 1980s and has grown as the racing legend and the media legend became as close as a racer and media man have ever been.

EJ, one of the greatest journalists in the sport of motocross and Johnny O one of the greatest legends of AMA racing, grew closer as the sport in USA grew. The era of Team USA domination and O'Mara was at the forfront of that domination. In this amazing interview Johnson catches everything that we, the fans want to know. Another classic from EJ.

O'mara is one of the main parts of the puzzel for the Lawrence brothers success and obvously, EJ taps into the inside stories that make the two Aussies great.

43 years. On Saturday, August 27, 1983 at Spring Creek MX Park in Millville, Minnesota, Team Honda racer Johnny O’Mara clinched the 1983 125cc National Motocross Championship after a fierce battle with rivals Jeff Ward, Mark Barnett and Ron Lechien.

“A lot of people consider the ’83 season as one of the toughest ever,” offered O’Mara of the epic 125cc title fight. “Barnett was still in his prime and Jeff Ward and myself were peaking and Ron Lechien and a few other guys were coming on. It was quite fulfilling to win such a competitive series.”

43 years removed from O’Mara’s championship season, the Californian will be out at Fox Raceway at Pala this Saturday for the premier round of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

The mentor and riding coach to both Hunter and Jett Lawrence, O’Mara and his watchful eyes will be on the dynamic duo and there Honda HRC Progressive CRF450RWEs as the brother act makes a run at the 450MX National Championship – a championship both brothers desperately want to win.

“Jett is ready to go,” said O’Mara of Jett Lawrence, the 2022 and 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship 450 Champion who suffered a fractured talus, a fractured navicular, a dislocated ankle and a shattered tibia in testing and training crash last December. “Obviously he hasn’t been on the bike in a while. He’s been chomping at the bit to get back racing. It’s been an intense rehab program, but he’s ready to go for Saturday so everyone is excited to see it.

“He’s back from that injury,” continued O’Mara. “Everyone knows. It’s been talked about widely out there. It was a very sever break in that ankle area, but everything is sound in there right now. We’re not worried about anything. We’ve been on top of that thing since day one. That’s doctors and rehabilitation people in the business. Yeah, it’s good to go. We’re literally ready to go. Sure, you still may see him limp around a little. That just kind of comes with the territory of doing that. I limp around on my foot from when I broke it so many years ago. I think we all know that an injury at that level, it’s probably always going to be never the same. It doesn’t mean you can’t do your job at the highest level. I’m just being pretty frank people so they can understand that.”

Is everything where it needs to be and is everything in order for Jett Lawrence as he prepares for this Saturday’s AMA Pro Motocross Championship opening round?

“Yeah, I do think Jett is good to go,” said O’Mara enthusiastically. “I was just in Florida the last couple weeks after the supercross stuff. I went back to make sure everything is in place with Hunter jumping on the outdoor stuff. Jett has been doing all testing and putting in all of the time that’s necessary with the motorcycle, so a lot of the Hunter stuff was already gone through with Jett. Everything looks good. There was plenty of seat time on Jett’s side. There was minimal time outdoors for Hunter, but only because he just came off the supercross season. Being able to go a full 17 race series in supercross, Hunter is pretty fit. There is no doubt about it. I’m not worried that he can’t go two 35-miute motos. I’ll put it that way. He’s highly fine-tuned. There was not too much wear and tear on him. We felt good the whole time. Kenny just was a little better at the last race, so we just move on. Congratulations to Kenny and we just wish we were in that spot, but there is going to be more opportunities for Hunter. That one hurt because we were so close.”

O’Mara talked about the reality that Hunter Lawerence is fine, recovered and has moved along from the disappointment he experienced is coming up so heartbreakingly close to Ken Roczen at the Salt Lake City Monster Energy Supercross Championship conclusion.

“Yeah, Hunter is fine,” offered O’Mara. “Hunter is an intense individual. You just give him his space. Give him 24 hours and he just moves on. That’s literally how we look at it. I give him his space. He flew home right away. Not sulking, but it just hurts a little bit. When you want to win that bad, you expect that to hurt. If you didn’t see it hurt, then you’d be disappointed in the person because they lay everything on the line. I’d be the same way. Some of the greatest people that I’ve worked with, champions, business people, people all over, if they don’t get their way, they’re not too happy. They move on. As they say, you fail way more than you succeed. Hunter has had plenty of that. Jett has had plenty of that when he was young. Jett is going through it a little bit now. He had a couple of injuries, but he comes back. Last year he won. I don’t see Jett missing any beats on this. I think he is going to be competitive right off the bat. I think we’ll see that this weekend.”

O’Mara, who competed for Team Honda from 1980 through 1986, firmly believes the Honda HRC Progressive race team and overall program operates at an optimum level.

“It’s a good as you can imagine,” said O’Mara, who won the 1984 AMA Supercross Championship for Team Honda. “Everyone kind of knows my history with the Honda racing team back when we built it super-strong in the 1980s. That was a long time ago, but that’s how we tried to replicate it for Jett and Hunter. So I was part of that and the Honda guys gave me full range to help with putting people in place. We’ve got Japan way more involved now. It’s built perfectly for both boys to succeed.

Up next for Jett and Hunter Lawrence and the Honda HRC Progressive team will be Fox Raceway at Pala in Southern California and the first round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. How are they looking at it all?

“it’s just the start of another motocross series for us. We don’t really look at it any other way. You would think there is total big talks about it. There’s not. In our camp, you can only control what’s in front of us. That’s just being prepared. You guys all know how my work ethic is and how we go about business. That translates to the boys and I’ve been around them long enough that we all kind of know what we’re doing. We don’t get wrapped up in anything other than making sure we are as prepared as possible when we go on the start line.”

Haiden Deegan. He’ll be at Fox Raceway at Pala on a Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha YZ450F and he’s been lighting up the global moto media about it. How have O’Mara and he Lawrence brothers looked at the Haiden Deegan variable come this Saturday?

“We don’t fall in that category,” said O’Mara. “We’re not dumb. We watched the kid be successful on the small bike. We would expect him to come into the 450 ranks and be competitive right off the bat. Where that is we don’t know util we see the start of the season here relatively quick. Other than that we just know we have a very stacked field. We don’t disrespect any of the guys in there because there plenty of guys that are grown men and championship material guys who have won multiple championships. We don’t really look at any particular guy, we just know how to prepare ourselves for a battle. That’s what we do. 22 motos and then on to the SMX Finals. All the guys are very good. They’re World Champions and multi-time champions. We don’t look at it like, “He’s our main competition.” We don’t look at it like that. If anything the boys are pretty competitive with themselves and it wouldn’t surprise me to see those guys at the front and competing for wins between the two of them.”

Top 10: Pro Motocross 2026 narratives

 Post: Kane Taylor

What you must watch when the gates drop at Fox Raceway this Saturday.

With the opening round of the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship set to commence this Saturday at Fox Raceway, a range of intriguing storylines are emerging ahead of gates dropping on the new outdoor season. In this Top 10 feature, MotoOnline takes a look at the primary narratives to watch entering round one.

1. Defending 450MX champion Jett Lawrence returns:
Sitting atop this list is, of course, the return of defending 450MX champion Jett Lawrence. The 22-year-old has been sidelined for the past five months following an injury sustained in December, and will make his highly anticipated return at Fox Raceway this Saturday. Lawrence holds a perfect eight-from-eight overall record at the venue, while also having won 24 of the 27 450MX rounds contested throughout his career. The statistics are difficult to argue against, with every chance the Honda HRC Progressive rider adds significantly to that tally this summer.

2. Haiden Deegan makes 450MX debut:
It’s undeniable that Haiden Deegan was a dominant force in the 250 division, assuming that mantle following the graduation of both Lawrence brothers to the premier class. Now, the spotlight shifts to Pala for round one of 2026, where the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider steps into 450MX competition carrying significant expectations – many of which have been created through his own commentary. Deegan has consistently shown that he embraces pressure, and that approach has largely proven successful throughout his 250 career. Whether it translates immediately against the sport’s elite in 450MX remains to be seen, although one thing is certain: wherever Deegan lines up, entertainment is rarely far behind.

3. Monster Energy Kawasaki and Chase Sexton:
The 2026 Monster Energy Supercross season didn’t unfold as expected for Chase Sexton and Monster Energy Kawasaki, with the pairing struggling to fully gel with the KX450SR package throughout the series. What will be intriguing entering the outdoor season, however, is the complete reset that comes with Pro Motocross and a fresh 11-round campaign. Whether additional performance can be unlocked outdoors remains to be seen, although Sexton’s credentials in Pro Motocross are already well established, highlighted by his 2024 450MX championship success.

4. Cole Davies looks to convert Supercross success:
Cole Davies has been a revelation in Supercross across the past two seasons, although there remains limited Pro Motocross form to assess entering the summer. His current outdoor moto results stand at 23-23-1-17, with last year’s opening moto at Budds Creek showing genuine promise. The 18-year-old New Zealander has the potential to emerge as a legitimate 250MX title contender by season’s end, although there’s also the possibility that his strengths lean more heavily toward Supercross. Whether Davies can consistently transfer that form outdoors is one of the more intriguing storylines entering 2026, and by around the third round, we should have a much clearer indication.

5. Early-season form needed in Jo Shimoda’s title challenge:
Jo Shimoda has finished runner-up in 250MX twice (2022, 2025), alongside a third-place result in 2023, although the Honda HRC Progressive rider has so far struggled to piece together all 22 motos across a full campaign. Last season began strongly with a 2-2-2-2 moto scorecard across the opening two rounds, however, P6 overall finishes at Thunder Valley and High Point proved costly despite later victories at RedBud, Washougal, and Unadilla. Those mid-season gains ultimately weren’t enough to reel in champion Haiden Deegan. With Deegan now out of the category, the opportunity is there for Shimoda to take control, although tightening up the opening phase of the season and limiting early points losses will be critical to his championship hopes.

6. Eli Tomac targets fifth 450MX championship in 2026:
Nearly nine years ago, Eli Tomac captured the first of his four Pro Motocross premier class titles, later adding back-to-back crowns in 2018 and 2019 before edging out Chase Sexton in a season-long battle during 2022. Tomac managed just two moto victories last summer amid the dominance of Jett Lawrence, meaning both he and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will be aiming to unlock further performance from the 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION if they are to contend for the 2026 championship, which would mark a fifth premier class outdoor title for the veteran.

7. 450MX title contention for Jorge Prado and Hunter Lawrence:
Both Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Hunter Lawrence (Honda HRC Progressive) enter the season as genuine championship contenders, and each could present a serious challenge to the benchmark set by Jett. Four-time world champion Prado appears significantly improved aboard the KTM package, with his outdoor credentials already firmly established, while Hunter arrives following a heartbreaking loss in the 450SX title fight. Had he secured the championship, perhaps a natural comedown may have followed, although falling short by the narrowest of margins likely leaves the Australian even more motivated to chase a number one plate outdoors.

8. RJ Hampshire and Aaron Plessinger return adds 450MX depth:
Both RJ Hampshire and Aaron Plessinger return to Pro Motocross this summer, adding further depth to an already stacked 450MX category. Both riders are also competing for future opportunities, particularly Hampshire, with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing program set to conclude at the end of 2026. As a result, each enters the season with additional motivation, and both are expected to feature heavily inside the top 10, which will be an area of the field that shapes as one of the most fiercely contested throughout the summer..

9. Ducati makes Pro Motocross debut:
The 2026 season will also mark the Pro Motocross debut of the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing program, led by former 450MX champion Dylan Ferrandis alongside Justin Barcia. We’ve already seen the factory Desmo450 MX in Supercross competition, although the outdoor season will provide a clearer picture of the platform’s development across the wide range of conditions and terrain that Pro Motocross presents. Ducati’s MXGP campaign has proven challenging so far in 2026, so the manufacturer will be hoping the American outdoor series delivers a stronger outcome.

10. Looking to break Pro Circuit drought:
It’s been since Adam Cianciarulo secured the 250MX crown in 2019 that Mitch Payton’s Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team has claimed an outdoor championship, while the drought in Monster Energy Supercross has stretched even longer for the once-dominant program. In a category largely controlled in recent years by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing and Honda HRC Progressive, the pressure is building for Pro Circuit to return to championship-winning form, with much of that responsibility now falling on Levi Kitchen and Seth Hammaker in 2026. Kitchen finished third overall in 2024 and fourth in 2025, while Hammaker was ranked seventh last season, meaning both riders will likely need another step in outright pace if they are to emerge as genuine title contenders. Still, with the Lawrence brothers and Haiden Deegan now out of the category, the opportunity is there for a new rider to rise to the top – and perhaps that’s exactly the opening Kitchen and Hammaker needed.

What should we expect from Jett Lawrence on return?

Motoonline.com Post: Kane Taylor

Defending 450MX champion back on track for Pro Motocross.

The return of Jett Lawrence raises questions surrounding expectations, with the double 450MX champion sidelined for the past five months after sustaining a serious ankle/foot injury in late December. As the Pro Motocross opener draws closer, attention turns to whether he can immediately challenge for victory this weekend.

It was a topic we were also presented with at this time last year, with the Honda HRC Progressive phenom having exited the Monster Energy Supercross Championship with a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) incurred at the fourth round of 450SX in Glendale. Lawrence answered with a resounding 1-1 at Fox Raceway and a second premier class title.

Now, 12 months later and we find ourselves in a similar situation, although this time does feel slightly different. We’ve so far seen a more reserved Lawrence and team, who have indicated that this injury – particularly the delicate talus fracture – has been a nuanced one to recover from and perhaps taken even longer than expected.

From the outside, it makes predictions almost impossible, because the calibre of Lawrence on a 450 outdoors has proven to be almost unbeatable. The 22-year-old has so far won 24 of a possible 27 overalls, which included a perfect season on debut in 2023, and has dominated the division since he arrived on the scene.

Image: Octopi Media.

In that breath, it’s reasonable to expect a 1-1 is well within his wheelhouse at Fox Raceway – which is a circuit he is undefeated at from an overall perspective in his eight visits to the Pala venue. In short, it’s hard to go against the younger Lawrence brother, with the numbers ultimately telling his story.

Back to his injury, considering time spent off the motorcycle, and the fact that the competition has inevitably improved, with riders like elder brother Hunter Lawrence, Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, and premier class rookie Haiden Deegan perhaps presenting Jett’s biggest challenge yet. It is a lot to overcome, especially when everyone is gunning for you.

But in truth, with the winning rate that Lawrence boasts, the other riders have needed to lift their game, and so maybe what we will see this year is an even more consistent challenge for Jett, and not just a whitewash of moto and overall victories, which shapes the series somewhat more predictably beyond the opening couple of rounds.

Deegan’s name has been inserted directly into the 450MX conversation from the outset, and rightfully so, given his credentials as a double 250MX champion in his own right. His highly-anticipated debut generates a question within itself – can he emerge as the new alpha male in the category, as Jett did on his arrival?

It’s undeniable that’s where Deegan is aiming – and he has said as much in his own words. This has perhaps created more excitement and anticipation across the board, as without the entry of the ultra-talented 20-year-old, maybe less of a spotlight shines on Jett’s return when the curtains open come Saturday.

A lot hinges on the upcoming opener this weekend, where it would seem that the stakes are higher than they’ve been in quite some time. Maybe even more than anytime in history beforehand. You sense that riders can smell blood in the water with Jett’s vulnerability, and they are ready to strike.

This summer in 450MX is going to be intriguing for more reasons than Lawrence vs Deegan and the former champions, too, since four-time world champion Jorge Prado is much-improved, while current MXGP World Championship leader Lucas Coenen is set to join the fray come Thunder Valley for select appearances.

Hunter is coming off a tough loss in 450SX, with an outdoor title the perfect antidote to ease the sting, while Deegan already has a point to prove, Sexton would love to – has to? – return to the front of the pack week in and week out, plus Tomac will aim at a fifth title, which are all narratives that hype the series up substantially.

Image: Octopi Media.

They are also storylines that Jett needs to contend with as he attempts to remind everyone that there is one rider at the top, and that the throne belongs to him alone. So, what should we expect from Lawrence in his racing return, then? The 450MX record tells us a pretty clear picture, and I think it’s right to assume more of the same, until demonstrably proven otherwise.

Could the 2023 and 2025 title-winner take some time and patience to race himself back into true form? That’s a possibility. And if that is indeed the case, his aforementioned rivals will indeed pounce on the moment to attack – and undoubtedly take the opportunity to talk about it in the aftermath as well. You know Deegan would.

But when it’s all said and done, if Jett makes all 11 rounds and 22 motos, it’s hard to go past another title for the Australian, who has proven to be virtually untouchable in 450MX, and will look to keep that narrative going in this year’s Pro Motocross Championship. We’re ready for the gates to drop.

Jeffery Herlings Still Going Strong!

Jeffrey Herlings: “It’s going to be a heck of a season if we continue racing like this”

Andy McKinstry1 minute ago13 mins

Image: Ray Archer

The legendary Jeffrey Herlings added another GP overall win to his name after holding off the relentless pressure of Lucas Coenen to claim his 115th Grand Prix victory in extremely demanding conditions.

Racing in intense heat and on a hard-packed circuit far removed from the deep sand tracks of the Netherlands, Herlings had to dig deep physically and mentally to emerge victorious. Despite the conditions being completely opposite to what he is used to at home, the Dutchman showed all his experience to fend off the teenage sensation Coenen in a thrilling second moto battle.

“Yeah, definitely. The heat took quite a toll on me because I cramped the last couple of laps. Physically, the track was not too demanding. It was not like a deep sand track like Lommel, let’s say. We didn’t have more than 20 degrees so far yet this season and to come here, it’s around 35. I pushed that hard, and I started to get cramps. Also, in China, last year, I was struggling a bit in the heat. I’m from Holland so we’re not in the best of these kinds of conditions. But it’s normal to get a bit better when you go through all this”.

“But going back to the racing part, really good. I won yesterday and it was quite a comfortable race yesterday. The first moto, I lost a bit of time overtaking a couple of riders with Tom and Andrea. By the time I got into second, Lucas had like a five-second gap, and I wasn’t able to close him down. I wasn’t really far off, but I also didn’t want to waste all my energy because I knew it was going to be difficult. Catching somebody is one thing but passing them is another thing here and especially on this track”.

“Coming into the second moto, I knew the start was going to be key. Before the restart, I was second, and then there was a bit of a chaos on the line with riders being removed and how we lined up. So it took a bit of time but then once we got racing, I was straight in the lead. I had the pressure from Lucas for the full 20 laps. I managed to not make any mistakes, because I heard him all the time, he was right on my rear wheel. Just with three or four laps to go, I started to get cramp. I was like oh sh*t, this is not the right timing to have that. But we managed to keep charging and managed to win”.

The battle between Herlings and Coenen once again highlighted the fascinating contrast between youth and experience in MXGP. While Coenen pushed hard throughout the weekend, Herlings used all his race craft to control the pressure and avoid mistakes when it mattered most.

The HRC Petronas Honda rider also praised the progress made by his team in recent weeks and believes the championship fight could become one of the most exciting in years if the current level continues and they both remain injury free.

“It’s going to be a heck of a season if we continue racing like this. You know, Lucas is super good, and I’m looking forward to seeing him race also in America to see where our MXGP level is. But for now, I’m pleased with the weekend. I want to give it up to Team Gariboldi and also HRC Petronas for the amazing, great job they’ve been doing. We’ve raced a lot of races but also did some testing and I feel we made another step improvement, so I want to give it up to HRC and all the people in Japan for doing a great job. I am looking forward to Teutschenthal next weekend, and hopefully it’s going to be less stressful races than here today”.

Even at this stage of his career, Herlings still races a lot – over the MXGP break he raced five different events. The Dutchman explained that racing regularly helps maintain the intensity needed to compete with riders over a decade younger than him.

“First of all, I enjoy racing. I feel that sometimes on the weekends in Holland, it’s very crowded on the tracks. I feel that’s even more dangerous than to just go racing and then when I go racing, I feel I’m a bit more focused. It’s just a good training, and the team has supported me in that. I think, I also need it because I have a 12-year age gap, so I need to stay on there. I need to keep having that intensity and when you go practice, I feel like I can put in less intensity than when I go racing.

“Also in Holland, when Kay (de Wolf) is racing, he’s super-fast in the sand. I feel like he has the speed for me and Lucas, and to match our speed as well in the sand. I try to keep sharp, because I need to stay with this young fella (laughs)”.

Herlings also shared his thoughts on Coenen going to race in America later this summer. Having already racing an AMA Pro Motocross round himself in the past, the five-time world champion admitted he is eager to see how the MXGP star compare against the American elite.

“That’s why I don’t go back (to Amercia). I came, I saw, I conquered and that is good enough for me. There’s a lot of rumours about Lucas going to the US. Maybe in the future, next year, whenever. I think it’s good to get his feet wet and I’m quite curious. I actually just said to him next to me, I’m very curious to see where we are at, our level. I think already last year at the Nations, he was actually the only one who could kind of stay with Jett and now we have to see how Jett comes back, and also with Haiden, I’m quite curious”.

The Dutch superstar believes the unique format and intensity of American racing will provide a huge test for Coenen but also an opportunity to gauge the true strength of MXGP against the AMA scene.

“You know, you have to learn the track quick. Two times, 10 or 15 minutes practice, something like that and straight to the races, they’re very explosive in the beginning so it’s different. It’s a one day and in and out with shorter break. I’m quite curious to how he does. I’m actually very pleased that he goes because it will really show where we are at”.

“But at the end of the day, I think and I hope he will not take too many risks, because at the end of the day, people want to see us fight for a championship. For sure, people will say, there’s more risk of an injury, but when you go practice, he also broke his arms during practice last year. I got hurt many times during practice, so it can also happen also at a practice. I’m looking forward to seeing how he does”.

Deegan: I want to take the throne!

The hype is next level for Haiden Deegan as he gets ready for his AMA debut this weekend in Pala ( Deegan v the world) and he doesn’t hold back on anything, including Jett Lawrence in his interview with Monster Energy! 

Deegan on…

Being Cocky

I’m cocky, and I back it up, and when I show up, I definitely show up and I dominate…I  like being cocky because it pits me in a corner that I have to get myself out of if it goes bad.

I want to take the throne pretty much. That’s what goes through my head. I want to line up to Tomac, I can be like, show them, you know, this is the new beast mode. 

Vialle Thrives in Return to MXGP

By Eric Johnson - May 9, 2026

A two-time FIM MX2 world champion, as well as a two-time 250SX East Division Monster Energy AMA Supercross champion, Tom Vialle has once again found his way back into the FIM Motocross World Championship. When the Honda HRC Petronas MXGP team came calling, the Frenchman eagerly signed up.

“When I found out Honda HRC were interested in signing me, I knew that I wasn’t going to get a better opportunity,” said Vialle. And so far, so good for the Honda CRF450R pilot. Five rounds in, Vialle is third in the point standings, the winner of the MXGP of Switzerland and a podium finisher in Argentina and Trentino, The next stop for the 25-year-old will be the MXGP of France, set for the Lacapelle-Marival circuit on May 24.

“We have five weeks off. After the last GP, I went on a break for a week in Florida. That was nice just to take one week away from the bike, you know? It’s a long season," he said.

Vialle currently trails Lucas Coenen and Honda HRC Petronas teammate Jeffrey Herlings in the standings. He's looking forward to his home race as a chance to close in on his title rivals.

“The French GP is one of the best of the series,” said Vialle. “We are pretty lucky in France. We have a lot of fans coming to the race every year. It’s actually been quite a while for me to be in a big race. The last time I raced that big of a race was probably the Motocross des Nations in 2023 in Ernee. It would be nice to be back and see all the fans that obviously I have not seen for the last three years. It’s a big race for me and hopefully ready to do good and hopefully we can be on the podium or fight for the win. That’s the goal.”

His professional career launched in the MXGP MX2 classification in 2019 and in a relatively short amount of time, Vialle has gleaned a terrific amount of racing knowledge from basically competing in a two front war between Europe and the USA.

“Yeah, it is weird in a way and good in a way,” explained Vialle of his around-the-world approach. “Three years in the USA is a long time and not a long time. I feel like it was pretty easy to get back used to racing in the GPs. That is really something that I was used to. I was a little bit surprised. I thought that maybe I needed some time to adapt again. No, from the first GP this year, I was really back into feeling the GP weekend. It’s a long weekend with both days riding and competing, but it has been good. The adaptation has been good. I was a little be scared of that. I also remember the tracks pretty good and that was nice to see.”

And in only his third GP with his new team Vialle won the MXGP of Switzerland at the sweeping Frauenfeld-Gachnang circuit.

“Yeah, it was excellent,” he enthused. “It was a little bit of a weird circumstance with Jeffrey Herlings and Lucas Coenen having bike issues, but that’s part of the race. I was good in both motos and it was actually nice to win my first overall MXGP race after only three races. It was really early in the season and I didn’t really expect to win a GP that early.

"I’m really happy with the team and the bike. Honda, I feel like it’s something special. I’ve been a KTM rider since day one and since my first GP. After everything I’ve done with them in the 250 class in Europe and back in the U.S., I didn’t feel like they were pushing for me in the 450 class. And getting those offers, especially the one from Honda, was excellent. I mean, I’ve seen Chase Sexton and Cooper Webb and everyone was struggling with the KTM in the 450 class. Especially in the whoops and stuff. I was really excited to try the Honda and the contract and everything was good. I signed that Honda deal because of the way the team is and the way the bike is. I know the Japanese are working really hard on this new bike that I’m riding. And yeah, I was really happy to move to the 450 class and I think with one of the best bikes right now. So that is what pushed me to sign with Honda.

“I mean, I was really happy with my 250 career,” explained Vialle. “I won four titles and I was really closing that chapter of my career and my goal was to have the best bike and the best team. I was trying to have the best setup to move to the 450 class. The 450 class is gnarly. There are a lot of good guys and you need that good stuff with you to make it happen. That was really my first goal. And Honda brought a long-term deal and they really push and they were really motivated to have me in the team, that’s why I signed with them. So far I’m pretty happy with the decision.

“With Honda, it is a lot different than KTM. Even with the way you have to ride the bike. The team and the way the team is working is also a lot different. This is something really new and I think I’m the one who can really talk about Europe and the U.S. With KTM I have seen both sides. The way Honda is working and testing and all that stuff is a lot different than what I was used to with KTM. Yeah, we have a lot of options. We are racing the prototype 2027 Honda. We have testing and making the bike better. Every other month we are trying to have some updates and to make the bike better. So far it has been good.”

As the 2025 250SX East Division Monster Energy AMA Supercross champion, does Vialle feel the fierce and ultra-competitive nature of supercross has been advantageous to his MXGP move?

“I think so,” replied the Frenchman. “I think the supercross and the training has been helpful, especially in the motos and in timed practice. A lot of small things since I have been back to MXGP are a little bit better. So yeah, I believe supercross is a big help and that’s why I will continue racing supercross this winter.

"So yeah, I’m pretty excited and I want to keep that in my program. I think training in supercross is a big help for outdoors. I think a lot of people forget that this is my first year in the 450 class, so I need time to adapt to the bike. It’s not easy, you know? All those guys –Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser, Romain Febvre – they have been there in the class for years and years and I’m trying to fight with them and be up there with them.”

Being teammates again with Herlings in the 2026 MXGP division is also a positive for Vialle.

“I mean, with Jeffrey we always had a good relationship,” he said. “We were teammates for four years when I was in Europe. We are pretty good with each other. We train sometimes together. Also for me, having Jeffrey is probably the best teammate you can have to learn from. I can see what he does and why he is so good. I’m trying to learn every weekend and see what he does and hopefully that can help me for my future.

For all his success, at 25 years in age, Vialle is young for MXGP, which also positions him well.

“I feel like in the last couple of years [riders] are getting good at 32 or 33 years old. So if you see it like that, yeah, I have many years ahead of me," he said. "I’m trying to get better every week.”

Honda Fake Clutch...Why?

Honda patents fake clutch for electric motorcycles and it might actually make sense

One of the biggest advantages of electric motorcycles has always been their simplicity. No clutch, no gears, no stalling – just twist the throttle and go. They’re basically big, fun scooters, at least in terms of operation. But Honda appears to think there’s still something worth preserving from the old-school riding experience, especially for off-road riders.

A newly revealed Honda patent shows the company developing a simulated electronic clutch system for electric motorcycles, complete with torque-boost launches and even haptic feedback designed to mimic the feel of a combustion engine.

And surprisingly, it might not be as gimmicky as it first sounds.

The patent is illustrated on Honda’s CR Electric Proto motocross bike, the same electric dirt bike concept the company has been quietly developing for competition use. Instead of using a traditional mechanical clutch, the system uses electronics to alter how the motor responds based on clutch lever position.

Pull the clutch halfway in, and the system proportionally reduces motor output. Pull it fully, and power is cut entirely, regardless of throttle position. But the more interesting part is how Honda intends to recreate the behavior riders actually use clutches for.

According to the patent as reported by AMCN, riders could preload the throttle while holding in the clutch lever, then rapidly release the lever to trigger a burst of torque – essentially simulating the hard launches motocross riders rely on with gas bikes.

Honda believes that could be useful in competitive riding situations where precise power modulation matters, especially on loose terrain or during aggressive starts.

Honda also appears to be working on recreating the feel of a gas bike, not just the control inputs. The patent describes multiple vibration motors placed in the handlebars and near the clutch lever to provide haptic feedback that simulates engine vibration and even the “bite point” sensation of a clutch engaging.

In other words, Honda may be trying to make an electric dirt bike feel mechanically alive, or at least the old-school idea of what a breathing dirt bike used to feel like.

 

Electrek’s Take

I’ll admit that my knee-jerk reaction to fake clutches and simulated transmissions on electric motorcycles has usually been, “Why?”

One of the best things about electric motorcycles is that they eliminate much of the mechanical baggage. But motocross may actually be one of the few places where a simulated clutch might make a bit of sense. I get that it’s long been an integral part of power delivery in performance riding like that, though the beauty of electric motorcycles is that you can drop that insane torque with the same twist of the wrist you’d use to carefully modulate just a bit of power on takeoff. Those who come of age on electric motorcycles learn this to be intuitive, though I can see how riders switching from combustion engines to electric motors might be helped by a system that feels more familiar to them.

Off-road riding often relies heavily on precise power control and explosive launches, and many riders have developed decades of muscle memory around clutch use. Recreating some of that behavior electronically could offer real performance benefits while still keeping the advantages of an electric drivetrain.

Sure, I still find it to be slightly gimmicky, but it comes in a well-engineered solution that might have some purpose. And if manufacturers are going to simulate old-school motorcycle behavior, Honda’s approach at least seems more thoughtful than simply adding fake gears for nostalgia’s sake.