The 2025 SMX Next Motocross Final delivered everything motocross fans could hope for — intense battles, breakout performances, and a victory that came down to consistent riding over flashy moto wins. Held on August 8, just one day before the Ironman National Motocross, this highly anticipated event featured 25 of the sport’s most promising amateur prospects.
Coming on the heels of the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, the stakes were high, especially for newly crowned Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner Enzo Temmerman. Many eyes were already on the Californian as he lined up under the Indiana summer sun, ready to prove why he’s one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
Temmerman didn’t deliver a single moto win on the day — but he didn’t need to. Piloting his Kawasaki Team Green machine, he put in two rock-solid rides, going 2-2 across both motos. That consistency proved to be the golden ticket, securing him the overall Ironman victory in the SMX Next Final.
How the Race Unfolded
In Moto 1, it was Caden Dudney from Texas, riding a Yamaha, who stole the show early. Dudney nailed the start, settled into his rhythm, and kept the chasers at bay to take a confident win. However, the victory celebration was short-lived — as the second moto would show, motocross is as much about starts as it is about speed.
When the gate dropped for Moto 2, Dudney was buried deep in the pack after a poor start. Despite his best efforts to slice through traffic, the Texas rider couldn’t replicate his earlier magic. He ended the moto in sixth place, a result that would drop him out of overall contention despite his earlier dominance.
The second moto instead belonged to Landon Gibson of Georgia, aboard his Husqvarna. Gibson, who had finished a disappointing sixth in Moto 1, came out swinging in the second race. Midway through, he made an assertive pass on Temmerman for the lead, then steadily pulled away. By the checkered flag, Gibson had opened up an 11-second margin of victory over Temmerman, showcasing raw speed and confidence.
Gibson’s 6-1 scorecard earned him second overall — a strong comeback considering his uphill start to the day.
Podium and Standouts
The final podium spot went to Luke Fauser from Pennsylvania, riding a KTM. Fauser quietly put together a pair of solid rides, finishing 5-4, enough to edge out other contenders for third overall.
While Temmerman’s performance was defined by composure and consistency, Gibson’s second moto win reminded fans that he’s one to watch for future championships. Dudney’s Moto 1 triumph proved his potential, but his second moto struggles were a reminder of just how quickly fortunes can change in motocross.
What’s Next for Temmerman and the Field
For Enzo Temmerman, the SMX Next Final was another step in a rapidly ascending career. Back-to-back standout performances — first at Loretta Lynn’s and now at Ironman — solidify his status as a future professional contender.
For the rest of the field, the race was both a test and a statement. The SMX Next platform has consistently served as a proving ground for the next generation of motocross stars, and this year’s Ironman showdown showed that the pipeline of talent remains as strong as ever.
As these young riders move forward, one thing is certain — whether it’s Temmerman’s steady hand, Gibson’s explosive speed, or Dudney’s holeshot firepower, the future of American motocross looks thrillingly competitive.