BUDDS CREEK, Md. The curtain came down on the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship this past weekend at Budds Creek Motocross Park, and the final round did not disappoint. Like the ten rounds before it, the racing delivered high drama, strategic battles, and a few surprises. To break down everything we saw on track, former professional racer and NBC on-track analyst Jason Thomas offered his insights.
Final Round Tensions: Riders with Different Goals
The final event of any championship often brings out different priorities. Some riders are fighting for every point, while others simply aim to finish strong or avoid risk. Budds Creek was no exception.
Thomas noted that the SuperMotocross (SMX) playoff bubble was a major storyline. The battle for the final qualifying spots came down to Mitchell Harrison and Coty Schock, with tension peaking in the second moto.
“The playoff math reached a fever pitch,” Thomas said. “There will always be guys who give maximum effort at the final round, and Budds was no different. Coty Schock in particular was all-in crashing, tangling with banners, overriding everywhere. It didn’t always work, but no one can say he wasn’t trying.”
One notable decision came from Tom Vialle, who opted to sit out the last moto. According to Thomas, that move earned him the unofficial award for choosing safety over risk at season’s end.
The Start Gate Advantage
Starting position at Budds Creek is critical, and the track’s design rewards those on the inside.
“The inside gates have been favored since a 2007 change for the Motocross of Nations,” Thomas explained. “The first turn is a sharp 180, making it tough for outside riders.”
Still, crafty veterans can make something happen. Jorge Prado used an unconventional line, accelerating on the grass where the soil was firmer. Despite starting far outside with the 41st gate pick, Prado’s commitment got him into the top five early in the moto a highlight of his day.
Weather Twist Thanks to Hurricane Erin
Budds Creek is famous for hot, sticky conditions, but this year nature stepped in. Hurricane Erin swept away the usual humidity, leaving near-perfect weather behind.
“I’ve been coming here since 1996,” Thomas said. “This was one of the most comfortable Budds Creek events I’ve attended. It wasn’t so much the track—it was the weather that stood out.”
Track Layout Still Demands Strong Starts
While the weather was different, the racing line remained familiar.
“Budds Creek tends to form into a single main line,” Thomas observed. “Corners funnel riders into the same angle, and passing is difficult unless it’s on a straight. Tough starts are punished here, and that’s always been the case.”
Deegan Seals the Title in Style
Haiden Deegan needed only a 15th-place finish in the first moto to secure the championship, but he still pushed for victory.
“I expected a situational ride,” Thomas said. “If he had a bad start, he would have managed it. But when the opportunity to win was there, he took it. That’s smart racing. Deegan understands risk versus reward better than people think.”
(Note: Deegan and Jo Shimoda were later penalized for a red-cross flag violation, losing one position and five points.)
Rookie Impressions and Standout Performances
The finale also brought a breakout ride for rookie Cole Davies, who followed a modest 23-23 debut with an eye-catching first moto at Budds.
“It all came down to the start,” Thomas explained. “When he launched well, he showed he could run up front. It was an important confirmation of his talent.”
Justin Cooper also impressed, going 2-4 for third overall.
“He looked strong at Unadilla, and Budds was even better,” Thomas said. “After a long season and a crash at Millville, it seems like he’s found a second wind. That’s tough to do this late in the year.”
Lawrence Brothers Deliver Final Drama
The Lawrence brothers wrapped up the year with another family duel. Jett Lawrence took the first moto win, but Hunter Lawrence held him off in the second.
“I was surprised Jett didn’t push harder,” Thomas admitted. “But Hunter rode incredibly well. Jett had the overall locked up and wasn’t willing to take big risks. Sometimes caution is the smarter choice, even for a rider as aggressive as Jett.”
The 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship finale gave fans one last reminder of why this series remains a must-watch. From playoff tension to standout performances, Budds Creek had it all setting the stage perfectly for the SMX playoffs ahead.