The 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs are heating up, and this weekend the action moves to The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, for the second round of the postseason. While the excitement is building for fans eager to see the best riders in the world go bar to bar, not every star will be able to line up behind the gate. Injuries have always been an unfortunate reality of motocross and SuperMotocross, and this season is no exception. Several big names across both the 450SMX and 250SMX classes will be forced to watch from the sidelines, while a few others are fighting to return to action despite recent setbacks.
Here’s a detailed look at who’s in and who’s out for Round 2 of the SMX Playoffs
450SMX Class
Jason Anderson – Health Issues | Out
Jason Anderson’s season has officially come to an end. The veteran rider is out for the remainder of the year due to ongoing health concerns that have kept him from competing at his usual high level. Anderson’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in the 450 field, as his speed and race craft are always a factor when he’s on the track. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until next year to see him back in action.
Colt Nichols – Thumb Injury | Out
Colt Nichols is also sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right thumb. The injury required immediate attention, and with recovery time needed, Nichols will not be participating in any of the SMX Playoff rounds. The timing is especially disappointing given his potential to make an impact this postseason.
Aaron Plessinger – Illness | Out
Aaron Plessinger’s year has been a rollercoaster. After stepping away from Pro Motocross earlier in the summer due to ongoing health issues, the hope was that he could regroup in time for the SMX Playoffs. Unfortunately, his body hasn’t fully recovered, and the decision was made to shut him down for the remainder of the year. Plessinger’s energy and fan-favorite personality will surely be missed in St. Louis.
Malcolm Stewart – Back and Leg Injuries | In
Perhaps the biggest question mark heading into St. Louis was Malcolm Stewart. Stewart tweaked his back and injured his leg in Concord, and although he attempted to race, he simply didn’t have the strength to push through. The good news for his fans is that Stewart has since confirmed he intends to race this weekend. His team has also stated that he should be able to line up, while Stewart himself posted on Instagram that it’s “time to rest up and reset for next weekend.” Expect him to give it everything he has in St. Louis.
250SMX Class
Julien Beaumer – Back Injury | Out
Julien Beaumer’s season came to a painful halt in Concord, where he suffered a burst fracture of his L3 vertebra during qualifying. Beaumer underwent surgery and has now begun the long recovery process. His absence will be felt in the 250 field, where he was developing into a consistent contender.
Mikkel Haarup – Collarbone Injury | Out
Mikkel Haarup is also sidelined after breaking his collarbone at Unadilla. The Danish rider has been steadily making a name for himself, but this injury takes him out of the SMX Playoffs. Haarup has set his sights on a potential return at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, where he hopes to represent his country if recovery goes well.
Chance Hymas – ACL Injury | Out
Chance Hymas tore his ACL earlier this year at High Point, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. The young rider had shown flashes of brilliance, but an ACL tear requires extensive recovery time. His absence is a major loss for Honda’s 250 program in the postseason.
Garrett Marchbanks – Knee Injury | In
Garrett Marchbanks gave his fans a scare when he went down in the first moto last weekend and hurt his knee. Fortunately, early evaluations this week confirmed that the injury was not serious enough to keep him off the bike. Marchbanks plans to race in St. Louis, though it remains to be seen how much his knee will affect his performance.
Michael Mosiman – Ankle and Head Injuries | Out
Michael Mosiman is another notable name who will not be on the gate in St. Louis. A crash at Unadilla left him with both a concussion and a deep cut above his eye that required stitches. With head injuries, caution is always the priority, and Mosiman will not return for any of the SMX Playoff rounds this year.
Jalek Swoll – Leg Injury | Out
Jalek Swoll rounds out the 250 injury list. He suffered a torn calf muscle at Ironman, which effectively ended his season. Swoll has had his share of tough luck with injuries in recent years, and this setback unfortunately keeps him from showcasing his skills in the Playoffs.
Final Thoughts
As the 2025 SMX Playoffs roll into St. Louis, the absence of several top riders is a stark reminder of just how physically demanding this sport is. While fans will miss seeing big names like Jason Anderson, Aaron Plessinger, and Chance Hymas, the riders who are able to line up including Malcolm Stewart and Garrett Marchbanks will no doubt put on a show inside The Dome. The injuries may have reshaped the starting gates, but they also open the door for other riders to step up and make their mark in the chase for the SMX crown.