As the 2025 SMX Playoffs barrel toward the championship conclusion, the spotlight now turns to St. Louis a city steeped in Supercross history and drama. After an electrifying round in Concord, the 450SMX Playoff standings are tighter than ever, with Jett Lawrence, Chase Sexton, and Eli Tomac all jostling for supremacy. Let’s break down the action from Concord, the historical significance of St. Louis, and what to watch for this weekend.
Jett Lawrence: On a Historic Roll
Jett Lawrence continues to demonstrate why he is one of the sport’s brightest stars. His win in Concord marked his fifth career Playoff victory in just seven rounds a staggering achievement that also gives him a nine-point lead in the Championship standings heading into St. Louis. This win wasn’t just another trophy; it pushed Jett past motocross legend Bob Hannah, securing his seventh spot on the all-time SMX League wins list with 65 career victories.
But it wasn’t only about victories. Jett’s consistency has been remarkable. Concord was his 85th podium, 100th top-five finish, and 115th top-ten finish in the SMX League, underscoring his ability to perform at a high level race after race. Honda’s dominance in the 450SMX Playoffs has continued unabated, as the manufacturer has claimed victories in all seven rounds so far a testament to both the riders and the machinery behind them.
Chase Sexton: Closing the Gap
Chase Sexton has been relentless in pursuit of Lawrence, earning a runner-up finish in Concord. This result tied him with Jeff Emig for 17th on the all-time SMX League podium list with 105 podium finishes. Notably, Concord was Sexton’s 200th career SMX League start a milestone that reflects both his longevity and consistency at the top of the sport.
Sexton’s five podiums in seven playoff rounds highlight his ability to contend under pressure. Heading into the St. Louis double-point round, he sits just nine points behind Lawrence, meaning the championship battle is very much alive. The upcoming weekend could be a pivotal moment for Sexton as he seeks to challenge for the top spot.
Eli Tomac: A Record-Setting Force
Eli Tomac remains a formidable force, claiming his third podium in just four career SMX Playoff starts. His all-time record podium count now stands at 229, 66 more than the next-highest active athlete, Ken Roczen, who has 163. Currently fourth in the championship standings and 12 points behind Lawrence, Tomac still has plenty of work to do—but his history in St. Louis gives him a potential edge.
Speaking of history, St. Louis has been a lucky venue for Tomac. He captured the 2024 St. Louis Supercross round with a perfect moto sweep and has won four consecutive motos in the city dating back to 2022. His consistency and prior success in St. Louis make him a rider to watch in this weekend’s double-point showdown.
Historical Context: St. Louis and Supercross
St. Louis has long been a cornerstone of SMX history. The first 450SX Class round in the city took place on April 27, 1996. At the time, Jeremy McGrath was riding a 13-round win streak heading into the Edward Jones Dome, aiming for the first perfect Premier Class season since Jimmy Ellis in 1975. McGrath’s streak was halted by Jeff Emig, who pulled off a shocking upset, with McGrath finishing runner-up before capping the season with a win in Denver.
Supercross has returned to St. Louis almost every year through 2018 and has alternated years since, with the 2025 Playoff round marking the 27th 450SMX League race held in the city. Beyond the main city, St. Peters, MO, a northwestern suburb, hosted several 500 Class rounds in the 1970s, further embedding the region in motocross lore.
St. Louis Track Records and Moto Masters
The St. Louis track has seen some of the most exciting races in recent Supercross memory. In the 2022 and 2024 rounds, both Triple Crown events, Marvin Musquin (KTM) and Eli Tomac (Yamaha) dominated, with Tomac sweeping all three motos in 2024. Other recent winners include Chase Sexton and Ken Roczen, while Jett Lawrence is among the active riders with at least one moto win at St. Louis, showcasing the city’s ability to produce top-tier competition.
Championship Implications
Despite the prestige of winning in St. Louis, history shows it’s not always a predictor of championship glory. Only 11 of the 26 previous winners have gone on to claim the title, and the last five St. Louis visits saw the victor fall short. Ryan Dungey in 2016 remains the last athlete to capture both a St. Louis win and the championship in the same season. With double points on the line, this weekend’s round could dramatically shift the standings.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 SMX Playoffs enter the St. Louis chapter, Jett Lawrence holds the advantage, but with Chase Sexton and Eli Tomac within striking distance, the title fight is far from decided. Seven athletes—Lawrence, Sexton, Ken Roczen, Cooper Webb, Dylan Ferrandis, Shane McElrath, and Dean Wilson—have competed in all seven 450SMX Playoff rounds, but only Lawrence has finished top-five in every race, emphasizing his consistency and championship credentials.
St. Louis promises thrilling racing, historic vibes, and high stakes. If past is prologue, fans should expect motos filled with tight battles, daring passes, and championship drama that could define the 2025 season.