Pro Motocross Championship Makes Its Way Through Central New York

By Bella Holleran

NEW BERLIN, NY — Engines roared, mud flew, and thousands of fans packed into Unadilla MX, just less than an hour and a half away from Syracuse. 

This past weekend Central New York was a stop on the national motocross calendar as the AMA Pro Motocross Championship made its 11th round of the season in New Berlin, NY. 

Unadilla Motocross is a historic track, celebrating 56 years of racing, making it the longest-running track in the Pro National circuit. Additionally, it’s the first track in the United States to host the MX des Nations, where riders from all around the globe compete. Unadilla is known for its extreme hills and rough terrain, making it one of the more challenging stops on the tour. 

In the 250 class, Jo Shimoda was dominant, winning both Moto 1 and 2 taking first on the podium. Haiden Deegan trailed with two second place finishes, while Tom Vialle rounded out with 3rd. Even without the win, Deegan’s consistent effort kept him in the championship lead. His 43 point advantage over Shimoda in the final round at Budds Creek next weekend allows him to clinch the 250 championship title.

“Championship on the line… we kinda knew Haiden wanted to win. But he wasn’t gonna take too many risks,” NBC Sports analyst James Stewart said on the broadcast. “Only way he can lose this thing is by hitting the ground – and he wasn’t going to do that.”

Behind Deegan and Shimoda, Garrett Marchbanks holds third overall with 320 points, 31 ahead of Levi Kitchen. A strong first moto at Budds Creek could lock Marchbanks into an overall podium spot for the season.

WIth eight wins in the season for the 450 class, the Australian sensation Jett Lawrence once again swept both motos. For Lawrence this win clinched the 2025 championship title even with one round still remaining. His brother Hunter Lawrence held second each race, allowing him to comfortably head to the finale. Meanwhile, the fight for the overall third podium spot remains wide open. Eli Tomac, who finished third overall at Unadilla, leads into the final round with 364 points. Justin Cooper trails close behind at 349, leaving the two riders to battle for a podium spot next weekend.

With both the 250 championship and the final 450 podium spot still on the line, Budds Creek will bring the 2025 motocross season to a close.