A1 Supercross Preview: Jett Lawerence Begins Quest For 2nd 450 Crown
Tonight marks the true kickoff of the busiest portion of the motorsports season with the opening round of the AMA Monster Energy Supercross series at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, the first of two races at this iconic venue.
The major story heading into tonight is Jett Lawrence’s quest for another 450 Supercross title, beginning in the same place where his championship journey started last year: Anaheim.
However, there are plenty of other compelling headlines to watch for in the season opener. Jorge Prado is making his full-season debut, Eli Tomac begins what he has announced will be his final season on the bike, and the question looms: who can challenge Jett’s bid for a second consecutive championship?
There’s a palpable excitement surrounding this first race of the season, as it sets the stage for the new SMX season and provides an adrenaline-filled start to the Supercross calendar.
Strap On the Jetts?
It’s no secret that Jett Lawrence is quickly becoming the face of Supercross.
After a dominant 2024 campaign in which the 21-year-old Australian secured eight race victories, Lawrence seems poised to elevate that number in 2025.
While certain tracks may present challenges, Jett is expected to be a contender at every stop on the Supercross schedule this year.
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Star Yamaha Racing teams are likely to pose the strongest competition, but it’s not out of the question for the championship-winning Honda rider to make a run at winning every single race this season.
Jumping for Jorge
As mentioned, Jorge Prado is set to make his full-season debut tonight in Anaheim, and there’s significant buzz about how the reigning MXGP champion will adapt to American Supercross.
Last season, Prado competed in four races, achieving a season-best seventh-place finish with Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing.
This year, the Spaniard makes a fresh start, riding a Kawasaki for the first time in his professional career after previously racing exclusively with KTM/GasGas.
Although Kawasaki may lack the top-end speed of powerhouse teams like Honda, KTM, or Yamaha, it remains a strong factory program and a solid platform for Prado’s SMX career debut.
While race wins might not be on the cards as Prado adjusts to the U.S. style of racing, don’t be surprised to see him crack the Top 10 tonight in his second start at A1.
The Open Door?
The 250 West class has suddenly become wide open.
With RJ Hampshire announcing his move to the East series for 2025, the West series championship is up for grabs.
Haiden Deegan is both the odds-on favorite and the fan favorite to claim the 250 West title. After an impressive 2024 season, “Danger Boy” is aiming to secure his first Supercross championship crown.
Other contenders to watch include Jo Shimoda, Jordon Smith, Garrett Marchbanks, Coty Schock, and Levi Kitchen.
Hampshire’s absence paves the way for a thrilling battle among the young guns of the sport, who will now compete for a golden opportunity to claim a championship.
Final Thoughts
As the 2025 SMX season gets underway, excitement and intrigue are at an all-time high for tonight’s opener.
The Anaheim 1 race consistently delivers captivating storylines, and this year is no exception.
Jett Lawrence is the clear favorite in the 450 class, but with the unpredictability of an opening race, could someone rise to challenge the Australian star? Meanwhile, who will emerge as the leading contender in the 250 class?
All these questions will be answered tonight as the gates drop in Anaheim.
