RedBud Set to Host Pro Motocross' Own America 250th Celebration

Southern California-based 5.11 was born in the outdoors in 2003, with a unique name created from the most competitive decimal system used in climbing at Yosemite National Park. The brand’s specially designed apparel, footwear, and gear are built to perform when it matters most, which reflects the ethos of Challenge Possible™, a belief that challenge isn’t something you avoid, it’s something you choose. With products made to withstand the toughest conditions and a company founded on the mindset to overcome challenges, 5.11 embodies the traits that make up the spirit of the Pro Motocross Championship. Those qualities have made 5.11 the trusted choice of many in the SMX paddock, particularly the 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing team.
 
On the racetrack, the field of athletes come into RedBud feeling more refreshed from the off weekend, which should lead to more compelling battles for victory. In the 450SMX Class, the sibling rivalry between Honda HRC Progressive teammates Jett and Hunter Lawrence is expected to continue. They have an equal share of victories after the first month of racing and return from the break separated by just two points. While Jett has won two of the past three years at RedBud, Hunter has the momentum from arguably the most dominant performance of his career at the most recent round, where he came out on top of a head-to-head battle with his younger brother. Still lurking behind the Lawrences is Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan. The rookie continues to make progress just four races into his premier class career and is determined to challenge the Australian duo for wins, not just podiums. The top American in the class is no doubt going to bring some added motivation from the holiday atmosphere, at the same venue where he broke through for his first professional win three years ago. Additionally, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado is poised to make it a four-rider affair. The Spaniard has shown flashes of the speed that made him a multi-time world champion and continues to put in the work during the week to become a more consistent threat at the front of the field.

A wild opening month of 250SMX Class competition has produced four different winners through the first four races. As such, the early title fight is exceptionally close. While Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen will carry the red plate for a second race, his advantage in the standings is just a single point over Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda and just two points over Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer. Sitting seven points out of the lead is Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies, fresh off the most dominant effort of the young season that netted him a first Pro Motocross victory. While Shimoda could be considered the favorite given his two previous victories at RedBud, including last season, the unpredictability of the class thus far means it’s anyone’s guess as to who will rise to the occasion this weekend. With the championship battle in flux, RedBud presents an opportunity for a statement performance that could swing the points into someone’s favor and could very likely produce a fifth different winner in what has been a wide-open campaign thus far.

In addition to the 450SMX and 250SMX classes, RedBud will also host the first SMX Next – Motocross gathering of the summer to kick off the weekend. On Friday, July 3, a collection of 25 elite amateur prospects will converge for an immersive day of professional level exposure. A series of classroom style educational sessions that touch on various aspects of the sport will be complemented by a pair of 25 Minute + 1 Lap motos. To top it off, the field of racers will be broken up into multiple groups to receive guidance and mentoring from one of four esteemed Rider Coaches, led by AMA Hall of Famers Broc Glover and Kevin Windham along with former racers Michael Byrne and Gareth Swanepoel.

The 5.11 RedBud National will get underway this Saturday, July 4, with on-track action starting at 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET, followed by opening ceremonies at 9:15 a.m. PT / 12:15 p.m. ET before the gate drops on motos at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Comprehensive live streaming coverage from RedBud will air exclusively on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET before coverage of the motos gets underway at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.