Last weekend in hot Las Vegas, we witnessed the final round of the exciting 2024 SMX Playoffs. Created last year, this three round playoff finale to the Supermotocross Series has been both competitive, and lucrative for the riders. On Saturday evening, Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan were able to secured this second SMX Series win in a row, proving that they are the best 450 and 250 riders in the USA. All in all, these riders competed in a total of 31 events in 2024, so our guess is that everyone of them is tired and needs some time off before beginning their training for the 2025 season. As he’s been for the most of the season, our USA photographer Matt Wellumson was in Las Vegas and sent us these great photos for this this week’s Behind the Lens.
The 450 class riders blast off the Vegas gate for their opening race of the night. Once again the battles at the front of the 450 class were entertaining on Saturday night. Love him or hate him there is no denying just how good Haiden Deegan is. Eli Tomac once again rode great in Vegas, and now he’s the newest member of Team USA. The opening laps of a 250 main event are some of the most exciting moments of the night. Our boy Drew Adams was fast in the 250 All Stars race, but a bad start kept him off the podium. Jason Anderson had a horrible SMX Playoff series and we’re sure he’s happy the season is over. The fastest brothers in the world!What a great way to end of the season for Pierce Brown. Rumour has it he’s heading to Star Racing in 2025. Cade Clason wasn’t able to make the main events, but he looked great in his custom gear. Justin Cooper came into Vegas with a cracked collarbone. He still rode well and finished 8th OA in the series. Racing in his final race with the Rockstar Husqvarna Team Christian Craig did not have a good night in Vegas. Jett once again made the challenging Vegas track look easy. After a solid finish to the Pro Motocross Series, we’re not sure what happen to Levi in the SMX Playoff races. Hunter Lawrence gave it everything he had in Vegas but came up just short of beating his brother. This was Phil Nicoletti’s final pro race. Congrats on a solid career Phil! Certain sections of the Vegas track set up well for some block passes. Kenny was quiet for most of the SMX Playoffs series, but at times he did show some great speed. We love this photo of Tom Vialle with the Vegas mountains in the distance. Cooper Webb will now start riding a YZ250F in order to get ready for the MXON in less than two weeks. Some say this was Deano’s final pro race in the USA. However, he’s riding so well that he might be back in 2025.
