The SMX World Championship’s third round brought thrilling action back to Anaheim’s Angel Stadium, featuring heated rivalries and standout performances across the 450cc and 250cc classes. Local riders made their presence felt, with Haiden Deegan excelling in the 250cc division and Temecula’s fans cheering on several familiar faces.
Jett Lawrence led the charge in the 450cc main event, capturing his first win of the 2025 Monster Energy Supercross season. The Australian rider capitalized on an aggressive move during Lap 15 to pass Jason Anderson. Lawrence carefully balanced patience and skill as he traversed Anaheim’s demanding whoops section while under pressure. Behind him, Ken Roczen surged late in the race to claim second place, while Anderson settled for third. Roczen’s finish earned him the coveted red plate, marking a pivotal moment in his season.
For Lawrence, the victory required calculated risk. “The whoops were very tricky tonight, and Jason was riding strong,” Lawrence commented post-race. “Finding the right opportunity to pass wasn’t easy, but I stayed patient.” Lawrence now shares third place in the standings with Eli Tomac, who struggled after a poor start and ended in seventh.
Meanwhile, the 450cc race had its share of challenges for riders like Chase Sexton, who finished fourth, and Hunter Lawrence, who secured fifth. Justin Cooper, coming off an impressive holeshot after advancing through the Last Chance Qualifier, rounded out the top six despite significant obstacles.
On the local front, Temecula’s Kai Aiello, Lake Elsinore’s David Pulley, Murrieta’s Reven Gordon, Perris’ Joshua Varize, and Menifee’s Hunter Yoder all competed in the fiercely contested main event. Yoder, in particular, repeated his strong showing with another top 10 finish.
The 250cc division saw a commanding win from Haiden Deegan, who made a statement following a third-place finish in San Diego. Deegan grabbed the early lead with a holeshot and never looked back, riding to victory with a five-second margin over red plate holder Julien Beaumer. His win may spark an escalating rivalry with Beaumer, fueled by a heated exchange during the heat race.
“You pissed off the bull last week,” Deegan said. “JuJu [Beaumer] had some words, but actions speak louder. I came out swinging tonight, and the results speak for themselves.” Beaumer, despite finishing second, retains the points lead in the 250 West standings, narrowly ahead of Deegan.
Elsewhere in the 250 division, Cole Davies finished on the podium for the first time this season, taking third after a dramatic last-lap incident. Jordon Smith crashed while attempting to overtake Beaumer, slipping to fourth place. Coty Schock completed the top five, earning his best result of the season. Rookie Drew Adams made his professional debut memorable with a top 10 finish in eighth.
The grueling Supercross season is already taking its toll. Injuries sidelined several riders, including Jo Shimoda, whose status remains day-to-day, and Christian Craig, who continues to recover from offseason knee surgery. These absences highlight the physical demands of the sport as riders push to stay competitive in a fast-paced championship.
Anaheim 2 also marked a turning point for the Lawrences, with the announcement of their separation from longtime agent Lucas Mirtl, adding more intrigue to their season. For fans, the drama and fierce competition underscore why SMX remains the pinnacle of indoor motocross.
Round 4 promises even more intensity as the series moves forward, with every race introducing its own surprises and challenges. Kept on their toes by the shifting standings and growing rivalries, fans and riders alike are in for a season to remember.
For ticketing details and schedule updates, visit the official Monster Energy AMA Supercross website at SupercrossLIVE.com. Fans can also follow insights and reactions from Round 3 on their official social media platforms.
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