Report: SMX Next – RedBud Combine Prepares Future Stars
RedBud, MI — The SMX Next – Motocross Combine will take place Friday, featuring 26 elite A & B class riders, in partnership with leading manufacturers including GASGAS, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha. The event consists of two 25-minute plus two-lap motos, set to challenge both seasoned and first-time participants.
The event is bolstered by an esteemed coaching staff that includes AMA Hall of Famers Broc Glover and Chad Reed, who together hold nine AMA National Championships and over 100 SMX League victories. They are joined by former champions Ezra Lusk and Michael Byrne, alongside acclaimed trainer Gareth Swanepoel. Their combined experience is expected to provide invaluable mentorship to the young athletes.
Support for the Combine will also be provided by Mike Bonacci, Team Manager of Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha, and Christina Denney, Event Coordinator for SMX Next, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the athletes’ education beyond racing.
The SMX Next program continues to gain traction, with several graduates recently breaking into professional ranks. Notable talents include Kayden Minear, who recently competed in the Pro Motocross 250 Class for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing. Other alumni include current 250 Class point leader Haiden Deegan, along with Chance Hymas and Julien Beaumer.
In addition to the performance on the track, participants will engage in educational sessions covering essential topics such as training, nutrition, and media engagement strategies, laying the groundwork for their professional journeys.
RedBud Combine Lineup:
- Jeremy Fappani (KTM)
- Wyatt Thurman (KTM)
- Thor Powell (Yamaha)
- Landen Gordon (Kawasaki)
- Deacon Denno (KTM)
- Enzo Temmerman (Kawasaki)
- Jonathan Getz (Husqvarna)
- Landon Gibson (Husqvarna)
- Owen Covell (Yamaha)
- Vincent Wey (Kawasaki)
- McKayden Fitch (Yamaha)
- Leum Oehlhof (Honda)
- Tiger Wood (Honda)
- Luke Fauser (KTM)
- Jayden Wolf (Kawasaki)
- Christopher Schroeder (KTM)
- Seth Dennis (KTM) (Injured, will not compete)
- Brock Walker (Honda)
- Kade Johnson (Yamaha)
- Jayce Wolf (Kawasaki)
- Jesson Turner (Yamaha)
- Carson Wood (Yamaha)
- Austin Schafer (KTM)
- Landon Hartz (Yamaha)
- Diesel Thomas (Husqvarna)
- Ryder Malinoski (Yamaha)
The RedBud Combine promises to be an important milestone in the pursuit of excellence for these emerging talents.
