Fox Raceway Roundup: Jett Lawrence Emerges as Top Contender, Chase Sexton Sits Out
PALA, CA – The Fox Raceway round of the 2025 Pro Motocross season showcased a compelling duel between Jett Lawrence and Eli Tomac, with Lawrence firmly establishing his dominance in the second moto. After a rocky start to the season, Lawrence’s performance indicated a significant rebound, leaving competitors in his wake.
In the first moto, the narrative turned grim for defending champion Chase Sexton. Just 11 minutes into the race, Sexton’s goggles malfunctioned, forcing him to ditch them early—a rarity in high-stakes motocross. This incident was compounded by a crash caused by a missed gear landing a jump, leaving Sexton unable to continue. He elected not to compete in the second moto.
Post-race, Sexton acknowledged the toll of his crash, stating, “I’m definitely banged up after last weekend’s crash but thankfully there’s nothing broken so that’s a positive. I’ve made the decision to sit out this weekend’s race and focus on getting back to 100 percent.”
This decision effectively ends Sexton’s bid to defend his championship title, raising questions about the mental and physical strain he has endured this season. Having missed the first half of the 2023 Pro Motocross campaign, his early-season struggles include four incomplete motos, a stark contrast to his previous durability.
The context is critical: Sexton’s intense battle in the Monster Energy Supercross series against Cooper Webb has seemingly taken a toll, potentially contributing to a decision to ensure a full recovery before returning to competition. With Lawrence, Tomac, and emerging talent like Hunter Lawrence and Jorge Prado poised to challenge for the top spots, the championship landscape is rapidly evolving.
As the season progresses, the motocross community will watch closely to see when Sexton returns and how this unexpected hiatus impacts his trajectory in the championship. The pressure mounts as the competition intensifies and questions linger about the resilience of one of the sport’s toughest competitors.
