AMA Pro Motocross Update: Qualifying Insights for SMX Playoffs
As the AMA Pro Motocross Championship approaches its midpoint, focus shifts to the qualifying positions for the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoffs. The inaugural SMX Playoffs will utilize combined points from both Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross, totaling 28 rounds. The top 20 riders based on cumulative points will secure automatic spots in the motos, while those ranked 21st to 30th must compete in Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ) for entry.
Standings and Key Updates:
- Jett Lawrence clinched the 2024 450SMX title over his brother Hunter, benefiting from a tie-breaking race wins advantage.
- Heading into the Pro Motocross season opener, Cooper Webb held a slender two-point lead over Chase Sexton (365 to 363 points). However, a crash forced Sexton to miss subsequent rounds until the RedBud National.
- Webb has experienced mechanical issues at Fox Raceway and RedBud, compounded by a knee injury leading to a scheduled procedure. He will miss the remaining five rounds of Pro Motocross, significantly impacting his playoff qualification standing.
Current Standings:
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Justin Cooper secured tenth overall at the Spring Creek National, his lowest finish this season, but still leads the 450 Supercross qualifying standings with a 12-point advantage over Webb. Notably, Cooper has made considerable gains, recovering from being over 80 points behind Webb at the season’s onset.
- Aaron Plessinger, who had appeared poised to challenge Webb, has suffered three consecutive motos without points, including a DNS in moto two at RedBud and a DNF at Spring Creek due to illness. He will also miss the upcoming Washougal National.
Despite leading the standings, Cooper will begin the playoffs with only a three-point advantage over the second-place rider when competition resumes at zMAX Dragway in North Carolina in September. As the championship unfolds, every point gained will be crucial for playoff prospects.
For a detailed glimpse into the current points standings, see the full SMX standings below.
