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Moto News Weekly Wrap
July 7, 2026

What’s New:

• Hunter Lawrence masters brutal RedBud as Jett salvages podium
• Southwick marks halfway point in AMA ProMX title fight
• Francisco Garcia to upgrade to MX2 with KRT
• Special TLD livery marks Cairoli’s Ducati AMA return
• Malilla SGP4 line-up confirmed
• McMahon claims back to back Hattah Desert Race wins
• Drane tops delayed DuQuoin Mile
• Duffy Dominates WA State MX at Wanneroo
• Neave and Ducati claim Flat Track lead in Croatia
• Aussies in the mix at Women’s Speedway World Cup in Croatia
• World Junior Motocross Championship – Czech Republic Wrap
• 2026 MXGP of South Africa – Round 11 Wrap
• 2026 AMA Pro MX Round Five – Red Bud Wrap
• 2026 Racing Calendars

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Hunter masters brutal RedBud, Jett salvages podium

Hunter Lawrence made it three 450MX overall victories for the season, and two on the bounce, after mastering a brutally difficult RedBud National that had been hammered by heavy rain in the 24 hours leading into race day.

Deep ruts and a tricky mix of sand, mud, hard-pack and slop made conditions treacherous, but Hunter again proved strongest when it counted. He chased down Jorge Prado in Moto One before catching and passing brother Jett Lawrence for the lead, only for dirt and debris to jam in the chain guide and rear-sprocket area, momentarily locking the rear wheel and tipping him over. That handed the moto win back to Jett.

There was no such escape route for the opposition in Moto Two. From sixth early, Hunter worked his way forward, displaced Prado for the lead with just over three laps remaining, and then stretched the margin to around 12 seconds to seal the overall.

Hunter Lawrence

“I was super gutted after the first moto; I felt like I did everything right, and to not get that win was a bummer. So I was like, ‘I’ve got to make it right in the second one.’ I didn’t get the best start, but I kind of let it come to me. The track was extremely difficult this weekend; it was sandy, muddy, sloppy, hard packed, slippery—everything in one. It was tricky, but it was probably the coolest RedBud for me. I mean, July 4 was today, not Friday or Sunday—it was America’s 250th birthday, and it’s epic. How many people have tracked down Jett, made the pass and put a gap on him? That in itself I was really happy with. I had the first-moto win,but then a bunch of sand got blocked in the chain guide, stopping the rear wheel, and then the bike cut out—so that’s just because the conditions were so damn tough. It could happen to anyone, but I’m very happy—just proud of my day.”

Jett, still managing his injured foot, had earlier topped 450 combined qualifying and took the opening moto win, but a pair of early tip-overs in Moto Two left him outside the top ten. The defending champion charged back to fifth, which was enough to secure third overall, on a day he later admitted was far from ideal.

Jett Lawrence

“Normally I really like these conditions and can ride them well, but I just struggled with my foot today; there’s muddy sand, and it just pulls you in. I have all my weight on my left foot, so I struggled a lot with my balance. It’s hard right now because I normally love riding, and lately it’s been a struggle with my foot—it’s kind of taken away one of the things I love doing. It’s tough because I can have a good flow on the track, but in the back of my mind I’m always thinking, ‘Imagine if I had another good ankle’—I know I could be going faster, and things would come a lot easier because I’m having to work so much harder. We’re just putting up with it, but today just wasn’t an ideal track for my situation. Hunter deserved that first one; he caught me and passed me, and I just wasn’t in a really good flow. I’ll take the moto win, but deep down I know it was gifted. It was a rough day at the office, but we’ll go back, get better, and try to be a little stronger for Southwick.”

The result marked Hunter’s fourth career premier-class overall victory and his 22nd premier-class podium, moving him past trainer Johnny O’Mara on that count. He also leaves RedBud with a three-point lead over Jett in the 450 standings, with third place a further 48-points adrift.

Southwick marks halfway point as Lawrence brothers lead title fight

The AMA Pro Motocross Championship reaches its halfway point this coming weekend at Southwick, where The Wick 338 celebrates 50 years of racing and again serves up one of the toughest tests of the outdoor season.

The 450 class heads into Massachusetts with the title fight firmly in Australian hands. Hunter Lawrence carries the red plate after three overall wins from the opening five rounds, including back-to-back victories at High Point and RedBud, while younger brother Jett sits just three-points behind despite continuing to manage his surgically repaired foot and ankle.

Southwick should provide a fascinating test for both. Hunter has been the form rider of recent rounds, but Jett has an imposing record in the sand, having gone unbeaten in three previous premier-class starts at The Wick 338.

There will be no shortage of international pressure either. Jorge Prado arrives with momentum after leading the most laps at RedBud on his way to a career-best second overall in AMA Pro Motocross, while MXGP points leader Lucas Coenen returns with Red Bull KTM as another genuine sand specialist. Tony Cairoli also continues his short American campaign aboard the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Desmo450 MX, further adding to Ducati’s growing motocross presence in the US.

The 250 class also carries strong Australasian interest. New Zealander Cole Davies enters Southwick off back-to-back overall wins at High Point and RedBud, closing to within four-points of Jo Shimoda’s championship lead. Australian Jake Cannon is also set to line up with Venum BUD Racing Kawasaki, the EMX250 front-runner continuing a breakout season that has already included his first European championship race win.

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Francisco Garcia to upgrade to MX2 with KRT

Jake Cannon’s teammate, Francisco Garcia is currently dominating the EMX250 championship, and has been confirmed to join Mathis Valin next season in the KRT line-up for the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship, when the team expands their line-up to two riders.

Francisco has already won five of the first eight races to date this season and holds a commanding lead in the championship standings. At just eighteen years of age, he also made a strong MX2 GP debut as wild card at the French GP with a top-ten result overall. As the European championship takes a break in July, he will have the opportunity to gain even more experience as he will race several US outdoor events with Bud Racing.

Francisco Garcia

“For sure it’s a dream to move to the World Championship with the Kawasaki Racing Team; I am so happy to have this opportunity. Of course I am very motivated for next season, as I have been already this year. I know the factory bike has a huge potential as Mathis has shown already. I’m happy to join him as we often practice together with our trainer Thierry Van Den Bosch. Of course the main goal at the moment is to secure the European title to end this chapter of my career with Bud Racing on a high before joining KRT.”

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Special TLD livery marks Cairoli’s Ducati AMA return

Tony Cairoli added another milestone to Ducati’s developing American motocross program at RedBud, where the nine-time World Champion returned to AMA Pro Motocross aboard a special Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Desmo450 MX.

The bike carried a one-off Troy Lee-designed livery that blended Ducati’s traditional racing stripe with hand-drawn TLD pinstripe flame detailing, giving Cairoli’s #222 machine a suitably distinctive look for the first of his planned three-round AMA campaign.

In typically tough RedBud conditions, Cairoli put together a solid day rather than a spectacular one, carding 12-13 moto finishes for 12th overall in the 450 class. It was another useful hit-out for Ducati’s expanding motocross project, with Cairoli joining Justin Barcia and Dylan Ferrandis as the team fielded three riders in AMA Pro Motocross competition for the first time.

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Malilla SGP4 line-up confirmed

The starting line-up for the 2026 BST FIM SGP4 World Championship in Malilla this coming Saturday has been revealed by the FIM, with riders aged 11-13 from 10 different countries to compete in youth speedway’s newest world-championship event, including Australians Blake Schlein and Ryleigh McGregor.

Racing takes place on the Malilla training track on Saturday, hours before the Skrotfrag Arena stages the BST FIM Speedway GP of Sweden. The SGP2 of Sweden, the opening round of the FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship, will also be staged on Friday.

A familiar name on the list is Australia’s Schlein, nephew of former British champion and Aussie international Rory Schlein, as well as fellow Aussie talent McGregor.

The FIM SGP4 World Championship will be contested over a straight 20 heats, with no semi-finals or final. The highest scorer after 20 heats is crowned champion.

2026 FIM SGP4 World Championship – Malilla Starting Line-Up

1. Levi Pentzek (Germany)
2. Charlie Hilmersson (Sweden)
3. Blake Schlein (Australia)
4. Emil von der Geest (Sweden)
5. Moses Oberg (Sweden)
6. Dominik Suchanek (Czech Republic)
7. Ondrej Trnik (Slovakia)
8. Ryleigh McGregor (Australia)
9. Harry Moller (Denmark)
10. Riley Rearick (USA)
11. Fraser Buckle (Great Britain)
12. Lio Emil Kjaersgard (Denmark)
13. Simon Jul Vindum (Denmark)
14. Valters Buss (Latvia)
15. Theo Trofast (Sweden)
16. Felix Frantila (Finland)

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McMahon claims back to back Hattah Desert Race wins

2026’s running of the Hattah Desert Raced proved a standout performance for KTM DM31 Racing Team’s Korey McMahon, who defended his crown for back-to-back wins, finishing well clear of his nearest competition, with two of his teammates in the top five for good measure.

McMahon was untouchable aboard his KTM 500 EXC-F throughout the weekend, setting the pace from the outset by topping the prologue before backing it up with victory in the Top 10 Shootout – and making his intentions clear early on.

The New South Welshman then completed the clean-sweep in Sunday’s main race, leading from the front of the pack to secure his second-consecutive Hattah Desert Race victory with the KTM DM31 Racing Team in dominant fashion. Kodi Stephens and Campbell Hall rounding out the top three in the Over 450 4-stroke class.

Korey McMahon – 2026 Winner

“Back-to-back wins here at Hattah, it was a perfect weekend. I’m happy to be where we are and I think we proved that we belong here, now as two-time winners at Hattah! Thanks heaps to the team and everyone behind us, it was an amazing race.”

Sam Pretscherer (Peter Kittle Motor Company Honda Team) had qualified as the fastest 450 rider and second outright, missing pole position by just four-tenths of a second, then had to recover from an unscheduled stop, as well as make back time from additional pit visits for fuel during the main race, to finish runner-up.

Sam Pretscherer – P2

“I’m not taking anything away from Korey or the other riders in front, they rode outstanding races. We simply learnt some valuable lessons. The speed is there, the bike is incredibly competitive and we’ve collected the data we need to return even stronger. I’ve raced around the world and I can honestly say this is one of the best teams I’ve ever been part of.”

Lyndon Snodgrass also impressed in his first Hattah appearance with the KTM DM31 Racing Team, charging through the field from a 16th place start to finish P3 outright and second in the 251cc-450cc 4-stroke class, behind Sam Pretscherer who took second overall and the class win.

Lyndon Snodgrass – P3

“I was just a little bit back from the front group, so it was tough, but I just kept my own pace. I didn’t even know I was in third until I crossed the finish line, so it was a pretty good feeling because it was getting tough towards the end and I thought I was going to be rolling in fourth. Thanks to everybody who was able to bring this together for me!”

Corey Hammond (Peter Kittle Motor Company Honda Team) had continued his impressive form into Hattah, qualifying third outright and second fastest in the 450 class. He then recovered brilliantly from dropping outside the top ten on the opening lap, producing one of the rides of the day to finish fourth.

Corey Hammond – P4

“I’m disappointed to just miss the outright podium, but we’re building something really exciting. We have the speed, we have the bike and now we have another year’s worth of knowledge. We’ll absolutely be back chasing podiums and victories.”

The weekend also saw Jye Dickson put together another determined ride aboard his KTM 450 EXC-F, remaining in the outright fight throughout the gruelling four-hour event before claiming P5 overall, behind Hammond, with the 251-450 cc 4-stroke class dominating the top five, in second through fifth.

Jye Dickson – P5

“Yeah, that was a tough race, so I’m happy to come home with fifth. To be honest, I didn’t really know I was in that position until I came across the line! The track was probably the roughest Hattah I’ve ever done with how wet it was. It was definitely a struggle, but I’m happy to make it home safe.”

Top Veteran (35-44) was Riley Graham in seventh overall, while Levi Stephens lead home the Under 19s in 11th overall, followed by Kogan Lock (12th overall). Will McInnes rounded out the U19 top-three in 17th overall, while Jackson Versteegen completed the demanding event in P18 outright on his KTM 450 SX-F, narrowly missing the podium with fourth in class.

Jackson Versteegen

“I’m pretty buggered after that one, to be honest – it was the roughest Hattah I’ve seen! But no, it was good. The team nailed the bike and the fuel stops. Everything on their behalf was perfect, and I’m happy with what we are able to take away from this weekend.”

In the Ladies Four Lap it was Nelly Fox taking top honours from Jade Chellas and Madison Bird, while Madi Healey won the Eight Lap Ladies’ Race, ahead of Mia Tongue, Rachael Archer and Courtney Rubie.

Warren Carroll took out the Masters 45 and over class, Mitch Ford was fastest in the Up to 250cc 2-stroke, and Marcus Nowland took out the Up to 250cc 4-strokes.

In the Small Wheels Race, Ollie Cale topped proceedings, ahead of Stella Harding and Chad Worland, while the Big Wheel Race went the way of Jett Avard, ahead of Levi Rossi and Mitch House.

2026 Hattah Desert Race Overall Top 25

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Drane tops delayed DuQuoin Mile

A delayed DuQuoin Mile, due to weather, provided plenty of AFT drama, with breakaway title leader Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) starting his race from the back of the grid, giving the event an unpredictable feeling that this was anyone’s race to win.

The Australian encountered problems during his heat race, a rare bout of misfortune further magnified by the day’s compressed schedule, with the LCQ cancelled, forcing him to burn his season’s provisional start just to gain entry into the Main.

Despite the handicap, Drane blasted up to sixth on the opening lap while fellow DuQuoin magician Chase Saathoff grabbed the early lead over Aussie Bodie Paige (No. 165 RWR/American Honda/BWR Ranch Honda CRF450R), Evan Kelleher, Brunner, and company.

Saathoff continued to set the pace over the race’s opening half via a high line that was imitated by everyone in the lead eight-rider pack. Everyone other than Drane that is, who utilised a low path to sneak his way forward.

Saathoff recognized the wisdom in his rival’s decision with around three minutes to go, and soon enough, everyone in that big group of contenders moved down to jockey for position with the laps winding down.

While Brunner fell off the chase, seven riders opened the final couple of laps retaining at least a glimmer of hope for victory. Among them, Drane, Saathoff, and Paige were the clear favorites, and they powered into the final corner in that position.

Even following a final sprint down the long start/finish straight – that’s how they stayed. Drane tucked in tight and willed his way to the checkered flag before second- and third-place finishers Saathoff and Paige managed to slingshot their way through to steal away the honors.

Drane’s margin of victory over Saathoff was a typical DuQuoin-style 0.088 seconds. Meanwhile, Paige improved his perfect Progressive AFT podium record to three for three with the rookie finishing just 0.131 seconds back from the win despite riding in considerable pain after catching his foot in a hole.

The triumph marked Drane’s ninth all-time at a Mile, breaking a tie with Shayna Texter-Bauman for most in KICKER AFT Singles history. It also represented a record-extending 25th of his career.

Tom Drane

“It was a tough break in the heat race, but I was able to put my head down (at the start of the Main). I knew I could get a good start and work my way up the field. I couldn’t do it without my whole Estenson Racing Monster Energy Yamaha team. They turned around and gave me a new bike that was ready to go. They put in such hard work, and we put it up on the top step.”

Tarren Santero found his way up that lead group in the race’s latter stages to secure fourth, while Pfanders completed the top five.

With four straight wins in his corner, Drane’s title lead has ballooned to a sizable 41 points over Saathoff (203-162). Tadman is third at 149.

Duquoin Mile Singles Results

AFT Singles Standings after DuQuoin Mile

Kopp tops DuQuoin SuperTwins

In SuperTwins a healthy seven-rider lead pack was whittled down to just four contenders by half distance – the usual suspects of Kopp, reigning Mission AFT SuperTwins champ Dallas Daniels, and the on-form Briar Bauman, plus a super spoiler in Davis Fisher.

The four proceeded to trade their positions back and forth with ferocity and frequency, testing novel lines and last-lap strategies all the while. All of that prelude set up the decisive final lap. Kopp led to open, with Fisher, Daniels, and Bauman in close formation. Daniels ran down low to snatch the lead coming out of Turn 2, with Kopp, Fisher, and Bauman railing around above him.

All four powered to the checkered flag, but the stripe clocked Kopp in first, just 0.012 seconds ahead of Fisher. Daniels earning the final spot on the box another 0.046 seconds back, with Bauman left off the podium despite missing out on victory by less than two-tenths-of-a-second.

Kody Kopp

“I was looking at the time (remaining), looking at everything I could, and using all my tools (to work out a final-lap plan). I can’t believe we pulled that one off. Dallas checked down low going into Turn 4, and I had planned on trying to draft him to line. But when he did that, I just started rolling and picked it up mid-corner more than I had all race. That fence came up real quick. I’m happy to get that one. This says a lot about my team. Dave (Zanotti) and Michelle (Disalvo), they’ve been working so hard on this package.”

Hunter Bauer escaped what was a four-rider second group to equal his best career premier-class of fifth on the very fast G&G Yamaha. Behind, ‘25 Springfield Mile winner Trent Lowe eked ahead of Declan Bender and Ben Lowe to win their battle for sixth at the line. Cody Johncox and Dalton Gauthier rounding out the top ten.

Kopp’s win stretched out his Grand National Championship lead, as he now heads Daniels by eight points (192-184) with Bauman still very much in contention at 172.

Duquoin Mile SuperTwins Results

SuperTwins Standings after DuQuoin Mile (Top 10)

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Eohan Schmid took out the ATV class on 72-points, ahead of Aston Case (63) and Amira Schmid (58).

Brett Newboult was the sole 40+ Vet, with Megal Banall the only competitor in the Women’s class, while Ben Shingler took all three 30+ Vet wins, ahead of Dylan Fernihough (2-2-2, 66-points) and Daniel Maybes (3-3-3, 60-points).

Clubman went the way of Caden Edwards on 75-points after three races, ahead of Connor Johnson (66) and Matt Robinson (60).

MX1 Pro Results

MX2 Pro Results

1. Tim Neave 25
2. Ervin Krajčovič 22
3. Jack Bell 20
4. Sammy Halbert 18
5. Ondrej Svedik 16
6. Ashton Boughen 15+1
7. Gary Birtwistle 14
8. Sébastien Jeanpierre 13
9. Matias Lorenzato 12
10. Gerard Bailo Pelegrin 11

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World Junior Motocross Championship – Czech Republic Wrap

For the full report see:
Blake Bohannon triumphs at 2026 World Junior MX Championships

The World Junior Motocross Championship was run over the weekend in Jinín, Czech Republic, with 260 riders from 38 countries lining up to to compete across the 125, 85 and 65 cc classes to crown the world’s best junior motocross talent.

Earning top honours were Australia’s own Blake Bohannon in the JMX85 class, while Austria’s Ricardo Bauer won the JMX125 gold, and Lucas Bos took out the JMX65 class.

Bohannon was joined by five other Team Australia members at the 2026 WJMX, with Hudson Francis (Yamaha) and Ryder Madafiglio (KTM) leading the charge with sixth and 10th overall in the 65cc class.

Blake Bohannon

“I’m just stoked and don’t know what to say. We put in so much work for this race and wanted to do well but can’t really believe I won. I’m pumped! I loved the track here and it’s been such a cool experience. The hills were awesome and my bike was so good. Thanks to my Mum and Dad as they have done so much for me. Thomo for coming over and helping with the bike, GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing for all their support and every from in the team and from MA for getting us here.”

Hudson Francis

“I’m not too happy with that last race. There were dudes going everywhere and hard to make passes. Once we spread out a bit, I could get passed them, but it was pretty late in the race. My goal was to get top 10 overall so I’m really happy to finish sixth. I have never done one of these and there were a lot of riders in my class and a heap of fast kids. It’s a long way to come but thanks to my family for making it happen, Yamaha Junior Racing as well as Thomo and Ross.”

Jayce Stocker (KTM) was 11th overall in the 85s and Seth Thomas (KTM) 33rd in the 125s, while Cooper Ford (KTM) just missed out on qualifying for Sunday’s 125cc motos.

Team France once again took the team victory as FIM Junior World Team champions with a total of seven points, nine clear of Team USA in second with Team Italy in third with 24 points. Australia finished eighth of the 26 scoring nations.

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2026 MXGP of South Africa – Round 11 Wrap

See the full report and results here:
Lucas Coenen perfect in South Africa as Farres closes MX2 gap

The MXGP World Championship arrived in South Africa with momentum split between two different storylines. Jeffrey Herlings had just made it back-to-back MXGP overall wins in Portugal, while Guillem Farres had delivered a perfect MX2 weekend at Águeda to put real pressure back into that title fight.

At Terra Topia, on South African soil for the first time since 2008, those threads evolved in very different directions. In MXGP, Lucas Coenen turned the weekend back into a red-plate statement, winning Saturday qualifying and both Sunday motos for another perfect 1-1-1 haul.

Lucas Coenen – 1-1, first overall

“Tracks like these are really nice to ride but the starts are key: if you almost make the holeshot then you are nearly home. I still had to fight to keep the gaps but I won all three motos so I’m happy with that. You can’t do better than 1-1-1, so a perfect weekend.”

In MX2, Farres kept right on swinging, winning both Sunday races for Triumph and cutting Sacha Coenen’s championship lead to just 14-points.

The revamped Terra Topia circuit near Johannesburg was widely praised by the riders, with its fast hard-pack layout, big jumps and altitude of around 1400 metres adding another technical layer. Passing, however, proved difficult once the front-runners settled into rhythm, making starts and first-lap execution critical across both classes.

Guillem Farres – 1-1, first overall

“It was a really good weekend in South Africa. I had a good feeling from free practice, and we carried the momentum from Portugal into this weekend. In the first moto, I was third after the start, made a couple of quick passes on the opening lap, and put myself into the lead. The second moto was a little easier. I pushed really hard on the opening laps to build a good gap, and from there I just managed the lead until the end.”

MXGP Championship Standings

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AMA Pro MX Round Five – Red Bud Wrap

See the full report and results here:
Hunter Lawrence takes RedBud red plate as Davies doubles up

The 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship reached RedBud on America’s Fourth of July weekend, with the 5.11 RedBud National also forming Round 22 of the wider SMX World Championship regular season.

Overnight rain gave way to a warm and changing RedBud circuit, and the race action followed the same pattern. The 450 class swung back and forth between the Lawrence brothers and Jorge Prado, while the 250s again belonged to the fast-rising Australasian threat of Cole Davies.

Hunter Lawrence ultimately went 2-1 to claim the 450MX overall, his second straight round victory and third of the season. It also moved the Queenslander back into the red plate, three points clear of brother Jett Lawrence.

Jett still won the opening moto, but the day was anything but straightforward. Hunter had looked set to steal Moto 1 after passing both Prado and Jett, only for a late problem in traffic to hand the race back to his younger brother. Jett then endured a scrappy second moto, going down twice and salvaging fifth while still clearly frustrated at not being able to ride with his usual fluency as he continues to work around that ankle injury.

Hunter Lawrence

“[This win] is so good. It’s America’s 250th birthday and we’re so grateful for the opportunity we have here [in this country]. We’re living the American dream and couldn’t have this life anywhere else in the world. What a day.”

Jett Lawrence

“I doubled down [in Moto 2] with my terrible riding today. I made a decision with the team to go a certain way on the bike, and it didn’t work. Hunter [Lawrence] is riding really well so we’ll go back to work and try to come out better at Southwick.”

In 250MX, Davies again proved the man to beat. The New Zealander topped qualifying, won the opening moto, then finished second to Jo Shimoda in Moto 2 to claim back-to-back 250MX overalls. Shimoda’s 3-1 scorecard was enough to move him into the championship lead, but Davies is now only four points behind.

Cole Davies

“Jo [Shimoda] was riding good. It’s a long championship and we have a long way to go. It was a good day, and we got a win at RedBud. That’s all I can ask for. We’re in a really good spot with the bike right now so I’m really happy.”

The Australian and New Zealand thread also extended into SMX Next, where Goulburn’s Kayd Kingsford went 6-3 for fourth overall, while Willowbank’s Blake Thomas finished 19th.

450 Pro Motocross Points