The opening day at the zMAX Dragway in Charlotte set the tone for an intense weekend of racing as the first-ever SuperMotocross Playoffs got underway with free practice sessions. Riders faced the challenging hybrid layout that blends Supercross and motocross elements, with each class split into two groups: Seedad and Unseeded.
450SMX
- Session 1: Justin Cooper stunned the field by setting the fastest lap, more than a second and a half clear of Chase Sexton.
- Session 2: The Lawrence brothers then took control. Hunter Lawrence laid down the best lap of the day with a 1:59.780, edging Jett Lawrence by over half a second to lock in a 1–2.
- LCQ Group: Benny Bloss (Beta) led with a 2:06.292, followed by Dean Wilson at +0.944.
450SMX Combined Free Practice
250SMX
- Session 1: Haiden Deegan opened strong, topping the first outing ahead of Pro Circuit teammates Seth Hammaker and Garrett Marchbanks.
- Session 2: Seth Hammaker turned the tables in the afternoon, posting a 2:01.077 to narrowly beat Deegan.
- LCQ Group: Daxton Bennick (Star Racing Yamaha) was the fastest on both sessions, clocking a 2:03.632 ahead of Max Anstie.
250SMX Combined Free Practice
With practice wrapped up, the stage is set for Saturday’s races, where gate drops will decide who stays alive in the fight for the inaugural SMX title. Expect fireworks as the intensity ramps up under race conditions.
