The second SMX Playoff weekend kicked off in St. Louis with a busy Friday program featuring the first SMX Next race, free practice for both main classes, and some key injury updates. Here’s everything you need to know:
SMX Next Race 1
Since the class couldn’t race in Charlotte due to weather, organizers scheduled two motos this weekend. Friday’s opener went to Kayden Minear, who pulled a holeshot and checked out early while chaos unfolded behind him. After running second for most of the race, Tiger Wood was passed late by Carson Wood, making the final podium: Minear, Tiger and Carson.
Race 2 will run Saturday at 19:32 local time, right after the first motos of 450SMX and 250SMX.
Injury Updates:
- Malcolm Stewart: dealing with back and leg issues from Concord, but aiming to race this weekend.
- Julien Beaumer: recovering from a burst fracture of his L3 vertebra, now out for the season after surgery.
- Garrett Marchbanks: suffered a knee knock in Charlotte but is cleared to line up in St. Louis.
Sexton & Deegan lead the Free Practice
In 450SMX, Eli Tomac opened fastest in FP1, but by FP2 it was Chase Sexton who set the pace, with Tomac close behind and Justin Cooper edging out Jett Lawrence for third. In 250SMX, Haiden Deegan was untouchable up front across both sessions, with Max Anstie and Seth Hammaker rounding out the top three.
