Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker has been one of the standout stories of 2025, finishing runner-up in both the 250SX East and 250SMX championships, highlighted by three-straight P2 results through the SMX Playoffs. In Conversation, the Pennsylvania native reflects on Las Vegas and opens up on what’s been a true breakout season.

Image: Octopi Media.

If you can control the narrative, what is it you hope that fans remember about your 2025 season?

Yeah, I mean, there was a lot of adversity and a lot of ups and downs, but overall it was nice to get through the whole season healthy. I only missed one race and the goal was to make every round, build this foundation with moving to Florida, and kind of changing my riding style and mindset. It feels good to see all that stuff pay off and to never give up. It really feels like a new chapter in my career, almost like a restart, and I think it’s only going to get better. I still have a lot to learn, but it was positive to see the work we put in this year pay off and help me. I’m definitely looking forward to 2026.

You were right behind Jo [Shimoda] and Haiden [Deegan]. Were you having flashbacks to Salt Lake City, when you were on the receiving end of the aggression? This time you benefitted from it, finishing second in points.

Yeah, it was kind of wild, man. I thought that was going to happen, just seeing how the race was playing out. Haiden got into the lead, but then he’d slow up to try and mess with Jo. I didn’t know when it was coming, but I knew I just needed to be there to capitalize. When it did happen, the crowd went crazy and I was like, ‘Alright, here’s my opportunity.’ It was kind of like Salt Lake, but just on the other side of it. At that point I just had to do my job, try to win the race, and hope the points fell into place for me to win the championship. Second place it was, and I’m still very happy. I’ll get one of these someday, I know, but that was one of the craziest races I’ve ever been part of. I had a front-row seat to everything – it was pretty mind-blowing for sure.

Image: Octopi Media.

Hypothetically, if Haiden isn’t able to compete at MXoN, is that something you’d be willing to step up for and represent Team USA?

I would really love to. I’ve even been getting texts about it, but I have to get shoulder surgery on Tuesday. That’s something I have to do to make sure my 2026 season is the best it can be. The recovery time is already going to be pushing it, so I need every day I can get. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be able to do it, as much as I’d love to represent Team USA. It’s always been a dream of mine and hopefully I can do it in the future, but I don’t think it’s going to be in the cards this year.

You really did have an awesome year. You were in contention for two championships – does that give you a good feeling heading into next season?

It does – it was a great year all around. Now that you say that, being in contention and having a real shot at two championships in one season was awesome, and I learned a lot from it. Going into next year, I’ll carry that mindset that I am one of the guys. Not that I didn’t believe in myself before, but this definitely helps. The confidence will flow better heading into 2026, and I truly believe I can come out and do really well while continuing to build off this season.

Image: Octopi Media.

On the broadcast, they were showing points swinging every time someone made a pass. Going into that moto, and throughout, what was going through your head before it all unfolded?

Yeah, so I got the holeshot and was riding pretty well. I think Levi [Kitchen] was behind me, so I felt like I was in a good spot. Then his bike broke, and when Haiden and Jo got around me, I just took a few laps to see what they were going to do. I knew it was going to get spicy up front, and I figured I’d catch them when their games started. I just tried to be there to capitalize, and I did. After that, I didn’t realize Haiden didn’t get up, so I wasn’t sure where the points were. I just focused on trying to win the race and let things play out. I did glance over on the last lap and saw a bike in front of Jo – I thought maybe it was Haiden, which could’ve given me the title, but it ended up being Tom. When I crossed the line, I thought maybe I had a shot, but Jo ended up getting it. Congrats to him, he rode really well this season. It was a crazy race with Haiden – just wild to watch it all unfold right in front of me.