Image: Foremost Media.

A transition back to the 250 class rates as ‘the hardest it’s been’ for defending world and Australian SX2 champion Shane McElrath, reverting to SX2 following a successful full season riding the CRF450R with Quad Lock Honda in Monster Energy Supercross and SMX.

The 31-year-old was exceptional during both series last year, claiming each SX2 title onboard CRF250R machinery, but so far unable to match that same form in 2025.

McElrath noted that inconsistency has been difficult to overcome this year, with a come-from-behind ride in the opening AUSX Open final seeing him claim P4. A better start in race two saw the experienced American take victory, resulting in second overall.

“It’s been a challenge transitioning back to the 250, I think,” McElrath admitted. “The thing is, we haven’t had a lot of preparation time to just dial things in. Then, with the overseas races and Australia, my bikes are different even between those two series.

“There are inconsistencies that we try to eliminate, and when you are focused on those, you’re not as focused on the race itself. The consistency has been part of my struggles this season, and I think this is probably the hardest that it has been for me after a good year in the 450 class.

“The power is not really the issue – it’s the little things that you need to adapt to in the race that make it difficult, and that comes with time.”

McElrath has taken on a partial AUSX campaign this year while largely focusing on the SX2 World Championship. He currently sits fourth in that series after finishing second in Argentina and eighth in Canada, impacted by bike issues at the Vancouver round last time out.