Image: Octopi Media.

Ridgedale’s hybrid track layout at the Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final placed added demands on Hunter Lawrence’s injured wrists to complete the 2026 season, still managing to finish third in the 450SMX standings after ending his year on the podium.

After clinching the 450MX crown in Pro Motocross, Lawrence has been managing a torn ligament in his left wrist since Ironman, while also having a damaged right wrist dating back to the Detroit Supercross in March.

The weekend’s first true SMX-style circuit – a mixture of supercross and outdoor elements – featured a range of high-impact sections, and combined with a hybrid bike set-up designed to accommodate the concept, it led to increased strain on his injuries throughout the decider.

“The tunnel-jump to what was a small roller, but became pretty flat, that was hard,” the 27-year-old acknowledged. “And then the doubles… yeah, it’s very demanding on the body and joints, especially if you weren’t at 100 percent.

“We’re riding a more motocross set-up that’s got components to do the opposite of what supercross stuff is manufactured to do, so that’s the kind of risky business side of the supercross section, with so much motocross in between.

“I think we have all said it before – the bike is too soft on all the jumps and rhythm sections, and then it’s too stiff in all the moto sections, so it’s a unique kind of deal.”

Able to contest all 31 races this season and after taking both the 450SX and 450MX championships down to the wire, Lawrence has been skeptical about the relevance of SMX and the post-season altogether. Still, he was impressed with the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena venue, which is expected to remain part of the SMX schedule under a multi-year agreement.

“I think, if I look back at the other year’s finales, I feel like there have been more sections of the track where you could actually make a difference,” he continued. “I feel like with the option lanes and stuff, you just couldn’t really take a chunk [of time] out of anywhere.

“Same with the motocross sections – there was a lot of just turning back on itself, [and] not really anywhere that rewarded linking two corners together. But I think the venue is obviously beautiful – this place is an incredible part of America.”