The second half of the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship is underway, with six rounds now complete and five remaining. As the series enters its next phase beginning with Spring Creek this weekend, MotoOnline lists our Top 10 topics to follow over the remainder of the season.

Image: Octopi Media.

1. Jett Lawrence managing foot injury in title defense:
Jett Lawrence’s foot has remained one of the biggest talking points of the 2026 season, with fresh discussion surrounding its condition emerging each week. Whatever the exact status, the customised footpeg he used at Southwick underlined that it continues to require careful management. RedBud’s demanding conditions further exposed its limitations, with the defending champion clearly adapting his approach while continuing to race at the front.

2. The return of Tomac commencing at Millville:
The Mac is back! We lost four-time 450MX champion Eli Tomac just moments into the opening moto of the season at Fox Raceway after he sustained multiple neck injuries in a heavy crash. Almost two months later, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has confirmed he will return at Spring Creek. The biggest question is where he fits. Much will depend on his race fitness after the layoff, but on paper, a position somewhere between the Deegan/Prado battle and the Marchbanks/Hampshire group appears a realistic starting point.

3. 250MX championship battle narrows in second half:
It seems like only yesterday the 250MX class was stacked with title contenders, but the exits of Seth Hammaker at High Point and Jo Shimoda at Southwick have narrowed the championship fight. Just two points separate Cole Davies and Levi Kitchen, while Julien Beaumer sits 33 points adrift in P3. With 250 points still available across the final five rounds, there is plenty left to play for, although Davies and Kitchen are beginning to edge away from the rest of the field.

Image: Octopi Media.

4. Deegan targets maiden 450MX victory:
If two-time 250MX champion Haiden Deegan finishes his rookie 450MX season without a moto victory, does that constitute a failure? A win would undoubtedly strengthen both his resume and the narrative surrounding his transition, although overcoming not one, but two Lawrence brothers has proven a daunting task, particularly given their consistency and ability to start at the front. Based on his comments following Southwick, Deegan appears to be understanding the realities of the premier class, acknowledging the unique setup demands and riding-style adjustments required to maximise the performance of a 450.

5. The time is now for Beaumer in 250MX title picture:
As mentioned, Red Bull KTM’s Julien Beaumer now trails Davies by 33 points and will need to find another level across the final five rounds if he is to mount a genuine title challenge. Considering he entered the season returning from a significant injury and lengthy layoff, his campaign has already exceeded expectations, although knowing Beaumer’s competitive nature, it’s unlikely he will view it as a complete success unless he leaves with the number one plate.

6. Hunter Lawrence could finally dethrone Jett:
Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence once again finds himself in the thick of a premier-class title fight. He pushed the 450SX championship to the final round against Ken Roczen earlier this year, while finishing runner-up to brother Jett in the Monster Energy SMX World Championship post-season each of the past two seasons, in addition to placing second in last year’s Pro Motocross series. Those are formidable riders to come up short against, but you can be certain Hunter wants a premier-class title of his own.

Image: Octopi Media.

7. Pro Motocross capabilities of Davies:
Cole Davies never really needed these outdoor results to prove he would be competitive, although his performances have certainly reinforced his credentials as a genuine Pro Motocross title contender. His natural speed and confidence make for a formidable combination, and the momentum is on his side. Kitchen, in particular, will need to halt that momentum soon, otherwise, Davies could begin to inch away in the race for the 250MX crown.

8. Prado searching for career-first 450MX win:
It almost sounds strange to say, given Prado is a four-time world champion, but the Spaniard is still searching for his first American Pro Motocross victory. Runner-up finishes at both Fox Raceway and RedBud were encouraging, although on average he has appeared to sit just below the level of the Lawrence brothers, instead finding himself battling class newcomer Deegan. For a rider of Prado’s calibre, that likely falls short of expectations. His credentials suggest he should be fighting for race wins – and ultimately the championship. Whether he can find that extra edge before the 2026 season concludes remains one of the more intriguing storylines in the premier class.

9. Pro Circuit title hope lies solely with Kitchen:
The opening two rounds suggested the long-discussed Pro Circuit drought might finally be coming to an end for Mitch Payton’s legendary squad. However, the loss of Hammaker, followed by Nick Romano at Southwick, combined with the rise of Davies and Shimoda, has seen the championship picture shift. Kitchen now sits just two points off the lead, and while it feels like the Washington native’s time may finally have arrived, with five rounds remaining, the battle is far from over.

10. Top-five tie for Marchbanks and Hampshire:
Garrett Marchbanks has almost single-handedly saved perceptions of the Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450SR following Chase Sexton’s highly publicised struggles. Few would have expected Marchbanks to be the rider leading that charge, with the 24-year-old delivering four top-five finishes, including a near podium at Thunder Valley. He’s now tied with RJ Hampshire after six rounds, who has once again shown the traits long associated with him – blistering speed, but always riding on the edge, with an incident rarely too far away. They’re locked together in fifth in the standings, making this an intriguing battle to watch unfold over the remainder of the season.