For the second time in 2026's SuperMotocross World Championship, the battle for the premier class crown comes down to one point at the last event. For the first time in history, however, that duel is between two brothers. What is 450MX's landscape ahead of the conclusion of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship? Lewis Phillips ponders.

JETT'S MAPPING MISHAP

Starts: tedious, repetitive and arduous for anyone with an invested interest in besting the CRF450R. For perhaps the first time, Jett Lawrence can sympathize with the competition – his starts have become a distinct handicap when compared to his title rival and teammate. Hunter Lawrence has three more holeshots and a better average starting position, second compared to fourth.

Jett's still the next best in class in both divisions, but any discrepancy will be exposed in 450MX's championship showdown. Budds Creek marked just the second time this year that he has started both motos outside of the top ten; he blamed a new (and unfavorable) start map, as well as the conditions, for what transpired at the penultimate event.

"I think it was just a funky weekend," Jett commented. "My starts felt really good during the week; I made a change to my start map and liked it. A few things just didn't go my way off the start. I used the new start map in both motos. We made a little change to the holeshot button for the wet too – I think we didn't go back on it. That was my fault for not thinking about it [before the second moto]. I just need to execute two good starts at Ironman."

It's curious that Jett's average start position has fallen with each season that he has done in Pro Motocross' premier class. Is the stiffer competition to blame or simply the rise of Hunter? The start is pertinent as the 2026's finale looms. The Lawrences have ended in the order that they started in fifteen of twenty motos this year. Further, Jett has yet to start in front of Hunter in a premier class race at Ironman.

Verdict: Jett is a brilliant starter. Hunter is better…

Image: Honda Racing Corporation

HUNTER: THE 'IRON MAN'

Hunter leads in every statistical division as the AMA Pro Motocross finale looms; holeshots, start position, wins and podiums. Add in his recent Ironman preeminence (it was the site of his maiden 450MX victory and dominant performance at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations) and he appears the clear favorite to take the title.

A 47-point haul would see Hunter crowned champion – he has achieved that at six of the ten rounds. It's another number that paints a favorable picture for 450MX's perennial bridesmaid. What is there left to do? "If I can have another day like today, and execute my starts like we have seen, then it can happen," he said. "I just have to put myself in the best position, but Jett's thinking the same thing."

A final tip of the hat to one of Hunter's most underrated achievements: Across 27 450SMX events this year, he's missed the podium just six times. The next best podium total in 450SMX comes from Ken Roczen, with just 12.

Verdict: Champion or not, Hunter must be praised.

HONDA MAINTAINS HOLD

Whilst the administrative task of determining which first name will be etched into the silverware remains, there are some who can celebrate their 450MX title. Honda's won three of the last five championships – the CRF450R was ranked second place in the other two – and hasn't lost in thirteen AMA Pro Motocross Championship races. Further, Honda has won 34 of 65 450MX events in the 2020s (a 52% success rate).

Honda is in the midst of one of the most dominant runs in motorsport history.

"I'm just really happy that Honda has won the championship," said Lars Lindstrom (team manager). "We have won it, so it now depends on who it's going to be. Obviously, I cannot really pick a side. It would be awesome to see Hunter win his first championship, but it would also be awesome to see Jett win his third 450MX championship. I honestly cannot say. It's like saying, 'which kid do you like more your other kid?' You love them the same."

Verdict: HRC is inevitable in the 450MX division.

SIMILAR YET DIFFERENT

Hunter has been labeled 450SMX's 'nearly man' (as recently as in this very piece) yet AMA Pro Motocross' finale is not the same as 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross' conclusion or 2025's SuperMotocross Finals. The last time he entered the final round with the red plate was in 2024's Finals.

Whilst the winner-take-all scenario is a constant over each of those championships, Hunter's one-point advantage offers a degree of comfort. Ironman only becomes a true winner-take-all scenario if either rider sweeps the motos, meaning the stakes are not as high for Hunter as they have been in the past. For Jett, however, the pressure will be foreign.

Jett may be the fastest man on the planet, yet Hunter's weathered the storm through 10 rounds. What's one more?

Verdict: This appears to be Hunter's crown to lose.