Top Supercross Championship Contenders to Watch in 2025

The air in Salt Lake City is electric. It's the finale for Monster Energy Supercross, a culmination of an intense Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. This is where champions are made, and we're watching the best Supercross championship contenders battle for supremacy. Everyone eagerly awaits to see who will rise to the top this Saturday night, as this weekend decides everything for these amazing Supercross championship contenders. Fans have diligently followed the TV schedule and race day feed throughout the season, anticipating this climax. The journey to Salt Lake City has been filled with thrilling victories, heartbreaking defeats, and incredible displays of skill from every pro race competitor. The points standings are incredibly close in some classes, making this final event a must-watch. The 250 Class Showdowns: Rising Stars and Title Fights The 250 class races in the Monster Energy AMA series are always exciting, showcasing the next generation of talent. Young riders fight hard for their spot on the podium and for a chance at a coveted championship. This year is no different, with fierce competition and high stakes defining the season for names like Justin Cooper and Nate Thrasher. We have a champion already crowned in the SX West division, bringing a unique dynamic to the combined East/West Showdown. However, the East is a wide-open fight, promising an intense main event. These racers, many of whom cut their teeth at events like Loretta Lynn's, give it their all every time the gate drops. Hayden Deegan: The Confident 250 West Champ Hayden Deegan, representing Monster Energy, comes into the finale with a cool head and the swagger of a champion. He's already clinched the 250 West Divisional Championship, a significant achievement in his young career. That means less stress for him this weekend compared to the Eastern contenders, but don't think he's taking it easy. Haiden Deegan is a fierce competitor known for his aggressive style. He says the pressure is off and he just wants to have fun, a sentiment often echoed in the staging area before the big race. Yet, there's still a big prize for winning this specific race, and his goal remains the same: to win. He's ready to do whatever it takes, demonstrating the grit often seen in champions like Eli Tomac or Ken Roczen. For Deegan, this Supercross title is special; he mentioned feeling stoked to finally get it. It completes a set of titles he wanted on a 250, including SMX and Pro Motocross titles. His journey through amateur ranks, perhaps with a favorite Loretta Lynn's moto victory paving the way, has led him to this professional success in AMA Supercross. Last year, a broken wrist spoiled his Supercross start, a common setback in this demanding sport. He still finished second, only a few points behind, a near miss that fueled his fire for this season. This year, consistency was his game plan, a strategy that has proven effective for many champions before him. He's been on the podium for eight straight rounds, a testament to his skill and revised program. He believed this strategy would win him the championship, and it certainly worked out for him. This consistency is something riders like Jason Anderson have also strived for in their careers. What about racing his teammate, Cole? Deegan is clear on his approach. When the gate drops, teammates don't exist in the same way; it's every rider for themself. He trains with his teammate but doesn't race soft against him, a mindset you can often read about in discussions within Racer X Magazine, which often cover these dynamics and offer detailed race reports. If Cole is in the way, Hayden will make his move, stating that's just how racing is at this professional level. This aggressive but fair approach is respected among peers. His focus now also shifts to the upcoming Pro Motocross season, a different beast entirely. Looking ahead to Pro Motocross, Deegan is excited and feels at home in the longer outdoor motos. He calls himself a dog in those 35-minute races, showcasing his endurance and tenacity. The 250 class is stacked with talent, and anyone can win on any given day, but Deegan aims to dominate, just like last year. He made program changes this season, including his training and bike setup, possibly even considering components like a top-tier RX exhaust for optimal performance. He felt he needed to be stronger, and those changes helped him progress and secure his title. Eastern Division's Three-Way Battle for Glory While Deegan celebrates his SX West title, the 250 East is a nail-biter, a true spectacle for fans who follow the energy ama supercross. Three riders have a real shot at the championship as they head into the Salt Lake City showdown. Tom Vialle, Seth Hamaker, and RJ Hampshire are ready to rumble, promising an intense main event that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. This is the kind of drama that makes Supercross championship battles unforgettable. Here's a brief look at the contenders: Tom Vialle: This French rider is the defending champion from last year but comes in with a much smaller points lead this time. He's a two-time MXGP MX2 World Champion, bringing a wealth of experience from international mxgp race events. RJ Hampshire: A veteran of the 250 class, Hampshire is known for his speed and determination. This could be his last chance to secure a 250 Supercross title before an anticipated move to the 450 class. Seth Hamaker: Representing the legendary Pro Circuit Kawasaki team, Hamaker is in his first major championship fight. A title for him would be huge for the team, which has a storied history but has been seeking a Supercross title for some years. Tom Vialle, another international talent making waves in AMA Supercross, enters this critical race day with a narrow lead. He says he's happy to be in this position, and a recent win was vital for his chances. He knows what he has to do: he needs to beat Hamaker and Hampshire, and that's his only focus, much like when he secured an MX2 World Title on the last moto, as detailed in past mxgp race reports. Vialle feels great on the bike after a good week of testing and preparation. The altitude in Utah, particularly in Lake City, means bikes are a bit slower, so they worked diligently on bike setup to counteract this. His experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable. RJ Hampshire sees this as his final 250 race, adding an emotional layer to his championship bid. He's been in the class for a long time and is looking forward to moving up. But first, he wants this championship, calling the season a grind but expressing gratitude to be in contention. Hampshire was in a similar tight spot last year. He says last year was tougher on his nerves, but this year, he feels more open-minded. His goal was to have a shot at the final round, and here he is. He doesn't think past experience gives him a huge edge, believing that when the gate drops, everyone wants to win with equal intensity. Seth Hamaker is in his first championship fight, a significant milestone in his career. He's racing against two defending champs (Vialle in SX East, and technically Hampshire has an outdoor title). He feels honored to be in that company and is ready to give his best performance of the season. Hamaker knows there are many moving parts, especially with the West riders like Haiden Deegan and potentially Justin Cooper in the mix. He needs to manage the race and see how the start plays out. He believes if he does what he's been doing, focusing on his lines and minimizing mistakes, he has a good shot. Winning would be huge for his Pro Circuit team; it's been eight years since they won a Supercross title, and he uses that history as motivation, not extra pressure. He changed his program this year, moving to Florida, with the initial plan to get through the season healthy. Now, he has a chance to win it all, a dream for any young racer. Riders like Shane McElrath and Christian Craig have also shown the perseverance needed in this class. These three riders face a tough East/West Showdown, a format that always adds unpredictability. They aren't just racing each other for the title; they have to contend with fast West coast riders too. This includes the newly crowned champ, Hayden Deegan, who says he won't race them any differently. He doesn't care about their championship fight; he's there to win the race, potentially playing spoiler. It adds another layer of difficulty to their night, making strategy paramount. You can find extensive coverage of showdowns like these in Cycle News, which often highlights the challenges and provides race reports. Premier Class Titans: The Race for the 450 Supercross Crown with the Top Supercross Championship Contenders The 450 class of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross championship is where legends are forged and the sport's biggest prizes are won. This year, Cooper Webb and Chase Sexton are the main men, the primary Supercross championship contenders fighting for the ultimate prize in off-road motorcycling. It's a classic veteran versus a slightly younger challenger scenario, and with the points incredibly close, the stakes couldn't be higher in Salt Lake. Other formidable riders like Jason Anderson, the ever-popular Ken Roczen, the aggressive Justin Barcia, and the powerful Malcolm Stewart have all had their moments this season, shaping the championship landscape. While not in the direct title fight, their presence in every main event can influence the outcome for Webb and Sexton. Even young guns like Jett Lawrence, though perhaps focusing on Pro Motocross, show the depth of talent Cooper Webb alluded to. Cooper Webb: The Veteran Eyeing a Third Title Cooper Webb, a seasoned warrior of the sport, enters with a points lead, though it's not a huge lead, so he can't relax. His strategy is to race like he normally does, an approach that has served him well in previous championship runs. He says that's what has been working for him, and he loves racing in Salt Lake City, a venue where he's had a lot of success before. If the win is there, the Red Bull KTM rider is going for it. If not, he'll adjust his race craft to secure the necessary points. He feels keeping his normal mindset is best for handling the pressure. A third premier supercross championship would be massive for Webb, putting him in elite company alongside legends of AMA Supercross. Riders like Chad Reed and James Stewart also won two premier titles; getting a third is a huge accomplishment and solidifies a Hall of Fame career. Cooper Webb Justin (Barcia, perhaps, as another veteran) represents the old guard still fighting at the top. Webb is 29 years old but feels great, demonstrating incredible longevity in a physically brutal sport. He's raced against different generations of talent, mentioning Eli Tomac, Ken Roczen, and now the pairing of Chase Sexton Cooper Webb as his prime competitors. He believes this is the most competitive championship he's been part of, forcing him to constantly get better in all aspects, whether it's raw speed, physical fitness, or crucial starts. He feels he's improved even from last year, focused on being the best version of himself. That mentality has brought Cooper Webb to this pivotal point. Aaron Plessinger, another rider known for his grit, would understand this mindset. His determination is palpable, and the experience of winning championships before gives him a calm demeanor. The team around Cooper Webb plays a huge role, from mechanics to trainers, all contributing to his success. Many fans following the current issue of their favorite digital magazine or browsing a magazine bookstand for analysis will be watching Webb closely. Chase Sexton: The Challenger Hungry for Victory Chase Sexton is the challenger, an exceptionally talented rider on his Team Honda HRC machine. He comes into the Salt Lake City finale with a small points deficit, meaning he needs a strong performance and possibly some help if he's to clinch his first 450 Supercross championship. Sexton feels he has grown a lot this year, securing six wins so far, a big step up from last season and a clear indication of his capabilities. He says racing Cooper Webb has been different, noting that Webb is mentally very strong and forces you to be perfect every night. Sexton admits he struggled with that aspect in the past but thinks the intense Chase Sexton Cooper Webb rivalry has made him a better rider. He's in a tough spot for the finale, but he's happy with his racing and improvements this year. For Sexton, the plan is simple: try to win the race and let the points sort themselves out. He knows he can't fully plan how the race unfolds and will have to adapt after the start, a rapid reaxtion to the evolving situation being essential. He is aware he'll need some things to go his way for the championship outcome to favor him. For deeper insights into such strategies, Vital MX provides thorough analysis of racer strategies and often features rider interviews via an open mic session post-race. Sexton also reflected on the season, acknowledging that the middle part of the season hurt him most in the points standings. He lost crucial points during that stretch and had to dig himself out of a hole. He wishes he could have turned it around sooner but doesn't dwell on specific races like a challenging round in Pittsburgh or perhaps even Supercross Denver, learning from each experience instead. The intense battles between Sexton Cooper Webb have been a highlight of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. To win, Sexton needs to execute a perfect race day, from practice through to the main event. The pressure from Monster Energy and other sponsors is immense, but it's a pressure these top athletes learn to thrive under. The focus will be on getting a good start in the sx main and putting himself in a position to control his own destiny as much as possible. Should he succeed, it would be a landmark victory for the young rider. Dylan Ferrandis, another rider who has tasted championship success, knows the dedication required. The Mental Game: What Separates these Top Supercross Championship Contenders? Both Cooper Webb and Chase Sexton, the top Supercross championship contenders, talk about the mental grind of a long and demanding season. Webb feels you have to put yourself in a position of war, where every race is a battle. He remembers bad races where he rode his best but still finished poorly, illustrating the sport's gnarly nature and the strength of the competition, including riders like Justin Hill. Pushing your body to its limits and staying focused for an entire Monster Energy AMA Supercross series is not easy. That's why wins and podiums are so cherished. The physical toll is immense, but the mental fortitude required is perhaps even greater, especially on a demanding Saturday night schedule, often feeling like a prime time Saturday night live performance under immense scrutiny. Sexton agrees about the intensity. He and Webb are highly competitive, and everything must go right before a main event. You have to be locked in, shutting out distractions. They both respect each other's drive to win, a common thread among elite athletes. Webb admits Sexton has raw talent and speed, which pushes Webb to step up in other areas, like mental strength and race craft. This chase sexton cooper dynamic pushes both to new heights. Sexton credits racing Webb and Eli Tomac for making him better, forcing him to identify and fix issues in his own racing. Every long season, with its unpredictable challenges and varied track conditions from Salt Lake City to other iconic venues, makes you better than practice ever could. These top Supercross championship contenders operate at an incredible level, and their commitment is amazing. Fans can learn a lot from watching them, as their dedication shows what it takes to compete at the pinnacle of pro race events. Many a website utilizes technologies to broadcast these battles, and when an official website opens, it's packed with information. Following a detailed race day feed or reading post-race reports becomes a ritual for enthusiasts. It is fascinating how racers like Kyle Chisholm also provide perspective from a long career. He talks about loving the sport, a passion that kept him going through injuries and tough times. He advises young riders to never give up; if you want it bad enough, find a way. This same spirit is clear in today's Supercross championship contenders, from Haiden Deegan in the 250s to Webb and Sexton in the 450s. They all share that deep passion and push through adversity, characteristics often highlighted in a privateer profile or when riders share their favorite Loretta Lynn's memories. It's what makes them champions, or future champions. This resilience is what allows riders to come back from injury, to constantly refine their skills, and to face down immense pressure week after week in the energy ama supercross series. The journey to become one of the top Supercross championship contenders often starts young, at events like Loretta Lynn's amateur national championships. The dedication seen at Lynn's moto events is a precursor to the professional ranks. Fans often seek out merchandise of their favorite riders, perhaps looking for a sales rack deal or using a store locator to find gear, as a way to connect with the sport and its stars. The information flow, from the current issue of a digital magazine to live updates on an external website, keeps fans engaged. It's important that such an external website opens quickly and provides accurate information, often utilizing technologies for live timing and streaming. This accessibility has brought fans closer to the action than ever before. Conclusion The stage is set for an unforgettable night of racing in Salt Lake City. We have watched these Supercross championship contenders all season, marveling at their skill, courage, and determination throughout the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series. Their journey, filled with intense battles and remarkable comebacks, has been inspiring to witness. From the 250 class dogfights, where rising stars like Haiden Deegan and the Eastern division trio fight for glory, to the 450 premier class showdown between Cooper Webb and Chase Sexton, it's peak racing. We will soon know who lifts the coveted trophies, concluding another chapter in AMA Supercross history. What a season it has been for these exceptional Supercross championship contenders and the sport they elevate.