The first SMX Next Motocross took place this weekend alongside the 5.11 RedBud National, where 25 of the world’s top amateurs lined up for the Scouting Moto Combine. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Carson Wood came away with a perfect 1-1 performance to earn his first SMX Next victory, while also giving his mentor Kevin Windham the Coach’s Cup.
Carson Wood established himself as the rider to beat from the moment practice began. The Yamaha prospect topped both qualifying sessions, posting a lap nearly two seconds quicker than the rest of the field. Wood, who raced the Pro Motocross rounds at Thunder Valley and High Point, grabbed the holeshot in moto one and controlled the race despite briefly stalling his bike midway through the race. Husqvarna’s Landon Gibson stayed within striking distance, but Wood never surrendered the lead and claimed the opening victory by just over a second. In Saturday’s second moto, Wood again found himself battling Gibson after the Husqvarna rider took the early holeshot. Wood wasted little time as he passed for the lead on the opening lap and maintained a strong pace throughout the shortened race. Another win meant a clean sweep of the weekend sweep and secured his first SMX Next overall victory.
“It is so hot out here,” Wood said. “The track is super challenging and you have to be patient, but when you have someone behind you that can be difficult. I was about third off the start [in moto two] and was following [Gibson] for a little bit, but was able to make the pass super quick. That made the moto a lot easier on myself. I’m pumped, it was a perfect weekend.”
Landon Gibson put together an impressive weekend for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna, finishing second in both motos to earn runner-up honors overall. Gibson challenged Wood throughout the opening moto and remained close enough to capitalize on any mistake, but never found an opportunity to make a serious pass attempt. In the second moto, Gibson grabbed the holeshot and briefly led before Wood forced his way into the top spot during the opening lap. Despite this, Gibson continued to pressure the Yamaha rider all the way to the finish, ending both motos just over a second back. This marks his third second-place result in the past four Combines.
Kade Johnson finished third overall for Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green after a pair of consistent results in both motos. Johnson, who’s been competing in the Canadian National Championship, inherited third in race one following a mistake from Kayd Kingsford and comfortably held the position to the checkered flag. He once again found himself in the thick of the podium battle during moto two, exchanging positions with both Jesson Turner and Kingsford before ultimately crossing the line in fourth. Johnson’s consistent 3-4 finishes gave him the nod for an overall spot on the box, his first in an SMX Next Motocross event.
Australia’s Kayd Kingsford grabbed third in moto two but a sixth in the opening moto kept him to fourth overall while Owen Covell rounded out the top five.
Wood’s perfect weekend also delivered the Coach’s Cup to AMA Hall of Famer Kevin Windham.
Video Highlights
Results
- Carson Wood (Yam) 1-1
- Landon Gibson (Hus) 2-2
- Kade Johnson (Kaw) 3-4
- Kayd Kingsford (Hon) 6-3
- Owen Covell (Yam) 5-6
