The changing dynamics of Motorsport – specifically rider’s racing from Europe to the USA heading into 2025 season. As witnessed over the past 10 years, rider’s who have competed and won in FIM World Motocross Championships then made the transition to race in America’s Pro MX/SX Championships have pushed their respective careers to new levels of success.
Key rider’s who have embraced the cross-Atlantic challenge have tested their skills and mental capacities racing from MXGP/MX2 circuits from March to the end of September to competing in AMA Pro Motocross/AMA Supercross Championships from January through to the end of August. Buoyed by elevating their career pathways racing the feeder Series of – as well as – MX2 and MXGP to racing SX 250/450 and MX 250/450 Championships, these rider’s have re-constituted the meaning of success in financial terms for themselves, Brands, Teams, and sponsors.
Starting with Germany’s Ken Roczen who claimed his first MX2 Championship in 2011 followed by the transition to America, winning SX West Coast 250 Title in 2013. Two further Championships were won – AMA Motocross Championship 450 Titles in 2014 and 2016 with French rider Marvin Musquin taking SX East Coast Championship 250 Title in 2015. Both Marvin and Ken are protégés of Stefan Everts training with KTM in Europe, with Marvin winning MX2 Championships in 2009 and 2010.
In 2015, Stefan Everts operated KTM Factory Junior Team with rider’s Jorge Prado, Josiah Natzke, and Conrad Mewse. Prado won the European Motocross Championship 125 Title with Natzke in P2 and Mewse in P4 overall. Since, Jorge has banked two MX2 Championships in 2018 and 2019, followed two MXGP Championships in 2023 and 2024. Heading into the 2025 season, Jorge forges a new chapter in his racing career, competing in America’s AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross Championships with Monster Energy Kawasaki.
Definitely, the rise and glory of the Lawrence brother’s – Hunter and Jett – have achieved monumental success in both Motocross and Supercross disciplines. From growing up riding and racing in Australia, to entering the competitive World Motocross Championships in Europe, to racing and winning AMA Motocross and AMA Supercross Championships – Hunter and Jett have eclipsed all odds of turning passion into bankable careers by the ages of 25 and 21 respectively.
Given the interview completed by MXLink with Hunter at MXGP of Qatar in 2017, certain character traits stand out to understand how success has been achieved. #1 total faith in himself to achieve goals #2 decisions based on what would be the best pathway to further develop his racing career #3 maintaining positive attitude even when everything seems difficult #4 challenges are to be overcome – ”you can always find a way, nothing is impossible”. Such steadfast mind-set came from making adjustments to fulfill the goal ”it’s not if I’ll be a Champion, it’s when I’ll be one”. As confirmed, Hunter delivered more than that winning AMA Supercross East Coast 250 Title in 2023 followed by winning AMA 250 MX Championship the same year, and Jett has won consecutive Titles: AMA 250 MX and AMA 250 SX East Coast in 2021, AMA 250 MX in 2022, AMA 250 SX West Coast, AMA 450 MX in 2023, and AMA 450 SX in 2024.
With AMA Supercross Championship opening round at Anaheim this coming weekend, the full circle is completed with Hunter, Jett, Ken, and Jorge lining up on the 450 gate. The changing dynamics of the sport from 2017 to the present day – as seen in the clip filmed at MXGP of Qatar in MX2 – Hunter #96 and Jorge # 61.
MXGP of Qatar in 2017 with Hunter Lawrence #96 and Jorge Prado #61 on the MX2 gate. Credit: MXLink
Header photo: Team Suzuki World with Stefan Everts, Hunter Lawrence, Jeremy Seewer, and Bas Vaessen Image: MXLink
Words: Sharon Cox.
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