The 2026 Unadilla National at Pro Motocross is shaping up to be an intense and highly anticipated event, with several key races and riders to watch. Here's a breakdown of some of the most intriguing storylines and predictions for the upcoming races.
The 250 Class Battle
The 250 Class championship is a tight race, with Levi Kitchen holding a slender seven-point lead over Cole Davies. Kitchen's recent performance has been underwhelming, with subpar starts forcing him to charge through the pack. Davies, on the other hand, dominated the last race, going 1-1 at Washougal. To secure the championship, Kitchen needs to improve his starts and avoid the pitfalls that have plagued him this season. Julien Beaumer, currently 25 points behind Kitchen, will need to be flawless and hope for some bad luck to befall his rivals. The battle for the 250 Class title promises to be a thrilling spectacle at Unadilla.
Hunter Lawrence vs. Jett Lawrence
In the 450 Class, the sibling rivalry between Hunter and Jett Lawrence continues to captivate fans. Hunter currently leads his brother by twelve points, with six motos remaining. While Hunter has had the upper hand in recent races, Jett's uncharacteristic crashes have played a significant role in his brother's lead. With five overall wins to Jett's three, the Lawrence brothers' rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to the championship. As Jett aims to close the gap, the question remains: can he overcome Hunter's consistency and secure the championship? The answer may lie in the upcoming races at Unadilla.
Rising Stars in the 250 Class
Ryder DiFrancesco is making waves in the 250 Class, having secured a podium finish at Washougal. His improved performance this summer has sparked comparisons to his amateur days. Another rider making strides is Chance Hymas, who overcame a shoulder injury to finish second overall at Washougal. With their rising form, both DiFrancesco and Hymas could challenge for top positions at Unadilla, adding further intrigue to the 250 Class.
Beta Boys' Pro Motocross Journey
The Liqui Moly Beta team's performance at Washougal was impressive, with Benny Bloss and Mitchell Oldenburg achieving strong results. Bloss' 10-10 finish and Oldenburg's 15th overall position mark a positive step for the team. With their limited experience in AMA Pro Motocross, the Beta Boys' continued improvement is a testament to their hard work. Will they maintain their momentum at Unadilla? The upcoming races will provide an opportunity for the Beta team to further showcase their potential.
Eli Tomac's Return
Eli Tomac's return from injury has been less than impressive, with disappointing results in the last two rounds. Despite his efforts, Tomac's performance has been 9-12-14-14, leaving him perplexed. The question arises: will Tomac's hard work during the break pay off at Unadilla? The upcoming race will be a crucial test for Tomac as he aims to regain his form and challenge for top positions.
Justin Barcia's Hometown Advantage
Justin Barcia, a local favorite, is gearing up for his home race at Unadilla. While he hasn't dominated at this venue in the past, the hometown crowd's support could provide a boost. With Barcia's recent improvement in results, the upcoming race presents an opportunity for him to shine and secure a strong finish. The question remains: can Barcia harness the energy of his home crowd to achieve a memorable performance?
Women's Motocross Championship
The Women's Motocross Championship returns after a break, with the season's second half set to unfold. The current champion, Lala Turner, faces a challenge from rookie Mayla Herrick, who won the first moto at High Point. Charli Cannon's victory in the second moto and overall finish adds further intrigue. The championship's outcome will be determined by the riders' ability to maintain their form and adapt to the challenges of the remaining races. The battle for the Women's Motocross title promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with Turner aiming for her third straight championship.
Healing and Preparation
The break between races has allowed some riders to heal and prepare for the upcoming races. Aaron Plessinger and Justin Cooper, who suffered injuries at RedBud and Hangtown respectively, will return to action. Plessinger's home race at Unadilla could provide an opportunity for him to showcase his recovery. Similarly, Jett Lawrence's ankle/foot injury and Levi Kitchen's focus on practice starts highlight the diverse approaches to recovery and preparation. The upcoming races will test the riders' ability to adapt and perform at their best.
In conclusion, the 2026 Unadilla National at Pro Motocross promises an exciting and unpredictable championship. With tight battles in the 250 and 450 Classes, rising stars challenging for top positions, and the Women's Motocross Championship adding to the excitement, fans can expect a thrilling spectacle. The upcoming races will test the riders' skills, resilience, and ability to adapt, making it a must-watch event for motocross enthusiasts.
