A talented group of 26 amateur prospects were invited for the second Scouting Moto Combine gathering of the summer at the weekend’s national championship event in Michigan.
Following a successful debut at Hangtown just over a month ago, this second event of SMX Next saw 26 talented prospects invited to Michigan’s legendary RedBud MX for the second gathering of the Scouting Moto Combine.
“Few venues and few events carry the lore and prestige that RedBud does, but for the sport of motocross there is nothing more iconic than the 4th of July at this incredible venue.
“It is a cornerstone of the Pro Motocross Championship and has quickly become a staple of SMX Next – Motocross and the Moto Combine,” said Jim Perry, Program Director for the Scouting Moto Combine.
“We invited our largest group of athletes to date for the program, and they were partnered with a decorated group of rider coaches that included a pair of AMA Hall of Famers. It was a memorable experience for these young athletes and a highly competitive competition on the racetrack.”
Working in conjunction with competing manufacturers GASGAS, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha, this hand-selected group of invited prospects featured a mix of racers with prior SMX Next experience in addition to new talent that will participate in the program for the first time.
Providing the foundation of guidance and mentorship of these prospects was one of the most decorated groups of rider coaches ever assembled at the Scouting Moto Combine. Leading the group was a pair of AMA Hall of Fame inductees in Broc Glover (Class of 2000) and its newest member for the Class of 2025, Chad Reed (pictured above, on Suzuki No.1, racing in New Zealand in about 1998).
Combined, this pair boasts nine AMA National Championships and 100 SMX League victories. They were joined by another former champion in Ezra Lusk, a past 125cc Regional Supercross titleholder, in addition to Michael Byrne, a perennial front-runner who guided Team Australia to victory at the 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations, and Gareth Swanepoel, a prominent South African racer who has become one of the most respected trainers in the sport.
Collectively, this group of coaches loaned their immense knowledge and expertise to benefit these young athletes both on and off the track.
Meanwhile, enjoy this video below from the main phase of racing at RedBud over the weekend.
© Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ
Photo above shows Waiuku’s Jeff Hagensen, Taupo’s Darren Capill, Australian Chad Reed (No.1) and Hawera’s Daryl Hurley in action in New Zealand back in about 1998.
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