The 2026 Unadilla National at Pro Motocross is shaping up to be an exciting 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.
250 Class: Kitchen vs. Davies
The 250 Class championship is a tight battle between Levi Kitchen and Cole Davies. Kitchen currently holds a seven-point lead, but Davies made a strong statement at Washougal, taking 1-1 results compared to Kitchen's 6-6 for fifth. This highlights the importance of starting well for Kitchen, who has struggled with subpar starts this season. The race at Unadilla will be a crucial test for both riders, with Davies aiming to close the gap and Kitchen needing to solidify his lead. The question remains: can Kitchen's starting issues be overcome, or will Davies capitalize on this opportunity?
450 Class: Hunter vs. Jett Lawrence
In the 450 Class, the Lawrence brothers, Hunter and Jett, are locked in a fierce championship battle. Hunter currently leads by twelve points, but Jett has been making strides, winning three motos compared to Hunter's five. The key factor is the uncharacteristic crashes by Jett, which have kept him from challenging Hunter's dominance. With six motos remaining, Jett's strategy of winning every remaining race seems ambitious. Hunter's consistent performance and slight edge in wins make him a favorite to stretch his lead. However, Jett's determination and the potential for more crashes could create an exciting finale at Unadilla.
Rising Stars: DiFrancesco and Hymas
Ryder DiFrancesco and Chance Hymas are making waves in the 250 Class. DiFrancesco's recent podium finish at Washougal showcases his improved performance, living up to the potential seen in his amateur days. Hymas, on the other hand, has been recovering from a shoulder injury and fear of re-injury. His recent results at Spring Creek and Washougal indicate a return to form, with a moto win and third overall. These riders' progress is a testament to their resilience and skill, and they will be contenders at Unadilla.
Beta Boys: Bloss and Oldenburg
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 placement are notable, especially given their limited AMA Pro Motocross experience. The team's recent success suggests they might be finding their footing. Will they continue their momentum at Unadilla, where the hometown crowd could provide an extra boost?
Eli Tomac's Return
Eli Tomac's return from injury has been less than impressive so far. His recent results of 9-12-14-14 in the four motos he's raced since the season opener are a cause for concern. Tomac's work during the break suggests he should have shown better performance. The question remains: will his results improve at Unadilla, or will the injury's impact linger?
Justin Barcia's Hometown Advantage
Justin Barcia, a local favorite, has been on a roll lately, with his best results (fifth and seventh overall) coming at the last two races. Unadilla, being his home race, could provide an extra boost of motivation. While Barcia hasn't dominated at this track in the past, the hometown advantage and his recent form make him a strong contender. Will the local crowd propel him to a memorable performance?
Women's Motocross Championship: Turner vs. Cannon
The Women's Motocross Championship is set to resume after a break, with the season's second half underway. The current champion, Lala Turner, faced a challenge at High Point, where she didn't win for the first time. Rookie Mayla Herrick and Charli Cannon emerged as contenders, with Cannon winning the second moto and the overall. The question remains: will Cannon continue her streak or will Turner recover to win her third consecutive championship? The second half of the season promises an exciting battle.
Riders' Breaks and Healing
The extra time off between races has allowed some riders to heal and recover. Aaron Plessinger and Justin Cooper, who suffered injuries at RedBud and Hangtown respectively, will return to the track. Plessinger's home race could provide a boost, while Cooper's recovery from a concussion is a positive sign. The break also allowed some riders to focus on their skills, like Levi Kitchen, who could have benefited from practicing starts. The approach to recovery and preparation varies, and it will be interesting to see how these riders fare after their time away.
In conclusion, the 2026 Unadilla National at Pro Motocross promises an exciting showcase of talent and strategy. From the 250 and 450 Class championships to the rising stars and hometown advantages, the races will be filled with drama and surprises. The riders' breaks and healing processes add another layer of intrigue, as they return to the track with varying levels of preparation and motivation. Get ready for an action-packed weekend!
