Pierce Brown Clinches First Win at Las Vegas SuperMotocross Finale
The 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship season finale at The Strip, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, delivered thrilling results, with Pierce Brown achieving his first professional overall win while Haiden Deegan secured his second championship title. The event not only showcased the grit and determination of the riders but also set the stage for dramatic performances as the season wrapped up.
Pierce Brown’s Breakthrough Victory
Coming off a strong performance at Texas Motor Speedway, where he made a remarkable charge from the back of the pack, Pierce Brown entered the Las Vegas finale with high hopes. He understood that a solid start was critical to his chances of winning a moto. Despite failing to secure the holeshot in either of the day’s races—Deegan took it in Moto 1 and Ty Masterpool in Moto 2—Brown quickly positioned himself among the frontrunners.
In Moto 1, Brown was unable to overtake Deegan, finishing in second place. However, he displayed exceptional skill and determination in Moto 2. After a tense start, Brown surged ahead, eventually passing the leader to claim the moto victory. This win not only marked his first in professional dirt biking but also propelled him from seventh to third in the overall points standings, earning him an impressive $132,000 in prize fund earnings. However, in the post-race interview, Brown emphasized that the victory held greater significance for him than the financial reward.
#### Haiden Deegan’s Championship Triumph
For Haiden Deegan, the Las Vegas event was the culmination of a near-perfect season. After dominating the earlier motos, he was eager to sweep the championship series by winning all six races. He started strong, claiming the holeshot in Moto 1 and securing his fifth consecutive victory. However, the second moto proved challenging. Deegan found himself mired in the pack, dropping to as low as sixth place at one point.
Exhibiting his characteristic resilience, Deegan began to work his way back up, eventually finishing second in Moto 2. Recognizing the importance of the championship, he made a strategic decision to ease off after a close call on a wall jump, opting to focus on securing his title rather than risking a crash. With his consistent performance, Deegan claimed the championship and walked away with a substantial $500,000 prize fund.
Consistency from Jordon Smith
Jordon Smith also capped off his season with a strong showing, finishing fifth in Moto 1 and third in Moto 2, securing the final podium spot. Smith’s journey throughout the playoffs had been one of consistency; he maintained solid performances with sixth-place finishes in the earlier rounds. His third-place finish in Las Vegas marked a career-best result in the SuperMotocross Championship, reflecting his growth as a competitive rider.
Jo Shimoda’s Impressive Comeback
Another rider to note was Jo Shimoda, who displayed remarkable tenacity in his comeback season. Finishing fourth overall, Shimoda placed fourth in Moto 1 and fifth in Moto 2. This performance is particularly impressive considering he was still recovering from a broken collarbone sustained earlier in the Pro Motocross series. His determination to push through pain and compete at a high level showcased his resilience and commitment to the sport.
Drama Unfolds for Tom Vialle
In the championship mix, Tom Vialle had a brief opportunity to challenge for the title during Moto 2. With Deegan falling to sixth place early on and Vialle running second, the points differential was minimal. However, the race took a turn for the worse for Vialle when he crashed midway through the moto, ultimately finishing eighth. Despite this setback, his earlier performance in Moto 1, where he secured third place, granted him an overall fifth position for the event.
The 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship finale at Las Vegas was a testament to the fierce competition and skill present in the sport. Pierce Brown’s first overall win signifies a promising future, while Haiden Deegan’s championship title underlines his dominance this season. As riders like Jordon Smith and Jo Shimoda continue to improve, the landscape of motocross remains vibrant and competitive, setting the stage for an exciting next season.
