Preview and schedule for the US Nationals at Southwick: Coenen brothers back in action

The US Nationals enter their sixth round this weekend on the sandy track at Southwick (Massachusetts). The two Belgian Coenen brothers, Lucas and Sacha, who lead the Motocross World Championship in both classes, have entered this race, and motocross legend Antonio Cairoli will also be taking part.

Sand and Sun

The legendary ‘The Wick 338’ track is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. ‘The Wick 338’ is regarded in the USA as one of the few sandy tracks. However, it is not sand like that in Lommel, but rather more comparable to the ground at Kegums in Latvia. These should be perfect conditions for the Coenen brothers to be right up there at the front again. As a reminder: Lucas Coenen finished second twice at High Point three weeks ago, and Sacha Coenen won the second race in the 250cc class after crashing in the first race. The weather forecast looks good, with sunshine and maximum daytime temperatures of 29 degrees.

A clash of generations

In the 450 class, World Championship leader Lucas Coenen will take on motocross legend Antonio Cairoli (Ducati), bringing together two generations. “When I first became world champion, Lucas wasn’t even born yet,” explained Cairoli after the race at RedBud. Cairoli won his first world title in 2005. Lucas Coenen was born in 2006.

Roan van de Moosdijk is also back in action

The Dutch Kosak-KTM rider had already caused a stir by finishing 7th in qualifying at RedBud. The Dutchman was forced to retire from the first race due to a faulty fuel pump. After crashing at the start of the second race, he staged a comeback from the back of the field at RedBud to finish eleventh.

Lawrence brothers on top despite some problems

The Australian Lawrence brothers have recently been struggling with various problems at RedBud. Jett complained that his foot had still not fully healed, whilst Hunter threw away what looked like a certain race win on the final lap of the first race whilst lapping another rider. However, none of this changed the fact that the two Aussie brothers have built up a significant lead over the rest of the field. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) is already 51 points behind, followed by Jorge Prado (KTM), who trails by 63 points.

450 Championship Standings after Round 5 of 11

1. Hunter Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 227

2. Jett Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 224, (-3)

3. Haiden Deegan (USA), Yamaha, 176, (-51)

4. Jorge Prado (E), KTM, 164, (-63)

5. R.J. Hampshire (USA), Husqvarna, 157, (-70)

6. Garrett Marchbanks (USA), Kawasaki, 149, (-78)

7. Dylan Ferrandis (F), Ducati, 125, (-102)

8. Mikkel Haarup (DEN), Triumph, 124, (-103)

Jo Shimoda takes the Red Plate

The Japanese HRC works rider won the second race at RedBud, thereby taking the lead in the 250cc class standings. At Southwick, however, all eyes will be on World Championship leader Sacha Coenen (KTM), who is known for his incredible intensity.

250 Standings after Round 5 of 11

1. Jo Shimoda (J), Honda, 194

2. Cole Davies (NZL), Yamaha, 190, (-4)

3. Levi Kitchen (USA), Kawasaki, 185, (-9)

4. Julien Beaumer (USA), KTM, 159, (-35)

5. Ryder DiFrancesco (USA), Husqvarna, 147, (-47)

6. Seth Hammaker (USA), Kawasaki, 134, (-60)

Here’s how to follow the races

Schedule for the US Nationals at Southwick *)

Saturday, 11 July 2026

*) Times are in CEST and subject to change