Preview: US Nationals at Budds Creek – the title race is heating up

The 10th round of the 2026 US Nationals will take place this coming weekend in Budds Creek, Maryland. The track is just 50 miles from the US capital, Washington D.C.

Uncertain weather conditions

According to the latest weather forecasts, there will be isolated thunderstorms in the early hours of the morning. So Budds Creek could turn into a muddy affair. With a forecast temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and cloudy skies, conditions are expected to be fairly moderate.

Budds Creek’s legendary ‘Henry Hill’

Budds Creek is best known for the Henry Hill descent, where, in 1995, Doug Henry jumped over the crest of the extremely steep downhill section at virtually full throttle. According to estimates, Henry flew 40 metres in length and about 21 metres in height before landing extremely hard in the valley. In the process, he sustained several spinal fractures. This spot later became known as ‘Henry Hill’.

In 1997, Henry crashed again at Budds Creek and broke both his arms. He returned in 1998 and won there on his way to becoming the 250cc AMA Champion.

450 class standings

Jett Lawrence (Honda) will line up at Budds Creek with the championship leader’s red plate. Following his brother Hunter’s crash and subsequent withdrawal, Jett holds a 10-point lead. The championships are therefore far from decided.

450 Standings after Event 9 of 11

1. Jett Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 402 points

2. Hunter Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 392, (-10)

3. Haiden Deegan (USA), Yamaha, 336, (-66)

4. Jorge Prado (E), KTM, 311, (-91)

5. R.J. Hampshire (USA), Husqvarna, 282, (-120)

6. Dylan Ferrandis (F), Ducati, 243, (-159)

7. Garrett Marchbanks (USA), Kawasaki, 241, (-161)

8. Cooper Webb (USA), Yamaha, 201, (-201)

9. Mikkel Haarup (DK), Triumph, 189, (-213)

10. Justin Barcia (USA), Ducati, 174, (-228)

250cc Standings

The 250 class is even closer. Pro Circuit Kawasaki works rider Levi Kitchen, who had to stage a comeback through the entire field at Unadilla a week ago, takes a narrow one-point lead into Maryland.

250 Standings after Event 9 of 11

1. Levi Kitchen (USA), Kawasaki, 334 points

2. Cole Davies (NZL), Yamaha, 333, (-1)

3. Julien Beaumer (USA), KTM, 290, (-44)

4. Ryder DiFrancesco (USA), Husqvarna, 275, (-59)

5. Chance Hymas (USA), Honda, 270, (-64)

6. Kayden Minear (AUS), Yamaha, 240, (-94)

7. Carson Mumford (USA), KTM, 226, (-108)

8. Jo Shimoda (J), Honda, 194, (-140)

9. Michael Mosiman (USA), Yamaha, 151, (-183)

10. Casey Cochran (USA), Husqvarna, 146, (-188)

Here’s how to follow the races:

Schedule for the US Nationals at Budds Creek *)

Saturday, 22 August 2026

LCQ:

Races: