2025 RedBud SMX Next – Motocross Scouting Moto Combine Results, Written Recap
The iconic RedBud MX facility once again roared to life this weekend, hosting the 2025 edition of the SMX Next Motocross Scouting Moto Combine — an event designed to spotlight the brightest young amateur riders vying to take the next step into the pro ranks. This year’s Combine did not disappoint, delivering bar-to-bar racing, breakout performances, and a glimpse at motocross’s future stars under perfect summer skies in Buchanan, Michigan.
A Proving Ground for Tomorrow’s Champions
RedBud has long been hallowed ground for American motocross, and the SMX Next Moto Combine transforms the track into a proving ground for the sport’s top high school-age talent. Designed as a bridge between amateur and professional racing, the Moto Combine brings together the nation’s elite amateurs for a full factory-style race experience — complete with team mentoring, pro-level track conditions, and guidance from legends of the sport.
This year’s lineup featured 24 of the most promising young riders, handpicked from the amateur circuit by industry scouts and manufacturers. With scouts from factory teams and sponsors watching every move, the stakes were sky-high, and these young riders rose to the occasion.
Moto One – Intensity Right Out of the Gate
When the gate dropped for Moto One, the talent gap was razor-thin. Early on, it was #199 Cooper Daniels who grabbed the holeshot aboard his Honda CRF250R. Daniels, who has dominated Loretta Lynn’s in recent years, showed the raw speed that has scouts buzzing. But it wasn’t long before #45 Jaxon Reed, the Florida native riding for Star Yamaha, found his flow. Reed, known for his smooth style and race craft, made a clean pass on lap three and never looked back.
Behind them, #17 Marcus Sills and #72 Brody Keller waged an all-out war for third, swapping positions multiple times. Sills, riding for the Kawasaki Team Green program, ultimately edged out Keller on the final lap with a gutsy inside line through the sand rollers — a fan-favorite section at RedBud.
Reed took the Moto One win with a 7-second gap, setting the tone for the rest of the day.
Moto Two – A Star is Born
Moto Two featured the same energy but even higher stakes. With the combine’s overall champion determined by combined results, it was do-or-die for Daniels if he wanted to redeem his second-place finish.
Daniels rocketed off the line again, but this time it was #58 Ryder Martinez, a Suzuki-backed standout from California, who stole the spotlight. Known for his aggressive style, Martinez made a bold pass on Daniels halfway through the moto and began laying down the day’s fastest laps.
Behind them, Jaxon Reed had a rough start and found himself buried outside the top ten. Undeterred, the Yamaha pilot put on a clinic in passing, charging all the way back to fourth by the checkers — a ride that drew applause from the RedBud faithful lining the fences.
Martinez claimed the Moto Two win, with Daniels second and Sills consistent in third. When the dust settled, the combined scores gave the overall victory to Jaxon Reed (1-4), thanks to his clutch comeback and consistent pace.
Final Results – Top 5 Overall
1. Jaxon Reed (1-4) – Star Yamaha Racing
2. Cooper Daniels (2-2) – Honda Amateur Factory Support
3. Ryder Martinez (5-1) – Suzuki Amateur Elite
4. Marcus Sills (3-3) – Kawasaki Team Green
5. Brody Keller (4-5) – KTM Orange Brigade
What It Means
While the Moto Combine is technically non-points paying, its impact on the future careers of these riders is massive. Scouts were seen taking notes trackside and huddling with families and team reps in the pits. Expect to hear announcements soon as some of these riders ink deals for Supercross Futures, Pro Motocross debuts, or even 250SX rides for 2026.
For Jaxon Reed, this weekend could be the final piece of the puzzle in what has been an impressive year of amateur domination. His speed, composure under pressure, and ability to fight through the pack checked every box for team managers looking for the next big thing.
Legends Give Back
A special highlight of the Combine remains the mentorship program. This year, retired legends like Ryan Villopoto and Ricky Carmichael were on hand, offering track walks, line advice, and career insights to the young guns. Their presence adds an invaluable layer to the experience, giving these kids not just exposure but also tools to succeed when they make the leap to pro racing.
What’s Next
With the 2025 RedBud SMX Next Moto Combine now in the books, all eyes turn to the final rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship, where some of these names could make surprise cameos in the 250 class. For fans and scouts alike, this weekend proved yet again that the future of American motocross is in capable, fearless hands.
RedBud delivered — as it always does — and the next generation o
f talent made sure their engines were heard loud and clear.