Chase Sexton is officially set to make his long-awaited return to Pro Motocross this weekend at RedBud, providing a major boost to both fans and his team as the series reaches its midway point. The defending AMA Supercross Champion has been sidelined since May after sustaining a concussion and shoulder injury during a practice crash ahead of the second round at Hangtown.
Sexton’s absence has been deeply felt in the 450MX class, with his title defense hopes taking a significant hit as points leader Jett Lawrence continued to dominate the field. Sexton, who was considered one of Lawrence’s biggest challengers for the championship, has spent the past several weeks focusing on recovery and rehab, making sure he returned at full strength rather than risking a premature comeback.
RedBud, one of the crown jewels of the Pro Motocross Championship, is the perfect stage for Sexton’s return. The Buchanan, Michigan track is famous for its massive jumps, raucous Fourth of July weekend crowds, and deep ruts that test every rider’s skill and fitness. For Sexton, who hails from nearby Illinois, RedBud is as close to a home race as it gets, and he’s expected to receive an enthusiastic welcome from fans eager to see him back in action.
In a statement earlier this week, Sexton expressed his excitement about lining up at the gate again: “I’ve put in a lot of work to get back to 100%, and there’s no better place to do that than RedBud. The fans there are incredible, and I’m ready to get back behind the gate and see where we’re at.”
While the championship chase may be a steep climb with points already lost, Sexton’s return is still significant for the series. His presence immediately raises the level of competition and provides a serious test for Lawrence, who has been in commanding form with multiple overall wins so far this season. If Sexton can find his speed quickly, he could play the role of spoiler and make the remaining rounds far more interesting.
For Team Honda HRC, Sexton’s return helps stabilize the squad’s lineup, which has seen its share of injury woes this season. With Hunter Lawrence stepping up alongside his brother Jett, and now Sexton back in the mix, Honda will have a strong presence in the 450MX battles through the summer.
Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how Sexton performs after his time away. Will he be able to immediately challenge for moto wins, or will it take a round or two to shake off the race rust? Either way, the anticipation is high, and RedBud promises to deliver one of the most electric atmospheres of the season.
The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship has been dominated by storylines of young talent, veteran resilience, and dramatic rivalries. With Chase Sexton’s return, the series just gained another storyline—one that could reshape the rest of the season and bring even more fireworks to an already thrilling summer of racing.
All eyes will be on gate drop this Saturday at RedBud as the No. 23 bike roars back to life—ready to remind everyone why Chase Sexton is one of t
he sport’s elite.
