Controversial Penalties Shake Up 65cc World All-Stars Race at SMX Playoff 1

Young motocross talents from across the nation, ranging in age from 9 to 11, converged in Charlotte for the 2024 65cc World All-Stars race at the SuperMotocross Playoff 1. While the on-track action was intense, the jump violation repercussions stole the spotlight. Here is the race recap, all that shook down during and after this year's 65cc race, and photo gallery:

As the gate dropped for the 2024 65cc World All-Stars race at the SuperMotocross Playoff 1 in Charlotte, it was Cobra’s Jaydin Smart from California who snagged the holeshot, with another Cobra rider Carter Gray out of Ohio close behind in second and fastest qualifier earlier in the day Chase Brennan another Californian on his KTM rounding out the top three. As the riders crossed the finish line for the first time, Gray made a decisive move to overtake Smart while Brennan advanced into second, pushing Smart back to third. KTM’s Joey Vicari, Michigan, also made early progress, passing KTM’s Carter Holmes, Florida, to claim fourth on the opening lap.

With the top four riders now navigating the big double tunnel jump, launching back into the grandstands from the motocross section, Brennan began closing in on race leader Gray. Vicari skillfully doubled past Smart in the rhythm section to move into third. Gray extended his lead after clearing the finish line jump, and despite Brennan's efforts to close the gap, it wasn’t enough but made for a great final lap. Carter Gray held on to take the victory in Charlotte, with Chase Brennan finishing a close second and Joey Vicari rounding out the podium in third.

The BIG talking point after the race was Gray jumping that finish line double jump the one lap and getting docked two positions because of the “jumping violation,” losing his 1st place trophy. Before the moto, the young riders were told by AMA officials not to jump the finish line, and if they did, they would have consequences. At first, the violation was claimed to be instant disqualification, but the decision was made to dock two positions for Gray. Also, KTM’s Talon Hinson, California, was another rider who hucked the finish line double, and he, too, was docked two positions for it.

These are some of the best 65cc riders right now, and if not THE best, and of course, the officials prioritize the rider's safety. But these young rippers wanted to put on a show for the fans by jumping the gnarliest jump they could out there, no matter the repercussions! Last year, jumping the Supercross triple at the inaugural 65cc World All-Star race had none. What do you think about the penalty?

Through all that, Chase Brennan, who finished 2nd and the fastest qualifier from the morning, would take the win in Charlotte from Gray's violation, followed by Joey Vicari and Carter Gray.

Here are some photos courtesy of Ayala Media / Josh Davey: