Julien Beaumer Claims Career-First Podium in SMX Playoff Opener at Charlotte

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s rookie rider, Arizona's Julien Beaumer, delivered a breakthrough performance this past Saturday, pulling both holeshots and 2nd overall on the day with a 2-4 moto score at the first SMX Playoff Round 1 in Charlotte, securing his career-first podium finish in the 250SMX class. Beaumer’s consistent speed and self-belief propelled him to this significant milestone, marking a high point in his rookie season.

Looking back on his rookie season ahead of this SMX Playoff first round, Juju's best finish during the AMA Pro Motocross Championship was two 6th place overalls from the High Point National and Budds Creek. During the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX West campaign, his best finish was 6th during the first round at Anaheim 1. He would finish the 250SX West Championship 7th overall and the 250MX campaign 11th.

Reflecting on his day, Beaumer highlighted the importance of the adjustments made during practice and the confidence he brought into the race. “Really good day. I think it just started off yesterday (Friday’s free practice). Had good practice yesterday and then a good start to the day this morning,” Beaumer shared. “I made a change in between qualifying sessions that helped me quite a bit and then just got off to two great starts in both motos and was able to just ride like myself, ride like I’ve been riding at home.”

One of the key motivators for Beaumer was a wager made with his team manager, Carlos Rivera. We asked him to speak on this topic during the post-race press conference after the race, “We had a bet that if I didn’t podium, he would take my phone away until next week,” Beaumer revealed. “ There was no upside for me if I did podium, but I definitely didn’t want to lose my phone."

Working closely with his trainer, Davi Millsaps has also played a significant role in his development. Beaumer acknowledged the impact of their collaboration, which also included bets throughout the season. “Yeah, for sure, it’s amazing... We make some bets... I had some bets this year that if I didn’t top five at one of these SMX rounds, I was screwed... I’m happy, he’s happy, so maybe I need to make a bet with him now.”

Looking ahead, Beaumer has set his sights on even greater accomplishments in the upcoming rounds. “I want to win one. Obviously, we go double points next weekend and then triple points, so obviously winning in Vegas is the hope—go for the championship. But, just got to take it race by race,” he stated with determination.

His recent success can be attributed to a newfound belief in his abilities, which has been a crucial factor in his recent performances. “I think the biggest thing is self-belief, and I didn’t believe in myself all season. The last three weeks, I had three really good weeks, and I came into this weekend knowing that I have what it takes to be up front. So that was a big thing for me, just believing in myself, believing in the work we do,” Beaumer explained.

As the season winds down, Beaumer plans to take a brief break from the rigorous demands of his first full season, but he won’t be stepping away from competition entirely. “I’m going to get off the bike but not too much relaxing... I’m going to race the Jet Ski World Finals. I’m going to train for it maybe a little, not off the bike... I need a break from the cycling and all that, but I’ll ride the ski a little bit and just try and chill as much as I can.”

As we head to Texas this weekend, Beaumer moves to 5th in the 250SMX Playoff standings.

Watch and listen to Julien's post-race interview after Saturday's racing in this new video: