A fourth-place finish in 2024 was far from a failure. It marked a crucial step in Lopes’ recovery and return to top form after a routine arm procedure went wrong in late 2023, leaving him with limited mobility and putting his professional future in jeopardy.
His comeback to near-podium contention, despite a lingering physical handicap, proved that he still belongs among the sport’s elite.
Lopes continued to sharpen his skills in Brazil’s Arenacross series this summer, where he battled Great Britain’s Dean Wilson for the title only to fall short in the final moto. The momentum, confidence, and seat time gained from that campaign will serve him well as he climbs aboard his Rick Ware Racing YZ250F for another SX2 championship run. The 2025 season will be his sophomore year with the team, and the growing familiarity promises to be an advantage.
“My bike was not the best last year,” Lopes admitted ahead of the Buenos Aires City GP. “I’m excited about the improvements that have been made to it, and about how much better I feel as a rider. I feel stronger now than I did at this point last year — but every rider says that. I’m just excited to be traveling the world again, and I hope I can battle with Shane McElrath, Max Anstie, and Coty Schock for the SX2 championship. There’s no better place to start that mission than in Argentina.”
I’m excited about the improvements that have been made to it, and about how much better I feel as a rider.
Calling Lopes’ supporters “just a fanbase” would be an understatement. His devoted following in Brazil reflects his powerful standing in South American motorsport.
For the first time, that passion will spill onto the international stage when the World Supercross Championship kicks off at Buenos Aires’ Oscar and Juan Gálvez Racetrack. Supercross fans across the continent, long starved of top-tier racing, will finally see one of their own fighting for victory.
“It’s a big deal to race at this level closer to home,” Lopes said. “Where I live in Brazil is in the southernmost state, so Argentina’s just about a ten-hour drive. A lot of my friends and family will be there. Haiden Deegan will be there too, which will make it even bigger. Hopefully, we’ll get a round in Brazil soon, because I know the support would be incredible.”
A lot of my friends and family will be there. Haiden Deegan will be there too, which will make it even bigger.
South America will be the first of five continents visited by the World Supercross Championship in 2025, underscoring the championship’s expanding global reach and Lopes’ growing role within it.
“The World Supercross Championship is just the perfect place for me,” he reflected. “Everyone knows I like being at home in Brazil, and with World Supercross Championship I can train there and travel to each round. That doesn’t hurt my performance. Rick Ware gave me this opportunity two years ago, and I’m grateful, not just to Rick, but to World Supercross Championship for giving us riders this platform. I’m thankful to be part of it.”
But simply being part of the championship is no longer enough. Lopes has his sights set firmly on the top step of the SX2 podium. With sharper starts and greater composure across sprints and main events, Brazil’s hero could give his continent more to celebrate than ever before.
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