Jett Lawrence Tops Weather-Shortened Opening SMX Round | Honda HRC Progressive
While the situation was somewhat unique for this weekend’s opening 2025 SuperMotocross Playoffs round, with only half of the scheduled races completed due to inclement weather, the results were familiar, with Honda HRC Progressive continuing its perfect premier-class record in the short history of the series. Before heavy winds, rain, thunder and lightning cut short the day’s program, reigning and two-time champion Jett Lawrence had convincingly topped the first 450 moto, with Hunter Lawrence finishing fourth. The brothers’ teammate Jo Shimoda finished third in the first 250 moto. The weather turned foul just as the first motos were completed, with lightning being the main concern. Repeated close lightning strikes in the area prevented the racing from safely continuing, which eventually led to the additional concern of having enough daylight to race safely. After careful consideration by the officials, it was decided to cancel the remaining races, using the first-moto results as final.
The single 250 moto saw Shimoda get a strong jump on the unique split, back-to-back start, then quickly move from fourth into second by the end of the first lap. The Japanese rider quickly closed in on the leader but fell while attempting an aggressive pass on lap 3, dropping him to 11th. Undaunted, he responded with an impressive charge through the field, making a series of passes to finish fourth. A late attempt to overtake Levi Kitchen came up just short but, after a penalty was assessed to Kitchen, Shimoda was moved up to third, which stood as his overall result once the second moto was canceled.
Jett took command of the 450 moto from the start, grabbing the holeshot aboard his CRF450RWE. He fended off an early challenge from Eli Tomac and then managed a modest-but-comfortable lead on the treacherous track, ultimately winning by 3.865 seconds. Hunter sat in sixth off the start and worked his way forward to eventually secure fourth. Also scoring impressive results were Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis and Quad Lock Honda’s Joey Savatgy, who placed eighth and ninth, respectively.
Honda HRC Progressive: ama.hondaracingcorporation.com
