Honda HRC Progressive SWEEPS Thunder Valley Pro Motocross!
Honda HRC Progressive continued its strong showing in the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship this weekend at Thunder Valley, not only winning both 450 motos (as they have done at every round so far), but also taking the overall victory in the 250 class, with Jett Lawrence and Jo Shimoda doing the honors. Also notable was Hunter Lawrence’s podium overall result in the 450 class.
Jett delivered a flawless performance, nailing both holeshots and leading every lap in both motos aboard his CRF450RWE. Despite needing to manage the effects of his still-recovering ankle injury, the Australian once again showed remarkable composure and adaptability. Faced with pressure from multiple challengers—including Hunter—he consistently responded and controlled the races from the front. Jett is the only rider to have ever scored four consecutive premier-class overall wins at the Colorado venue, and he also took over the championship points lead.
Hunter continued his strong run of form, topping the combined qualifying times and getting two excellent starts, putting himself in contention for the lead early in both motos. He regularly applied pressure at the front and overcame falls in each race, notching 4-4 moto scores for third overall (Hunter crossed the moto 1 finish line in third but was docked a position for inadvertently cutting a corner).
In the 250 class, Shimoda broke through for his first overall victory of the season, with consistent 3-3 moto scores. Despite starting 13th in the opening moto and even suffering an early crash, Shimoda methodically worked his way forward, remaining composed and mounting a late-race charge to secure third place. The Japanese rider’s moto-2 start was a bit better (seventh), and he advanced into podium position around the midway mark. That was already enough to secure the overall victory, but Shimoda also overtook Ryder DiFrancesco near the end, further cementing the result.
Unfortunately, Chance Hymas entered the weekend feeling under the weather and was unable to repeat the past success he has enjoyed at Thunder Valley, going 20-13 for 11th overall. Nonetheless, Hymas battled throughout the day and earned valuable championship points. The focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for the upcoming rounds, as the team remains confident in his ability to compete near the front.
With overall victories in both classes, Honda HRC Progressive leaves Thunder Valley with positive momentum heading east to High Point Raceway in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania.