Debut 450 Win for Hunter Lawrence at Fort Worth SMX! | SuperMotocross Round 2
Team Honda HRC Progressive rider Hunter Lawrence cleared an important milestone this weekend at Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway, taking the first victory of his young premier-class career via 1-3 moto scores. The Australian’s timing was impeccable, as the win came at SuperMotocross World Championship Playoff 2, which paid double points, putting him in first place in the title chase, with only the Final remaining. Meanwhile, younger brother and defending champion Jett Lawrence ended the day third overall via a 3-2 moto tally. In the 250 division, Jo Shimoda was a solid third on the day after he posted 2-3 finishes in the motos.
Hunter Lawrence snared the 450 moto 1 holeshot aboard his CRF450RWE, with Jett four positions back. By the end of lap 1, Jett was up to second, close on the heels of his brother and teammate. A mistake by Hunter just before the 8-minute mark allowed Jett into the lead, but a mistake by Jett a couple of laps later let both Hunter and Eli Tomac by. That kicked off an exciting battle for second between Jett and Tomac around the slippery track, and the moto ended with Hunter, Tomac and Jett in close formation.
While moto 2 once again saw a CRF rider take the holeshot, it was Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis, while both Lawrence brothers were out of the top 10, setting up a race marked by hard work in the withering heat. Hunter and Jett were up to fourth and fifth at the 15-minute mark, and then Jett got by for fourth a couple of minutes later. Jett and Hunter soon advanced to second and third, respectively, and that’s where they would finish, with Hunter earning the overall win (despite a last-lap off-track excursion) and Jett taking third.
All within the scope of the first lap of 250 moto 1, Shimoda exited turn 1 in third place, immediately moved up one position, briefly took over the lead, and then slipped back to second just before the finish line. That’s the position he held for the remainder of the race, crossing the finish line four-and-a-half seconds behind Haiden Deegan.
Shimoda was pinched off in turn 1 of moto 2 and crossed the holeshot line in eighth place, then spent the rest of the race working his way forward on a track where passing was difficult. He eventually made it to third, good for the same position overall.
Team Honda HRC Progressive: ama.hondaracingcorporation.com
