Jett Lawrence + Jo Shimoda SWEEP Honda RedBud National! | Honda HRC Progressive
The Honda RedBud National delivered pyrotechnics both on and off the track for Honda HRC Progressive over the Fourth of July Weekend. With special HRC guests visiting from Japan and Spain, and Honda serving as title sponsor of the popular Independence Day Weekend event, the riders did their part, sweeping the moto wins in a performance that was nothing short of dominant. In the 450 ranks, Jett Lawrence overcame a moto 2 mid-pack start and a small fall to secure his sixth consecutive overall win (and his fourth moto-sweep). Hunter Lawrence posted consistent 2-3 finishes for second overall, marking the fourth double-podium for the Lawrence brothers this season. Meanwhile, Jo Shimoda swept both motos in the 250 class, earning his first overall win of the year and gaining a large amount of points in the championship fight.
In the first 450 moto, Hunter grabbed the holeshot aboard his CRF450RWE, with Jett completing the first lap in third. The brothers quickly asserted control of the race, with Jett moving into second by lap 2 and taking over the lead three laps later. From there, the duo maintained their positions unchallenged, crossing the finish line in first and second, respectively.
Moto 2 was more eventful, as both Lawrences suffered rare poor starts, with Jett then having an early tip-over; at the end of lap 1, Hunter and Jett sat eighth and 18th, respectively, and they began charging forward. By lap 3, Hunter was into third, with Jett eighth. The reigning SMX champ passed his brother on lap 6 to take over third, and he moved by Jorge Prado at around the midway point. He took over the lead on lap 11 (with five laps still remaining!) to cap off an incredible comeback, winning by over eight seconds. Hunter fought with Chase Sexton over third, with the Australian taking control of the position and growing his cushion over fourth to 10 seconds by the finish.
Shimoda grabbed the first 250 holeshot aboard his CRF250RWE and settled into second behind Tom Vialle. The Japanese racer kept the pressure on and reclaimed the lead by lap 10, maintaining his pace to earn the moto win by over eight seconds. In moto 2, Shimoda got a close second-place start and lost a spot early on, but he regained it by the end of lap 1. He rode strong and took over the lead just past the halfway point, putting in smooth and consistent laps to take the victory and clinch the overall win.
Honda HRC Progressive: ama.hondaracingcorporation.com
