09/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2024 13:30
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.
NOTES
Hunter Lawrence
"It was an awesome day in Texas. We made the best of a really tough, grueling racetrack. I'm super stoked to get this win for myself and the team; it's the ultimate thank-you to everyone involved. I'm looking forward to leaving it all out there in Vegas. Let's go, baby!"
Jett Lawrence
"It was a bit of a rollercoaster day. I felt good in the first moto, but I made a little mistake and ended up stalling. Unfortunately, I couldn't fight back to second and had to settle for third. I didn't get a great start in the final moto and clawed back to second, but that first-moto mistake really didn't help. I'm looking forward to a winner-take-all last round; I'm ready to give it my all and let the chips fall where they may."
Jo Shimoda
"I felt good in qualifying with a second, and I got decent starts all day. My fitness is great; I just need to find more pace. The goal was to still be in the fight when we get to the last round, and I'm ready to try and put it all together next weekend."
Lars Lindstrom - Team Manager
"Wow, that was a brutal weekend, both with the temperature and the track conditions! Everyone on the team is so happy for Hunter to get that first 450 overall win in his rookie year-that's something that not a lot of people are able to do. The collaboration with the PBTF was great, and I want to thank the gear companies (Alpinestars, Fly and Fox), our graphics sponsor Throttle Jockey, and the mechanics for their hard work to pull off four different looks on four different bikes. It will be a very exciting final in Las Vegas, and it will be interesting to see how those track conditions will be; they could be very similar to these, which are not ideal for anyone. We'll do everything we can to give our riders the best chance at winning!"
Media contact:
Danny Gonzalez // Jonnum Media // [email protected] // +1 (805) 915-7889
450 Overall Results
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11. Dean Wilson (Hon)
450 Championship Points (after 2 of 3 rounds)
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16. Dean Wilson: 25
250 Overall Results
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19. Henry Miller (Hon)
250 Championship Points (after 2 of 3 rounds)
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16. Chance Hymas: 23
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