Hunter Lawrence Claims First 450 Victory at…

Hunter Lawrence Secures First 450 Victory at Fort Worth SMX

Hunter Lawrence, riding for Team Honda HRC Progressive, reached a significant career achievement at Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway by claiming his first-ever victory in the premier class. With 1-3 moto results, the Australian rider’s win came during the second playoff of the SuperMotocross World Championship, a pivotal event that offered double points. This victory propelled him to the top of the championship standings with only the Final remaining. His younger brother and reigning champion, Jett Lawrence, finished third overall after scoring 3-2 in the motos. In the 250 class, Jo Shimoda placed a consistent third overall with 2-3 finishes.

Hunter Lawrence took the holeshot in the first 450 moto on his CRF450RWE, with Jett starting four positions behind. By the end of the first lap, Jett had moved up to second, right behind Hunter. However, a mistake by Hunter allowed Jett to take the lead around the 8-minute mark, though Jett’s own error a few laps later let Hunter and Eli Tomac pass him. This sparked an intense battle for second place between Jett and Tomac on the slick track, with Hunter, Tomac, and Jett finishing in close proximity.

Moto 2 saw another CRF rider, Dylan Ferrandis of Phoenix Racing Honda, take the holeshot, while both Lawrence brothers found themselves outside the top 10. The race became a test of endurance in the extreme heat, with Hunter and Jett climbing to fourth and fifth positions by the halfway point. Jett soon passed Hunter to claim fourth, and both brothers continued to push forward, eventually finishing second and third, with Hunter securing the overall win despite a late-race off-track moment. Jett placed third overall.

In the 250 class, Jo Shimoda started third in the first moto, quickly moved up to second, briefly took the lead, but ultimately crossed the finish line in second, four-and-a-half seconds behind Haiden Deegan. In moto 2, Shimoda was boxed in at the start and crossed the holeshot line in eighth. Despite the challenging track for overtaking, he worked his way up to third, securing the same overall position for the event.