The second event of the SuperMotocross playoffs saw the Honda HRC Progressive team sweep the overall wins in St. Louis, taking control of both title fights in the three-round series.
Hunter Lawrence rode to the second SMX 450 overall victory of his career, posting 1-3 moto finishes, while younger brother and Honda team-mate Jett Lawrence tallied 4-1 results for second on the day, enough to retain a slim series lead over his sibling rival.
Meanwhile, a sick Jo Shimoda (Honda) delivered a gritty 2-2 performance in the 250 class, securing the overall win and taking the red plate. The strong showing marked another milestone for Honda as the team carries momentum into next weekend’s Las Vegas finale.
Hunter Lawrence powered to the 450cc race one holeshot and led every lap. Germany’s Ken Roczen (Suzuki) kept him honest throughout the opening stages, but Hunter stretched his advantage to nearly seven seconds by the finish.
Meanwhile, Jett suffered a poor start and bobbled in the first corner, leaving him nearly dead last early in the first lap.
On a track where passing was difficult, the reigning champ charged through the pack impressively, finishing lap 1 in 14th place and advancing to eighth by the one-third mark.
A late push carried him into a three-way battle over second, and although he had to settle for fourth at the finish, he had minimized the damage in what could have been a catastrophic turn of events.
Jett returned to his usual excellent starting form with the race two holeshot and early lead, while Hunter slotted into fourth and then passed Chase Sexton (KTM) for third on lap two, which he knew would be good enough for the overall win.
Jett, Yamaha’s Eli Tomac and Hunter steadily pulled away from the rest of the field, and although lapped riders made for a close finish, Jett held on for the win.
Hunter was third (over 14 seconds ahead of the next rider), for an inspiring overall victory, with Jett second on the day.
The first 250cc race saw Shimoda get a strong jump out of the gate and sneak through on the inside of turn 1 to emerge in second place. He held the position throughout the race, fending off both the effects of his illness and pressure from a trio of Kawasaki riders, crossing the line in the runner-up spot.
Shimoda took the 250cc race two holeshot, and although he was quickly overtaken by Tom Vialle, he knew that second place would be good enough for the overall win.
That result was far from a sure thing given his physical state, but the Japanese racer knuckled down and pulled it off, putting him in an excellent position for the final round, which he enters with a crucial 10-point lead.
“My day was good – we got the win, and that always feels great,” said Hunter Lawrence afterwards.
“It was a strong night for Honda, with Jo taking the 250 overall and myself and Jett going 1-2 in the 450s.
“I’m happy to be healthy, happy with how I’m riding, and really thankful to the team for all the work they put in. Now it’s on to Las Vegas to finish the season.”
© Photo courtesy Honda
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RESULTS & STANDINGS (after two of three rounds):
450 Overall Results
- Hunter Lawrence (Hon)
- Jett Lawrence (Hon)
- Eli Tomac (Yam)
- Ken Roczen (Suz)
- Cooper Webb (Yam)
- R.J. Hampshire (Hus)
- Chase Sexton (KTM)
- Justin Cooper (Yam)
- Joey Savatgy (Hon)
- Dylan Ferrandis (Hon)
450 Championship Points (after 2 of 3 rounds)
- Jett Lawrence (91)
- Hunter Lawrence (85)
- Eli Tomac (75)
- Chase Sexton (68)
- Cooper Webb (67)
- Justin Cooper (64)
- Ken Roczen (63)
- R.J. Hampshire (61)
- Dylan Ferrandis (48)
- Joey Savatgy (47)
250 Overall Results
- Jo Shimoda (Hon)
- Seth Hammaker (Kaw)
- Nate Thrasher (Yam)
- Ty Masterpool (Kaw)
- Tom Vialle (KTM)
- Haiden Deegan (Yam)
- Jordon Smith (Tri)
- Daxton Bennick (Yam)
- Max Anstie (Yam)
- Levi Kitchen (Kaw)
250 Championship Points (after 2 of 3 rounds)
- Jo Shimoda (92)
- Haiden Deegan (82)
- Seth Hammaker (78)
- Tom Vialle (67)
- Nate Thrasher (64)
- Levi Kitchen (53)
- Ty Masterpool (48)
- Jordon Smith (48)
- Ryder DiFrancesco (41)
- Cole Davies (41)