The second round of the AMA Supercross series took place on Saturday in San Diego, where Honda HRC Progressive riders demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill. Jett Lawrence secured a podium finish with a commendable second place in the premier class, while his brother Hunter Lawrence battled through illness to claim fifth. Jo Shimoda, despite breaking two fingers during qualifying, fought hard to finish seventh in the 250SX West division. These performances highlighted the team's determination and ability to overcome adversity.
Jett Lawrence's performance was particularly noteworthy. After starting just inside the top 10, he steadily advanced through the field, reaching second place by midway through the race. He pushed relentlessly against the leader, Eli Tomac, but fell short by only 1.518 seconds at the finish line. This result marked significant improvement from the previous round and reduced his deficit in the title chase. His consistent progress throughout the night showcased both his growing comfort with the bike and the team's technical advancements.
Hunter Lawrence faced considerable challenges leading up to the event. Struggling with an illness that left him feeling weak and fatigued, he still managed to secure a solid fifth-place finish. Despite these health issues, Hunter demonstrated remarkable perseverance, maintaining a strong pace throughout the race. His ability to adapt and perform under such difficult conditions underscored his mental fortitude and competitive spirit.
Jo Shimoda's journey was equally inspiring. Despite suffering fractures to two fingers during practice, he bravely lined up for the main event. Starting mid-pack, he navigated through the pain and competition to secure valuable points with a seventh-place finish. The use of a Cycra hand guard on his CRF250RWE helped mitigate some of the discomfort, allowing him to focus on racing. Shimoda's determination not only earned him crucial championship points but also exemplified the grit characteristic of Honda HRC Progressive riders.
The team's efforts were further supported by their participation in various activities leading up to the race. On Friday, the riders engaged in Media Day, followed by a practice session. Motoworld of El Cajon set up an activation booth in the pits, engaging fans with displays of Honda motorcycles. Additionally, several other Honda HRC Progressive riders qualified for the main events, contributing to the team's overall success.
The upcoming rounds promise more excitement as the Honda HRC Progressive team looks to build on this momentum. With Jett Lawrence feeling increasingly confident on the bike and Hunter and Jo recovering from their respective setbacks, the team is poised to deliver even stronger performances in the coming weeks. Their collective resilience and dedication continue to inspire fans and competitors alike.