Hunter Lawrence has finally achieved a lifelong goal, securing his first AMA Pro Motocross 450 Championship after a dramatic season finale at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
The Australian wrapped up the title on Saturday after an intense championship battle with younger brother and teammate Jett Lawrence, with the siblings trading the red plate a record six times throughout the 2026 season.
The championship victory caps off a remarkable year for Hunter, who narrowly missed out on the AMA Supercross title earlier in the season before turning his focus to the outdoor championship. He opened the Pro Motocross campaign in perfect fashion with a 1-1 sweep at Pala and went on to claim six overall victories across the 11-round series.
Hunter and defending champion Jett dominated the championship from start to finish, winning 20 of the season’s 22 motos between them. Their season-long duel came down to the final round, with just a single point separating the brothers heading into Ironman.
The title fight took another twist almost immediately in the opening moto. Hunter got away to a strong start before being caught up in Haiden Deegan’s first-lap crash, sending him to the back of the field. At the same time, Jett aggravated an existing ankle injury and was unable to ride at his usual pace.
Despite the setback, Hunter fought his way back through the field, eventually passing Jett and climbing to eighth place, while Jett could only manage 11th.
Moto two then saw the brothers go head-to-head for much of the race as they battled over third position. Jett eventually secured third in the moto to finish sixth overall for the round, while Hunter’s fourth-place result was enough to secure fourth overall and, more importantly, the championship.
An emotional Hunter admitted after the race that the day had been anything but straightforward.
“I don’t even know where to start,” he laughed on the podium. “The first lap in the first moto, I was like, ‘Here we go again.’ In the second moto, I just knew I had to finish right behind Jett; most of my work was done in the first moto.”
Hunter also praised his brother’s determination despite racing through injury.
“He’s been a trooper with that foot; he tweaked it in the first turn of the first lap and had instant pain. It was a pretty uncharacteristic day for the Lawrences, but we got it done.”
The newly crowned champion took the opportunity to thank the people who have supported him throughout the journey.
“Thanks to the whole team for being behind me, thanks to my brother and family, thanks to everyone that supports us, everyone who’s here cheering for us, coming by and asking if they can pray for us and bless us. Thank you America; we’re living the American dream, and we couldn’t do it anywhere else but here.”
For Jett, the result marked the first time he has finished runner-up in a championship after twice claiming the 450 Pro Motocross crown. Despite the disappointment, he was quick to congratulate his older brother.
“It’s a new feeling for me, getting second in a championship,” Jett said. “I put my heart into it, but today was just an off day.”
The defending champion revealed his ankle injury had worsened throughout the day.
“I tweaked my foot so many times in practice and in that first race, so it was a bummer. I tried my best in that second one, but I was just finished.”
Jett acknowledged Hunter’s consistency over the course of the season was ultimately the deciding factor.
“Hunter rode unreal this year. He was the main guy; I did my best to try and get him, but I just couldn’t get it done—maybe I should’ve put some laxative in his coffee this morning!” he joked. “It was a good season, and I can’t be too bummed with everything I’ve gone through. I’m still very happy—congrats to Hunter!”
The result gives Honda HRC Progressive a second consecutive 1-2 finish in the AMA Pro Motocross 450 Championship standings and extends Honda’s record to 16 premier-class AMA Pro Motocross riders’ championships.
Hunter joins a distinguished list of Honda champions that includes Gary Jones, Donnie Hansen, David Bailey, Rick Johnson, Jeff Stanton, Jean-Michel Bayle, Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael and Jett Lawrence.
American Honda Manager of Powersports & Experiential Marketing Brandon Wilson described the championship as one of the team’s most rewarding achievements in recent years.
“What an incredible MX season! We’ve collected a number of championships over the past few years, but this one is particularly meaningful,” Wilson said.
“Watching Hunter’s progress again this year has been nothing short of amazing, and it’s so gratifying to see him get the success he deserves. To say that I’m proud of him would be a huge understatement.”
Wilson also praised the entire Honda HRC Progressive operation after the team secured another championship one-two.
“For the team to go 1-2 in the MX championship two years in a row demonstrates what a great group of people we have here, and I want to congratulate every one of them. The efforts of everyone on the team—here in the USA, and abroad—need to be applauded, because none of this happens without their hard work and dedication. On behalf of everyone at Honda and HRC, thank you, and let’s keep it going!”
Honda also secured the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Manufacturers Championship, capping off another dominant season for the brand.
Attention now shifts to the SuperMotocross World Championship, which begins on September 12 in Columbus, Ohio. Honda HRC Progressive heads into the series with a remarkable record, having won every 450-class round since the championship’s inception three years ago, while Jett Lawrence and Jo Shimoda return as the defending 450 and 250 SMX champions.
