Having waited impatiently for his first race of the 2023 AMA Supercross season, Australian Hunter Lawrence rode masterfully when given the chance at the 250SX East Region opener in Houston, handily topping his heat race and the main event.
Lawrence took the main-event holeshot but was quickly passed by Two-Time World Motocross Champion Tom Vialle. Lawrence sat in second, and when he and Vialle nearly touched in the air, the Queenslander went off-track and lost a spot to his rookie teammate, Chance Hymas. Lawrence quickly regrouped and moved to the front by lap three, then stayed there to the finish, winning by 7.4 seconds and setting the fastest lap time, over Max Anstie, who put in an impressive ride for the Fire Power Honda team.
“Qualifying was a little rough; I just could never get all my best segments on one lap. I’m happy to execute with two great starts and check all the boxes so far. I’m confident on the bike and I really worked hard to get here; I’m excited for the rest of the season,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence’s win gives him a three-point lead on fellow Red Rider Max Anstie in the 250SX East title fight
Lawrence will be back on track as the East Coast championship continues at the Tampa, Florida, round, which takes place on February 11th
