After eight-and-a-half months, 31 races and an AMA Pro Motocross 450 Championship, Australian Hunter Lawrence finally has the chance to put the helmet away and enjoy some well-earned downtime.
The Honda HRC Progressive rider wrapped up his 2026 campaign at the SMX Final in Ridgedale, Missouri, finishing third overall in the SuperMotocross Playoffs after a pair of third-place moto finishes. While he missed out on adding an SMX title to his outdoor crown, the Australian completed what was arguably the strongest season of his career.
It has been a relentless year for Lawrence, who has been one of the busiest riders in the paddock since the season opened in January. The workload was significant enough that both Hunter and younger brother Jett Lawrence withdrew from defending Australia’s Motocross of Nations title earlier this year, citing the need for a break after an extended run of racing commitments.
At Ridgedale’s unique amphitheatre-style venue in southern Missouri, Lawrence was again among the frontrunners. He was pushed wide in turn one of the opening 450 moto but recovered to settle into third place, where he remained for the duration of the race.
Moto two followed a similar script. Lawrence started third and continued to apply pressure throughout the middle stages before a close call around the three-quarter mark cost him ground. He eventually brought the Honda home in third once again, securing third overall for the round and third in the final SMX Playoff standings, with triple points on offer at the finale.
Reflecting on the end of a demanding season, Lawrence acknowledged both the achievements and the toll of a 31-race campaign.
“Thirty-one races—man, what a long year! It’s been amazing, and I have a great team to go racing with,” Lawrence said after the event.
“I’ve got a lot of things going on in my life right now, and I’m blessed to be walking away in one piece. I’m going to have a great day tomorrow and get ready for the 2027 season. I can’t wait!”
While Lawrence completed every race of the season, injuries disrupted the rest of the Honda HRC Progressive roster. Chance Hymas suffered a wrist injury during Friday practice at the SMX Final after overjumping an obstacle. Scans later confirmed fractures to small bones in his left wrist, forcing him to withdraw from Saturday’s racing and the upcoming Motocross of Nations.
In the 250 class, Jo Shimoda endured a frustrating finale. Early crashes in the opening moto dropped him to last place before he fought back to 15th. A mid-pack start in the wet second moto saw him fall as low as 12th before recovering to eighth, leaving him 12th overall for the round.
Shimoda was also ready for a reset after battling through a difficult season that began with a neck injury.
“Last round, done. I was just kind of glad to get this one out of the way without getting hurt, and to stay healthy for the off-season,” Shimoda said.
“Starting this season with a neck injury, and having to get ready to race within three weeks or so, I think that kind of bit me. I got through it, and honestly, I’m just looking forward to next season. I just need a reset.”
Honda HRC Progressive Team Manager Lars Lindstrom said the entire organisation was ready for a breather following one of the busiest schedules in the sport.
“Thirty-one races in 38 weeks is not super easy, so I think everyone is happy and relieved to be finished with this season,” Lindstrom said.
“Any year that you win a championship is a great year, but we did have a tough time with injuries for everyone not named Hunter Lawrence. Hopefully we can have some time to recover and recharge, so we can come into the next season with a complete and strong roster.”
Despite the challenges, Lawrence’s 2026 season will be remembered as a breakthrough year. The Queenslander secured the AMA Pro Motocross 450 Championship, remained a consistent front-runner throughout the SuperMotocross Playoffs and emerged from a gruelling 31-race schedule healthy, with his sights already set on returning even stronger in 2027.
