race recap
HUNTER LAWRENCE | GRIT-217 | 250SX
April 25, 2023 · Hunter Lawrence
HUNTER LAWRENCE | GRIT-217 | SX 250
The patience of Hunter Lawrence would be a defining factor in his quest for a podium as action concluded on Saturday night, as the Honda rider was within striking distance of clenching a championship if all played into his favor. However few could've predicted what was going to ensue for the main event, especially after qualification where the track was rather dry and crusty; forming stiff ruts that had many exhibiting all of their effort in order to garner a notable lap-time. This 250cc East and West Coast showdown format was interesting, but competitors like Hunter were adamant that they raced the best of what the class had to offer; which would take place in his heat race, where a "main event simulation" was exhibited for all to see. Beginning the sprint in third, he would quickly move around Haiden Deegan while eyeing Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Jo Shimoda; who was riding extremely well within the first-place residency. The number thirty was maintaining composure very well, keeping Lawrence at bay past the halfway mark with roughly four laps remaining to be completed. Yet even with immense revving, distraction, and pressure presented on behalf of Hunter, Shimoda wasn't budging...and eventually took the win (by only a small margin) over Honda's Lawrence prior to beginning the main event. Once here, all in the field were in disbelief of what they were about to race on. But the MXGP roots of Hunter Lawrence were destined to excel as the gate(s) collapsed and he was on his way around the first lap of competition. Hunter would be located around the fifth-place residency, with competitors from both coasts just in front of him as he bombarded his way through rhythm sections with accompanying splashes! Limiting his mistakes as he swept through the first quarter of the race, he remained fifth until passing the halfway point as well; with Max Anstie, Jett Lawrence, RJ Hampshire, and Maximus Vohland in front of him. It eventually appeared as though fifth place would be cemented, however in the final moments of action would he overtake Max Vohland while nearly simultaneously encountering RJ Hampshire and his brother crashed together on the ground, in the final turn! It was an absolute chaotic mess as athletes were scrambling to return to their bikes. But somehow, someway, would Hunter work his way into third just behind his brother, as he finished the moto in style!