race recap
JETT LAWRENCE GRIT-227 450MX
July 18, 2023 · Jett Lawrence
JETT LAWRENCE | GRIT-227 | 450MX
The streak of elite performances would continue for Jett Lawrence in Millville, Minnesota, where the Australian flew through practice with lap-times that were acknowledged by all in attendance. His patterns of finding the fastest lines then translated into moto number-one, where he actually missed out on the hole-shot designation (to Adam Cianciarulo) prior to making a quick move on the Kawasaki rider and taking the green-flag in stride. Lawrence was exceptional, and would maintain a stance of hopping around the Minnesota circuit on his chassis that seemed "too smooth to be true..." But somehow the red-plate holder would make his trek to the finish-line look effortless, as he passed the ten-minute mark of the moto. However, his teammate Chase Sexton would undoubtedly be riding at his highest level of the outdoor season; which applied pressure to Lawrence, for a multitude of laps in the middle of the moto! Sexton would nearly bump into his rear wheel (at times), yet Lawrence's race-craft and composure were attributes that allowed the rookie to maintain control of the first-place position. Minutes passed, and the pattern of being hounded by Sexton would continue - but Jett wasn't going to fold. And as the seventeen lap moto eventually came to a close, it would be Lawrence who proved that he could withstand the pressure of the Illinois native, en route to a marvelous victory at the finish-line! For the second moto, it was apparent that Sexton was possessing an even higher level of determination than the race before...where he and Jett would nearly clip one another's chassis while funneling through the initial bends, after the first corner. Lawrence seemed to stay back (ever so slightly) while Sexton engaged in incredible speeds in the first roller section, however a near slide-out (on behalf of Chase) in the left-handed berm between sectors of moguls, was all that was needed for Lawrence to quickly take the lead! From that point, forward, it would be a narrative of limiting mistakes while maintaining his perfect season - and Lawrence again demonstrated a performance that embodied fluidity and composure amongst a deteriorated circuit. Each second that had passed throughout the thirty-six minute contest, would be equated with a lead designation to the Honda competitor...where he then led all seventeen laps, while storming to the top of both, the moto and overall podium once again!