race recap
JETT LAWRENCE - GRIT 231 450MX
August 29, 2023 · Jett Lawrence
JETT LAWRENCE | GRIT-231 | 450MX
After claiming the 2023 450MX Pro Motocross Championship in the previous rounds, Honda's Jett Lawrence would look to construct a perfect season in the record book(s) as the Ironman National came to fruition. Following his performance last week (at Budds Creek), enthusiast of the sport could see that Lawrence was able to rally through the pack amongst chaos, to yet again claim multiple wins...therefore, there was little that could stand in his way on Saturday; especially after a dominant showing in practice. As the starting gates collapsed for the first moto shortly thereafter, Lawrence would funnel into the first corner with an outpouring of confidence, putting as much emphasis onto the throttle mechanism as possible before weaving through the first few turns. At that point, Lawrence was the clear recipient of an early lead, with an absolutely tremendous jump from the gate which was coupled with immense traction aboard the Honda 450...and amongst the minutes that followed, Lawrence would quickly engage in his usual leading antics. Flawless execution amongst the clay-based ruts was then showcased, as he toggled between standing atop the foot-pegs once entering into the sand rollers and sawdust sections as well. The number eighteen was sensational as minutes continued to pass, welcoming Chase Sexton's charge from second as they neared the halfway point, and rising to the occasion (again) to refute his teammates bid for the lead. Lawrence's dominance was exhibited through every facet of the raceway, and as the nineteen-lap moto eventually came to a close, it would be Jett Lawrence who continued his streak of excellency with another race victory - winning by nearly six-seconds at the checkered flag. To complete the series of perfection, the initiation to the second-moto almost appeared to be disastrous for the Australian rider...with multiple riders nearly leaping into the gate before it fell to the ground! However, even with this error, Lawrence would somehow shoot through the middle of the first corner and secure the second-place spot! He would trail Dylan Ferrandis going into turn three, when the French rider would violently slam into the ground amid the berm, granting Lawrence the lead after what had just transpired! It was both miraculous, and of the highest skill -where he now led Chase Sexton around, with the number twenty-three aiming to overtake him as quickly as possible. Yet through consistent laps and mistake-free riding, Lawrence would appear to become closer and closer to the unthinkable. The number eighteen was truly presenting history through the eyes of all who watched, where an undoubted "legend in the making" was presenting the highest levels of aptitude amongst the Ironman circuit. Regardless of how hard Sexton would pursue him, Lawrence maintained composure...which was presented throughout the entirety of the nineteen-lap showcase. And as the checkered flag eventually waved, it would be Lawrence who completed the unthinkable task. Joining Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart in the record books, Lawrence's undefeated season would go down as one of the greatest moments in the sport's history!