JETT LAWRENCE - GRIT 242 450SX

GRIT-242 | 450 SX

Knowing that competitor Eli Tomac was now ascending while the series embarked on the Yamaha rider's favorite track, Supercross rookie Jett Lawrence showed no sign(s) of hesitation as practice began on Saturday. He was a marksman when pinpointing lines on this ever-changing raceway, powering into the wall-jump opposite of the finish line with a commanding run of velocity. And as various practice rounds concluded throughout the day, it was time for the Australian to focus on heat two as he gathered a standing near third while immediately seeking to set a tone that couldn't be toppled. Cresting the tunnel jump in the early going, the number eighteen of Lawrence identities both Yamaha riders (i.e. Justin Cooper and Eli Tomac) as a tandem of opponents who occupied the first two positions on the leaderboard...therefore with nearly a minute remaining on the clock, Lawrence would surpass both of the teammates in the longest rhythm on the track - with a brilliant line consisting of jumping and bouncing amongst varying singles, that was somehow configured into a pathway of remarkable efficiency! Now into the in the following right-handed bend, Jett would never look back...taking the win with over a five-second gap before exiting the raceway. The finalé, would almost be over before it began for the Australian...when the tire cover used to spare his rear wheel of mud, would have difficulty being removed by his mechanic and surrounding team! Coming down to mere seconds before the gate fell, the number eighteen somehow emerged around the third-place standing after the opening few corners of action. Mistakes were then presented by the Honda rider, allowing opponents such as Ken Roczen to catch up...before Lawrence found his flow, and would make a pass on Eli Tomac in the longest rhythm lane with twelve minutes on the clock. Only seconds later, would Lawrence move past Chase Sexton for the lead - after the latter "SX" triple and through the right-to-left handed sequence followed...swiftly cutting through the inside while Chase diverted too far into the outer berm! Now into the lead, the Australian put forth a pace that was difficult for any opponent to match...showcasing a clinic per se on how to navigate this circuit at a fluid pace. Each segment of jumps, including a daring quadruple combination when converging with turn number two, was a means for Lawrence to distance himself away from the pack. And as time progressed so too would the number eighteen's lead on the rest of the field. This was a defining ride in regard to perspective of the championship, with Jett cursing to the finish line to take the win at this famed Daytona venue!

More from GRIT