Honda HRC Progressive dominated the St. Louis SMX Playoffs as Hunter Lawrence claimed the 450 win, Jett Lawrence retained the red plate, and Jo Shimoda battled illness to seize the 250 points lead ahead of the Las Vegas finale.
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Honda HRC Progressive seized control of the SuperMotocross (SMX) Playoffs with a commanding sweep at Round 2 in St. Louis, taking the overall wins in both the 450 and 250 classes. The powerful performance sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown at next weekend’s Las Vegas finale, with the team now holding both championship red plates.
Hunter Lawrence Powers to 450 Victory
Hunter Lawrence delivered a statement ride in the 450 class, securing his second career SMX 450 overall win with 1-3 moto scores. The Australian nailed the holeshot in Moto 1 aboard his CRF450RWE and never looked back, leading every lap and fending off early pressure from Ken Roczen to take a dominant win.
The second moto tested Hunter’s strategy more than speed. Knowing that a podium finish would clinch the overall, he smartly worked his way from fourth to third, staying comfortably ahead of the pack and sealing the day’s victory. His consistency now puts him just six points behind his brother Jett in the title chase.
Jett Lawrence Fights Back to Retain Red Plate
Defending champion Jett Lawrence overcame early adversity to salvage his points lead. A poor start and first-turn bobble in Moto 1 left him buried in the pack, but a relentless charge saw him climb from 14th to a hard-fought fourth. Jett rebounded in Moto 2 with a trademark holeshot and flag-to-flag win, securing second overall and maintaining a narrow advantage heading into the triple-points finale.
Shimoda Shows Grit to Claim 250 Class Lead
Despite battling illness, Jo Shimoda delivered a gutsy performance in the 250 class. The Japanese rider finished second in both motos (2-2), earning the overall win and, more importantly, the red plate. In Moto 2, Shimoda grabbed the holeshot and managed the race with composure, knowing second place would lock down the overall. His effort gives him a crucial 10-point cushion over Haiden Deegan as the series heads to Las Vegas.
Honda’s Perfect SMX Premier-Class Record Continues
The St. Louis sweep extends Honda’s flawless record in SMX premier-class overall wins since the series’ inception. Jett Lawrence owns five victories, Hunter now has two, and Chase Sexton added another in 2023. With both Lawrence brothers again holding the top two positions, Honda is poised for a dramatic 450 championship decider in the season finale.
Supporting Cast Shines
Beyond the headline victories, several Honda-supported riders impressed. Quad Lock Honda’s Joey Savatgy and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis secured ninth and 10th overall in the 450 class, while Phoenix Racing Honda’s Tiger Wood claimed a podium in the SMX Next make-up race on Friday.
All Eyes on Las Vegas
The SuperMotocross season concludes next weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where triple points raise the stakes for both classes. Jett Lawrence leads Hunter by just six points in the 450 standings, while Jo Shimoda holds a slim 10-point margin in the 250 title fight. With everything to play for, Honda HRC Progressive heads into the finale carrying unmatched momentum and both red plates.
Key Takeaway
Honda’s St. Louis sweep not only reinforced its dominance in the SMX Playoffs but also set up a thrilling championship showdown in Las Vegas. The Lawrence brothers and Jo Shimoda now control their own destinies as the SuperMotocross season reaches its high-stakes climax.
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