Honda HRC Progressive Rebounds at SMX Home Race

Honda HRC Progressive delivered a strong performance at the second round of the SMX Playoffs, held just minutes from their Southern California race shop. Hunter Lawrence secured second overall in the 450 class, while teammate Jo Shimoda finished fourth in the 250 class. This marked a significant improvement for the team after a challenging opening round, with positive Honda SMX results.

450 Class Performance

Hunter Lawrence experienced an eventful day, starting with a first-turn tangle in Moto 1 that dropped him outside the top 10. Despite the setback, he recovered to finish fourth. In Moto 2, Lawrence launched his CRF450RWE to a holeshot and led the entire race, briefly trading positions with Jorge Prado before reclaiming the lead and pulling away. His 4-1 moto finishes earned him second overall for the event.

This result places Lawrence in a tie for second in the 450 SMX Championship standings, with 76 points, 16 points behind the leader, Jorge Prado. Lawrence noted the physical toll of the long season but expressed satisfaction with his second moto performance, contributing to the strong Honda SMX results.

250 Class Action

In the 250 class, Jo Shimoda and Chance Hymas both started mid-pack in the first moto. Shimoda steadily advanced to a sixth-place finish, while Hymas encountered a fall in the sand section, concluding the moto in 15th.

Shimoda delivered an even stronger charge in Moto 2, rapidly moving from outside the top 10 to fourth within five minutes. He continued his push, making late passes to secure second place in the moto and fourth overall for the round. Hymas faced a bad start and a subsequent crash in Moto 2, limiting him to 10th in the moto and 13th overall. Shimoda now sits sixth in the 250 standings with 56 points, while Hymas is eighth with 51 points.

Team Activities and Community Engagement

Beyond the racing, Honda HRC Progressive engaged in several activities during the home round. The team hosted a private autograph session for American Honda associates and participated in a public FanFest autograph session for attendees.

For the second consecutive year, the team collaborated with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) at the Carson event. Special SKDA bike graphics and riding gear featured the "Imaginary Friend Society" characters, designed to help children understand cancer. PBTF families were also welcomed behind the scenes, and the special bodywork will be auctioned to benefit the foundation, continuing a partnership spanning over 35 years.

With the second SMX Playoffs round concluded, Honda HRC Progressive looks to the final round in Ridgedale, Missouri, where triple points will be awarded. The team aims to capitalize on their improved performance and secure strong finishes in the championship standings, building on these Honda SMX results.