Hunter Lawrence Dominates Fox Raceway 450MX Opener

Hunter Lawrence delivered a commanding performance at Southern California's Fox Raceway, securing the overall victory in the 450MX class to open the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship. His brother and teammate, Jett Lawrence, also made a strong return to competition after an injury, achieving a third-place overall finish for Honda HRC Progressive. This successful outing marks a strong start for the team in the new season.

Hunter Lawrence's Dominance

Hunter Lawrence showcased exceptional consistency and speed throughout the day at Fox Raceway. After topping the 450 qualifying sessions, he quickly took control of the opening moto, pulling away to win by nearly nine seconds.

In Moto 2, Lawrence secured the holeshot aboard his CRF450RWE and managed the race from the front, ultimately winning by over six seconds. This perfect sweep earned him the championship points lead heading into the next round. This marks his second overall victory in the 450-class and his first career moto sweep, adding to his 2023 250-class win at the same venue.

Lawrence has maintained a remarkable record in his 450-class career, never finishing a moto outside the top five in 24 starts. His performance at Fox Raceway extends the Lawrence family's winning streak at the track, where Jett Lawrence had previously taken all 450 moto wins for three consecutive years.

Jett Lawrence's Return and 250MX Performance

Jett Lawrence returned to racing after a five-month absence due to an ankle injury. Despite the extended time off, he delivered a strong performance, securing 4-3 moto finishes for a third-place overall result. This achievement contributed to a double podium for Honda HRC Progressive.

In the 250 division, teammates Jo Shimoda and Chance Hymas also returned from injury setbacks. Shimoda recorded 4-7 finishes, placing him sixth overall, while Hymas posted 10-5 scores for an eighth-place overall finish. Both riders demonstrated resilience and improved their positions throughout their respective motos despite challenging starts.

The return of these key riders, particularly Jett Lawrence's podium finish at Fox Raceway, signals a positive outlook for the team's championship aspirations. Their ability to battle through adversity and secure valuable points in the opening round is a testament to their recovery and competitive drive.

Team Honda HRC Progressive's Strong Start

The Honda HRC Progressive team celebrated a successful opening round, with all four riders back in action after various injuries. The team's strong performance at Fox Raceway adds to Honda's historical success at the venue, which now boasts six premier-class overall victories. Previous winners include Jett Lawrence with three wins and Chase Sexton with two.

The race bikes featured new SKDA tricolor graphics, designed to unify the appearance of Honda's HRC teams across different motorcycle racing disciplines, including MotoGP and MXGP. Additionally, the event showcased new models like the 2027 CRF250R HRC WORKS EDITION and the 2027 CRF450R.

With Hunter Lawrence carrying the red plate as the championship leader, the team now looks ahead to the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Rancho Cordova, California. This next event will also mark the opening round of the WMX Championship, adding another layer of competition for Honda riders.

The 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship began with significant momentum for Honda HRC Progressive, highlighted by Hunter Lawrence's dominant victory and the successful return of Jett Lawrence, Jo Shimoda, and Chance Hymas. This strong collective effort positions the team favorably as the season progresses.