Jett Lawrence interview - Records
Aussie sensation, Jett Lawrence did something very special on the weekend, equalling the overall 450 motocross win tally of the great, James Stewart.
The MXoN winner, now sits on 20 overall wins in the AMA 450 motocross championship, and the only riders ahead of him in the records books are Ricky Johnson with 22, Bob Hannah with 27, Eli Tomac with 32, Ryan Dungey with 39, and the GOAT, Ricky Carmichael with 76. Expect Lawrence to pass at least Johnson this season and he will edge close to Hannah in fourth spot.
The four-time AMA champion is now on 47 overall wins in SX and MX combined, having passed another AMA great in Broc Glover and two time AMA 450 motocross champion, Ken Roczen, who are both on 45 wins. Next up for Lawrence is fellow Aussie, Chad Reed, who has 55 overall wins and do not be surprised if that tally isn’t broken early next year or even before this season is up.
Reed is 10th in the all-time list, and at just 21 years of age, Jett Lawrence is still creeping towards the seemingly untouchable tally of 150 overall wins, set by Ricky Carmichael between 1997 and 2007.
In the all-time combined class list for motocross, so 450/250, 250/125 and 500cc classes, Lawrence is now on 34 wins, which places him ahead of Jeff Emig 29, Ryan Villopoto 31 and Ricky Johnson 33. Ahead of him are Broc Glover on 35, Jeff Ward on 36, Bob Hannah on 37, who are seventh, sixth and fifth in the top ten all-time list. In fourth place is Eli Tomac on 44 wins.
Hard to not see Lawrence pass Glover, Ward and Hannah in the coming weeks and move into fifth place on the all-time list, which is just sensational. If he was to go undefeated in motocross this year, then that 44 tally of Tomac should be broken in 2026, at just 22 years of age.
Probably the fastest man on the planet, Jett Lawrence sat down and spoke to the media and below is what he told us all. As always, such a cool kid, with a positive mentality and brimming with confidence.
MXLarge: You joined James on 20 overall wins in 450 motocross, but what does it mean getting up in these records list mean to you?
Lawrence: It is really cool. This early in my career as well, it is really cool and an honour to be with those names. James is a very well-known name in our sport. I have talked some smack with him on the golf course, because he sends me text messages about it. It is an honour to be tied with him, but hopefully I am still not tied with him after a few weekends, hopefully we can keep chipping away. As long as I just focus on my racing, I think that will take care of itself. It is very cool.
MXLarge: Another win in the premier class. What was different about the race today?
Lawrence: I didn’t worry too much about managing the gap, I just had a good flow and with sand, it is harder to try and ride with less energy. So, whatever flow you have, you just stick with it. So, I just tried to stick to that flow and not use a lot of energy. Both starts were good, so super happy.
MXLarge: How important is it to win at this point?
Lawrence: I just have to focus on each race. That is all I can do. You cannot go forward and start thinking championships and stuff. Take each race as it comes and just focus on that. A good day and it (Southwick) definitely isn’t a highway, and it keeps your legs moving. Hunter second with a 2-2, so that is awesome for Honda.
MXlarge: You have tied James Stewart for wins, so do you have a word for James in the booth?
Lawrence: I am not only coming for you in scores (overalls), James, but I am coming for you on the golf course as well brother. I will be happy when I beat him there. On the course, those numbers count, so see you on the course James.
MXLarge: How does Redbud look for you?
Lawrence: Buying fireworks and drinking beers, although I don’t like the taste, but that would be the proper way to prepare for Redbud. We will just go back to the other stuff, like the last weeks. Just ride our bike and try and replicate.