The Arlington, Texas, AMA Supercross round proved to be an incredible night of racing for Honda HRC Progressive, with emotional performances in both categories. After coming close on several occasions, Hunter Lawrence notched his career-first win in the 450SX class.

“Tonight I got around the first turn, and that’s really important with how good the class is, because it’s hard to get a bad start and expect to battle your way through for a win. It’s tough to replicate racing, but we’ve been working hard on the bike and myself. My first half of the races have been getting better, for sure. Ken [Roczen] would make a little mistake, and I’d try to get him, but then he would have the inside for the next corner; I think the racing was really cool to watch and to be a part of, when the battle goes on for multiple laps. I was playing defense but still playing offense—it’s such a tricky spot to be in, but I really enjoy that and it feels good when you pull it off. On the last lap, I was just thinking, ‘Hit your marks, don’t do anything stupid, and get across the finish line.’ I feel like I’ve been doing the same thing every round this year and it’s been going well, so I keep the same approach. I don’t need to change a lot of stuff—I’ve been getting good starts and riding well in the main events, so just keep doing that.”

Lawrence quickly recovered from a so-so jump out of the gate, positioning himself in third exiting turn 1. He took advantage of a lap-8 Cooper Webb mistake to move into second and soon joined Ken Roczen at the front.

A three-way battle for the lead ensued, with the Australian demonstrating determination and composure as he dealt with the riders ahead and behind. Lawrence made the decisive move on Roczen at the five-minute mark and quickly established an advantage out front.

That edge shrunk when the riders behind him jumped with a red-cross flag displayed, but Lawrence held firm until the checkered flag, earning the first premier-class win of his career. Quad Lock Honda’s Joey Savatgy secured seventh place, while his teammate Christian Craig crossed the line in ninth, marking his best result of the season.

In 450SX overall qualifying, Lawrence placed ninth, followed by Quad Lock Honda riders Joey Savatgy, Christian Craig and Shane McElrath in 11th, 12th and 16th, respectively. Other Red Riders included Zack Williams (McGinley Clinic), who qualified in 32nd, and Ronnie Orres (Lasting Impressions), who was 35th.

Lawrence dominated his 450SX heat race with a holeshot and wire-to-wire victory. Savatgy delivered a standout performance to finish second after battling Eli Tomac throughout the race. Craig (fifth) and McElrath (seventh) also transferred directly to the main event.

On his way to his first win, Lawrence set the fastest time in the 450SX main event—a first for the Australian. Lawrence took the first 450SX win of his career in the same venue where he earned his first 250SX victory back in 2022.

Lars Lindstrom - Team Manager: “This was a huge morale boost for the team, but it was another bittersweet night even though the result was fantastic. We couldn’t be prouder of both Hunter and Jo, and I want to congratulate Hunter on his first 450SX win. He rode unbelievable tonight and had to race the best of the best to take the win. Jo shouldn’t even be here, and for him to have that result is just incredible. I told him before the race, ‘Let’s just take what the night gives us, but don’t forget, you are a freak!’ The fact that he didn’t get more tired after almost no prep is just mind-blowing. The bittersweet part is being on the short end of the stick when it comes to other riders jumping on red flashing lights and red-cross flags. In the past, we’ve been penalized more than any other team for this—some deserved, some we didn’t agree with at all.