HUNTER LAWRENCE

Despite undergoing a serious crash last Saturday in Michigan, Honda’s Hunter Lawrence was eager to begin competition on the Spring Creek MX circuit. His smooth style immediately adapted to the sandy raceway, and as engines revved for the first moto, the athlete who sported the number ninety-six across his machine was certainly categorized as a contender who could win. He stormed through the first few laps, obtaining the hole-shot and early lead, with Aaron Plessinger just behind him. Lawerence was riding at a stellar pace throughout the first half of the moto, but Chase Sexton had simultaneously moved into second and instantly applied pressure...which led to a climactic, changing of the lead. Roughly just under, twenty-one minutes of competition had transpired —when Sexton and Hunter would drag race to the top of Mt. Martin...but Sexton’s output of speed was enough to surpass Lawrence, and deter him to second. Once into the runner-up position, there was little that could stand in his way of occupying the accolade through the checkered flag...and as Lawrence took the silver medal, his sights were then set on excelling into the latter round of racing as well. He resided second in the opening portion(s) of moto two, and remained here despite eventually being pressured by Chase Sexton. The force from the KTM rider would create a sense of urgency within the Honda rider, which equated to a swift pass being made, in the corner before the finish line, just prior to the halfway point of the moto. Lawrence was now in the lead, but that position wouldn’t be sustained for long...as Chase Sexton would charge to the inside of the Honda rider, just after the opening straightaway — with only eleven minutes left on the clock. The move was made, and Lawrence had no choice but to obligé while relinquishing the designation to the Illinois native. He was solidified in second when nearing the two-lap board, and would slightly monitor as to how close Justin Cooper had traveled in the final moments. With the rain coming down, he appeared to exemplify a bit more caution than usual...but it was warranted, as Hunter kept the bigger picture in mind, when charging through the final corners. Ultimately residing second as the final flag was waved, his assembly of runner-up finishes also earned a silver medal overall, atop the final podium in Millville.