News 28 Feb 2022

'Gutted' Lawrence addresses Forkner incident

Apologetic Team Honda HRC rider salvages P3 amid drama.

Image: Octopi Media.

A ‘gutted’ Jett Lawrence has moved to address his mid-air incident with Austin Forkner in Arlington’s final Triple Crown race of 250SX, which saw the latter exit the race altogether.

While Lawrence was able to remount and salvage 10th position – resulting in third overall – he was left apologetic to Forkner and his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team.

It was a difficult night for Lawrence after crashing in the opening race and charging back to fourth position, then winning the second race in commanding fashion. He went down at the beginning of race three and then again with Forkner as he was slicing through the pack, clipping a ‘tuff block’ and taking both down.

Lawrence attempted to pass Forkner in the whoops, getting crossed up and allowing the KX250 rider to remain on the inside entering the final turn. In an attempt to complete the pass, Lawrence powered around the outside, clipping a tuff block on the corner exit which caused him to cross-jump the finish line into Forkner.

“It sucks what happened,” Lawrence recalled. “I got wild… I obviously didn’t learn my lesson from the first time I got wild once and I thought I could balls my way through it, but got a little sketchy in the whoops again. Most people saw what happened after.

“I don’t really like talking about it much – just a stupid mistake of me hitting a tuff block and taking out another rider. I’m just pissed at myself, so I am sorry to the Forkner family and Austin.

“I was looking forward to racing him this year because I think a lot of people can agree he is one of the most talented guys on a Supercross track – he has shown that many times. I just feel sick about it really, don’t have much else to say about it.”

Lawrence was able to recover and finish the final race in 10th, ultimately ending the Triple Crown third overall, now equal on championship points with Cameron McAdoo after two rounds.

Meanwhile, race one winner Forkner is expected to consult medical professionals in order to determine his return. It’s understood that scans post-race didn’t detect any broken bones in his right shoulder region, with an official update yet to come.

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