News 6 Jan 2024

Lawrence makes history with Anaheim 450SX victory on debut

First-ever rookie to win a premier class Supercross at maiden attempt.

Image: Octopi Media.

Australian Jett Lawrence has become the first rookie in history to win on debut in the premier class of Monster Energy Supercross, the Team Honda HRC rider going wire-to-wire in tonight’s Anaheim 450SX main event.

It was Lawrence who took the holeshot and maintained control from there on his way to a 7.188s win, however, both Jason Anderson (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Cooper Webb (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) both kept him in sight early on.

It was Anderson who held strong for the runner-up result on the new KX450, after Webb crashed while challenging him for position. That elevated defending champion Chase Sexton onto the podium, clear of Red Bull KTM teammate Aaron Plessinger in P4 and Dylan Ferrandis (Phoenix Racing Honda) in fifth.

Places six through 10 were filled by a resurgent Webb after remounting, Justin Barcia (TLD Red Bull GasGas), Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper following a late move on teammate Eli Tomac upon return, and Ken Roczen (Progressive Ecstar Suzuki) despite going down on the opening lap.

Of note, MXGP champion Jorge Prado’s first Supercross appearance with Red Bull GasGas resulted in a 13th-place finish, giving him something to build on in the coming weeks.

In addition, the premier class debut of Hunter Lawrence didn’t go to plan, crashing in the first turn of his heat and then being unable to transfer via the last chance qualifier into the main event.

Detailed results

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