eam Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence grabbed his third consecutive SMX World Championship™ with a dramatic overall victory on the SMX track built over The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After winning the first moto, Jett delivered a nail-biting charge late in the second moto to reach second place; his (1-2) moto scores combined to win the night’s racing, the $100,000 race win bonus, and more significantly the one million dollar championship payout.
Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence, entering the race with enough points that a victory would bring him his first 450SMX title, toughed out a win in the second moto despite entering the event under the weather. Hunter’s third-place finish in the opening moto netted him second overall at the Vegas race as well as in the championship, which brought him a $500,000 championship runner-up bonus. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac battled up front in both motos and finished the night with (2-3) moto scores. Tomac wrapped up his season with a third place result in the moto, the event, and the championship, which came with a $250,000 bonus.
In what may have been the wildest and most thrilling motorsports race of the year, Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda captured the 250SMX Class SMX World Championship. Needing only a second place overall from the event, Shimoda succeeded despite aggressive tactics from his competitors. Shimoda finished the second moto with enough points to capture event win and with it the 250SMX Class title and its $500,000 win bonus. Shimoda became the first Japanese rider to win an SMX title.
“[It’s conflicting] emotions of obviously wanting to win this, and get this, but then I also hate to see [Hunter not get the win] – today he deserved that. He executed two really good starts and obviously the guy’s battling with a cold right now, and [I’m] bummed to see him sad about it, because he worked really hard; we both worked hard, but I’m happy. Halfway through [the second moto] I honestly had some doubts that I could even catch those guys. [Hunter and Eli] were riding really, really well. But I had to dig deep and just try to send it. It was either sending it or crashing at that point. So, I tired, I was able to catch up to Eli. I had a few good laps and was able to make a quick pass when I had the chance. I’m happy for the team, with going 1-2 for Honda, but right now my mind’s thinking about multiple things… Because, obviously, this could be [Hunter’s] first 450 championship. But obviously I want it really badly as well, it’s a lot of money. It’s difficult, because you want to see your brother do well, it’s difficult competing against him.” – Jett Lawrence
There are more videos on the Cycledrag Youtube channel (please subscribe here) and like the Cycledrag Facebook page (Please like here) and more will be coming soon. Also subscribe to our NEW Youtube channel “Racing Jack” and Check back daily.
