Image: Octopi Media.

A spirited opening lap at Daytona International Speedway for Team Honda HRC’s points-leading 250SX East rider Hunter Lawrence culminated in his third victory of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross season and the eighth of his career.

Along with Max Anstie (Fire Power Honda), Nate Thrasher (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing), and Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM), Lawrence found himself at the front as the field funneled through the first turn and rhythm section.

Keen to take control, Lawrence was in second during the race’s first half lap and contacted Thrasher’s front wheel in the sand section, putting his title rival on the ground.

From there, the points leader grew a significant lead, ultimately capturing the victory over Anstie by a margin of 9.127s.

Facing reduced competition for the position after a massive get-off for French rookie Vialle, Anstie claimed second. More than 15s further back, Haiden Deegan beat his Star Yamaha teammate Smith to the final podium position, capturing the first top-three result of his young career.

After tangling with Deegan into a corner aboard his Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha around the race’s midway point, Jeremy Martin came home fifth. Chance Hymas (Team Honda HRC), Blose (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki), Coty Shock (Phoenix Racing Honda), and Cullin Park (Phoenix Racing Honda) earned positions six through nine, while Thrasher recovered from his altercation with Lawrence and a heavier crash later to round out the top 10.

On the strength of his latest victory, Lawrence heads next to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis with a 14-point lead over Anstie. Deegan holds third in the points standings, 25 back from Lawrence.

Detailed results