Image: Octopi Media.

A final turn move from red plate-holder Hunter Lawrence was enough to edge him ahead of longtime leader Nate Thrasher following a 250SX East thriller in Tampa.

Team Honda HRC rider Lawrence’s inspired ride saw him recover from a poor start and swipe what appeared to be a sure victory for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Thrasher in the final moments.

Thrasher led every lap before a stunning charge to the front put Lawrence in position to get to the checkered flag first via a last-turn move. By a mere 0.134s — the closest margin of victory in eight years — Lawrence extended his win streak to two after coming out on top a week ago in the Houston season-opener.

That meant Thrasher had to settle for a disappointing second, while Max Anstie (Fire Power Honda) finished third after falling prey to Lawrence’s unmatched speed earlier. That marked his second podium in two starts upon returning to the 250 class.

Rookie Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) finished fourth for the second-consecutive week, while Jeremy Martin (Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha) ended up fifth after leading a few moments during the opening lap.

Another newcomer in Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM) rode to a quiet sixth despite going down in the sand early, while Michael Mosiman (TLD Red Bull GasGas) earned seventh after hitting the ground when Lawrence made contact during a pass near the race’s midway point.

Chance Hymas (Team Honda HRC), Jace Owen (Phoenix Racing Honda) and Hardy Munoz (Husqvarna) comprised the remainder of the top 10. Following a podium one week ago, Jordon Smith (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) finished a disappointing 15th after crashing at the beginning of the race.

The points now have Lawrence leading by eight ahead of Anstie, with Deegan a further six back in third. Monster Energy Supercross will head back to the western region in Oakland next Saturday, 18 February.

Detailed results