JETT LAWRENCE TIES 47-YEAR-OLD MX RECORD & WINS 450 MX TITLE

At the Unadilla national this weekend, Jett Lawrence was able to clinch the 450 Motocross Title in dominating fashion with still two races left in the series. Jett has been unbelievable this summer, winning 18 of 18 motos so far, and is starting to make it look relatively easy. This is no easy feat, though, and very few have ever had this much success to the start of a rookie 450 season. Jett has already placed himself among some of the best in the record books. But what this season actually looked like for Jett and the HRC Honda Team? Then check out these insane facts.

By Ben Bridges

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Jett on his way to a 1 -1 at the Pala National and what would be the start of an incredible season.

Jett Lawrence recently clinched the 450 MX title, tying a 47-year-old MX record in the process. This victory marked Honda’s 14th 450 MX title, its first since 2004, breaking a 19-season winless title streak. To put this into perspective, in 1973, Gary Jones brought home Honda’s 1st 250 MX title; now, 50 years later, Lawrence has achieved the same for the 450 MX category. In total, Honda now boasts 38 MX titles. Gary Jones (1) getting cooled down mid moto.

Lawrence’s victory is particularly significant, as he becomes the fifth rider to win the 250 MX title, ascend to the 450 MX class, and secure the title in their rookie season. This group includes legends like Jeff Ward (’84, ’85), Ricky Carmichael (’99, 2000), Ryan Dungey (’09, ’10), and Dylan Ferrandis (2021).

Ricky Carmichael (4) on his way to a win in the 2000 Outdoor Motocross Season

With this win, Lawrence’s MX title tally reaches three. He is the seventh foreign rider to win the 450 MX title and proudly represents Australia alongside Chad Reed in this achievement.  Rewinding to July 18, 1976, Pierre Karsmakers from Holland won his last MX race, solidifying his tally at 23 total MX wins. He held the title of the winningest foreign rider in MX until recently. While Germany’s Ken Roczen was on the brink of this milestone, he remains at 22 wins. Lawrence’s triumph at Unadilla equaled Karsmakers with 23 MX wins.

Pierre Karsmakers (1) on his way toward another Motocross win

With two rounds left in the series, the burning question is. Can Lawrence surpass this 47-year-old record?

Something to note about this motocross season is that the Kawasaki teams have gone winless. Kawasaki has never missed out on wins in all five classes before. Perhaps we may see a win before the end of the season, but this would be quite the setback for the Kawi teams.

Jason Anderson (21) has been getting better and better each weekend; with a few issues at Unadilla, he potentially could put Kawi on top this season.