The AMA Pro Motocross Championship began its 11-race series in Pala, Calif., over the weekend, and Hunter Lawrence went 1-1 on the day, solidifying that he is here to win and that his Supercross season was not a fluke.
Lawrence looked extremely comfortable and he had confidence, which could be seen while he was on the track. He never looked tense, and he let the race unfold. This is only his second career overall win, with his first one taking place at Ironman last year. However, this is his first time winning both motos on the day.
Jorge Prado rode to an impressive 2-2 on Saturday to take second place on the day. This is a new career best for Prado in Motocross. This race solidifies that Prado leaving Monster Energy Kawasaki to come back to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing was the switch needed. He looks better on the bike that he has raced since he was a young kid.
Prado should be an overall winner by midseason. He was able to battle with Lawrence, but he could not make a pass stick.
Jett Lawrence, younger brother of Hunter, rounded out the podium. He rode to an impressive 4-3 score on the day. When he would get off of his bike, he would limp walking and he did not deny that his ankle is not fully healed. That ride from him is a testament to the willpower of these athletes and how mentally and physically strong they are.
As for the rookie Haiden Deegan, he went to take fifth place with a 5-4 score. He was satisfied with his rookie debut. He went on to say he beat everyone Jett Lawrence had beaten at his rookie debut, and he will be here to battle and learn.
Deegan, as predicted, started to stir the pot with Jett Lawrence, as when he walked into the pre-season press conference on Friday, in a white shirt with sharpie drawings all over it. These drawings included a “RIP Jett” drawing and “I love Dylan Conrique,” who is Jett’s girlfriend.
It is safe to say that these two will make for an interesting summer of comments and battles on the track.
In the 250 class, Pennsylvania native Seth Hammaker went 2-1 for his first career overall win. Hammaker looked strong all day while fighting his way to the win. He has historically struggled with balancing his energy levels, along with injuries. This race was his 32nd start in the class.
In past years, if he put a charge on in the first race, he could not get his body to recover in enough time for the second moto. This will be something to watch out for this summer. In the first moto he rode conservatively, and in the second one, he came out swinging and was able to win it.
In second was 17-year-old Caden Dudney, who went 6-4. This score is the lowest to ever take second place in the 250 class. Dudney is an impressive talent in Motocross, and it will not be shocking to see him on the podium more this year.
The 6-4 score for second is not shocking because the 250 class is wide open now that Deegan moved up, and no one has solidified themselves as the next great thing in that class yet.
Cole Davies took third with a 3-8 score. He made mistakes in the second moto, which hindered his overall position. He was not satisfied with the result, but he was happy to at least walk away with a podium.
Ryder’s Radar and Results
I had two out of three 450 class podium racers picked, but not in the right positions. In the 250 class, Davies was the only racer I picked who ended up on the podium. I had him in second but he took third.
Going into Hangtown this weekend, I have an idea for the 450 class, but the 250 class will be a free-for-fall, still.
In the 450 class, Hunter Lawrence will win again, Jett Lawrence will take second, and Jorge Prado will finish third. In the 250 class, Levi Kitchen will rebound and win, Cole Davies will take second, and Seth Hammaker will take third.
This summer will make for some awesome racing, and viewers can watch the action live on Peacock at 4 p.m. Eastern Saturday. The racing takes place in Rancho Cordova, Calif., at the Hangtown Motocross Classic.
