Defending 450SX champion Jett Lawrence faced an unexpectedly difficult season opener at the 2025 Anaheim 1 Supercross. After a dominant 2024 season, many expected Lawrence to continue his winning ways, but the night at Angel Stadium turned out to be one of the most challenging of his career.
A Promising Start in Qualifying
Lawrence showed early speed in qualifying, securing the second-fastest time behind veteran Eli Tomac. His pace suggested he was in contention for a strong performance, but the night quickly turned complicated once the gate dropped for racing.
Struggles in the Heat Race
A poor start in his heat race set the tone for Lawrence’s difficulties. Despite pushing hard, he could only manage a fifth-place finish, putting him in an uncharacteristically tough position heading into the main event.
Chaos in the Main Event
The main event proved disastrous for Lawrence. Early in the race, he tangled with Jason Anderson and was sent into a Tuff Block, dropping him to last place after the first lap. Determined to recover, he charged through the field but encountered more trouble in the sand section, where a collision with Joey Savatgy caused another crash. Despite his best efforts, Lawrence couldn’t regain enough ground and crossed the finish line in 12th place. It marked his worst career result in 450SX and his first time finishing outside the top ten.
Post-Race Reflections
In his post-race recap, Lawrence was candid about his struggles, particularly with his bike setup. He pointed to issues in the whoops section, admitting that the team was working through setup challenges.
“The bike was giving us some trouble in the whoops, and we tried skimming them, but it was sketchy,” Lawrence explained. However, he remained defiant and confident in his ability to bounce back. “People say we left, but we didn’t—we’re not leaving. We’re coming back, and we’re going to hit them harder. No more Mr. Nice Guy.”
Looking Ahead
While Anaheim 1 didn’t go as planned for Lawrence, it’s still early in the season. Champions are often defined by their ability to rebound from adversity, and if his post-race comments are any indication, Lawrence is more determined than ever to prove he’s still the rider to beat in 2025. The next rounds will be crucial in seeing how he and his team adjust to the challenges ahead.
Can Lawrence Bounce Back?
With his talent, work ethic, and competitive fire, few would doubt that Jett Lawrence will respond in a big way. Fans will be eager to see how he regroups in the coming weeks and whether he can reclaim his dominant form as the season progresses.
