Chance Hymas Celebrates Maiden Victory At RedBud MX Amidst Season Highlights

Published: Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 2:06 [IST]

Chance Hymas achieved his first overall victory in the 250 class at RedBud MX, Michigan. He secured a fourth-place finish in moto 1 and won moto 2. Jo Shimoda followed closely, securing third overall with a 5-2 tally. Hunter Lawrence maintained his podium streak in the 450 class despite a crash in moto 1.

Lawrence led most of the first 450 moto but fell late, finishing second. In the second moto, he started fifth and climbed to fourth by lap seven, securing an overall podium. His consistent performance keeps him in contention for the championship.

In the first 250 moto, Hymas started third and quickly took the lead. Despite losing his rhythm, he finished fourth. Shimoda recovered from an early fall to finish fifth. Hymas dominated moto 2 from start to finish, fending off his teammate's advances.

Jett Lawrence suffered a thumb injury during practice in Florida and will miss the rest of the series. He underwent surgery on July 4 but attended RedBud to support his team. Cameron Camera, Hunter Lawrence's mechanic, aggravated a back injury and missed the race.

The Scouting Moto Combine at RedBud allowed amateur riders to compete on the same track as professionals. Mobile X Fire Power Honda rider Jake Cannon finished 11th on his CRF250R. Team Honda HRC Parts Coordinator Todd Flickinger also competed on a CRF450R.

Special Events and Appearances

Throttle Jockey prepared special graphics for Independence Day Weekend featuring a bald eagle on radiator shrouds. The Team Honda HRC pits displayed restored CR250R motocrossers owned by Joel Smith, including one with Jurassic Park graphics from Ezra Lusk's 2001 race bike.

Kendallville Powersports showcased various models at their booth in the Team Honda HRC pits. Swedish MXGP rider Alvin Ostlund and Japanese rider Takumu Yokosawa joined Team Honda HRC for the second week in a row.

Notable Performances

Kyle Webster impressed with an eighth-place finish overall in the 450 class, briefly leading moto 2. Phoenix Racing Honda's Dylan Ferrandis finished fifth in the second 450 moto after being knocked down in moto 1.

The morning qualifying sessions saw Hunter Lawrence secure the third-best time in the premier class. Chance Hymas and Jo Shimoda were second and fifth respectively in the 250 division. Webster and Ferrandis were seventh and eighth respectively in the 450 class.

Team Dynamics

Lars Lindstrom, Team Manager, expressed pride in Chance Hymas' first win and highlighted Hunter Lawrence's strong performance despite challenges. "Everyone on the team and at Honda is so happy and proud of Chance for getting his first win," Lindstrom said.

The next AMA Pro Motocross event is at Spring Creek National in Minnesota. Last year, Jett and Hunter Lawrence swept both classes there. Before that race, they will attend Honda's press launch for the 2025 CRF450R in Indiana.

Quotes from Riders

"I knew coming in it would be tough to beat Chase; it's his home race," said Hunter Lawrence about competing against Chase Sexton. "I'm thankful to not be hurt; it happened so fast."

"In the first moto, I got out in front but made bad choices," said Chance Hymas about his strategy adjustments between motos. "I just believed I could do it."

"I got taken out in the first corner in moto 1; it was pretty hectic after that," said Jo Shimoda about his recovery efforts during races.