MEC Futures winner in discussions to line up in Auckland and Melbourne.
Image: Supplied.
High-profile Australian teenage export Jett Lawrence could make a surprise return home for next month’s S-X Open Supercross FIM Oceania Championship in SX2, the possibility of it happening gaining momentum by the day.
Lawrence, 16, starred at the weekend’s Monster Energy Cup (MEC) by dominating the Futures category aboard his Factory Connection Honda CRF250R and his doughnut-eating tactics on the podium set social media alight afterwards.
It’s understood that discussions between Lawrence’s management in the US are ongoing with S-X Open organisers, as well as Honda Australia’s factory team, Penrite Honda Racing – all three associated parties fuelling speculation on social media this week. If a path to move forward on the plan is established, he would contest the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland and AUS-X Open Melbourne.
For the younger Lawrence sibling, a start in Auckland and Melbourne could mark the beginning of his full-time professional career, with a decision looming on whether or not he will contest the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in one of the 250SX regions with Geico Honda.
“Probably…” Lawrence indicated when questioned post-race at the MEC on whether he will race supercross next year. “We’ll see how my off-season goes and, if it goes well, then yeah, you’ll probably be seeing me at either the first round of East or West.”
Lawrence has been recognised as one of Australia’s brightest young talents for much of this decade alongside now 20-year-old brother Hunter, clinching the 2014 65cc World Championship and transitioning to Europe with his family in 2016.
The Queenslander has gone on to deliver strong results across a variety of championships since, including EMX in Europe and the US amateur circuit after moving to California for 2019. He also entered this year’s final three Pro Motocross rounds, picking up a best moto result of P8 at Unadilla.
After signing a long-term deal with Geico Honda that commenced this year, guest appearances at home would likely see Lawrence join the all-star roster at Penrite Honda Racing in one form or another, which is currently filled with American trio Justin Brayton, Mitchell Oldenburg and Chris Blose alongside South Australian mainstay Brett Metcalfe.
The arrival of Lawrence in the S-X Open series – which double as the final rounds of the Australian Supercross Championship – would be a welcome addition since Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Dean Wilson was injured at the MEC on the weekend. He confirmed earlier today that he’s officially been ruled out of both events.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au