June 9th 2024.
On a beautiful Saturday in Lakewood, the 20th edition of the Pro Motocross Championship's Thunder Valley National did not disappoint. The event showcased some of the biggest names in the sport, and they certainly lived up to their reputation.
In the 450 class, it was a battle between two Australian brothers, Jett and Hunter Lawrence. Hunter took the first moto, with Jett close behind in second. However, in the second moto, Jett came out on top, giving him the overall win for the day. Meanwhile, in the 250 class, 18-year-old rising star Haiden Deegan continued his impressive performance by claiming his third consecutive overall win. After taking first in the first moto, Deegan finished second in the second moto, securing his spot on the top of the podium.
For Jett Lawrence, this victory was a major bounce-back after a crash at Hangtown last week. As the defending 450 class series champion who had won all 22 races in 2023, Jett was determined to come back strong. However, he was still dealing with the effects of his crash, including a cut on his leg and a sore shoulder. But he pushed through the pain and managed to secure the win.
In an interview after the race, Jett Lawrence shared his thoughts on his performance. He revealed that his legs were shot during the second moto, but he dug deep and pushed through the pain. He also mentioned that he was able to capitalize on a mistake made by his brother Hunter, which ultimately helped him secure the victory.
The 250 class overall winner, Haiden Deegan, has been dominating the early part of the season with three consecutive wins. In the first moto, he passed Frenchman Tom Vialle with just one lap to go and held on for the win. In the second moto, Deegan finished second to Chance Hymas, but it was enough to secure him the overall win for the day. As a result, he remains at the top of the 250 championship standings, with a 23-point lead over Hymas.
The Pro Motocross Championship's next stop is at High Point Raceway in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, next Saturday. Fans are eager to see if Deegan can continue his winning streak and if Jett Lawrence can maintain his momentum after his victory at Thunder Valley.
One notable local racer, Elizabeth resident Brett Stralo, competed in the 250 consolation race. Although he placed 18th, his motivation for being at the track was about more than just results. As a U.S. Army veteran, Stralo races for the Veteran Motocross Foundation, an organization that uses motocross to empower veterans. He also started Warrior MX, which pays for veterans to come out and be part of his team on race day as a form of therapy.
In an interview, Stralo shared his goals as a racer and his motivation for starting Warrior MX. Although his ultimate goal is to make the fast 40 and the main event, he also finds immense satisfaction in using motocross as a way to help prevent veteran suicides. This marked Stralo's sixth time competing as a pro at the Thunder Valley National, and he plans to continue using his love for the sport to make a positive impact on the veteran community.
Unfortunately, one of Colorado's most notable pro racers, Eli Tomac, was unable to compete due to a thumb injury. The Cortez native has an impressive track record, having won the 450 class championship in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022, as well as the 250 class title in 2013. Fans were disappointed not to see him on the track, but they are eagerly awaiting his return.
Overall, the 20th rendition of the Pro Motocross Championship's Thunder Valley National was a thrilling event filled with intense races and impressive performances. Fans are already looking forward to the next stop in Pennsylvania and are excited to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
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