By Will Burgess
Philadelphia, Pa. — Jett Lawrence cemented his grip on the 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship on Saturday night with a masterful performance at Lincoln Financial Field in Pa. The 20-year-old Team Honda HRC rider secured his seventh win of the season in the premier 450SX class, leaving a strong mark on the track and his competitors.
Lawrence’s dominance started at the gate. He rocketed out of the starting position, securing the holeshot and immediately establishing control. Throughout the 24-lap main event, Lawrence rode with impressive pace and precision, navigating the challenging course as if he somehow raced in Philly more recently than the last Supercross event to come to the city: back all the way in 1980.
While Chase Sexton (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) mounted a late challenge, Lawrence held firm, crossing the finish line +05.031 seconds ahead to secure the victory.
This win wasn’t just about the checkered flag; it significantly impacted the championship standings. Cooper Webb (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing), Lawrence’s title rival, endured a difficult race, finishing a disappointing fourth. This result extended Lawrence’s lead to a commanding 12 points, with only two rounds remaining.
With a podium finish in each of the final races in Denver and Salt Lake City, Lawrence can clinch his first-ever 450SX championship. While he maintains a strong lead in the championship, mathematically, it is still possible for other riders to overtake him within the final two rounds, though it would be a challenging feat.
Short of an unforeseen injury, a rider like Webb could potentially overtake Lawrence if he wins both remaining races and Lawrence finishes outside the podium. Of course, this would require consistent top performances from Webb and an uncharacteristic drop-off from Lawrence.
A strong performance and comfortable points gap makes Lawrence the clear favorite to win the 2024 AMA Supercross 450SX championship, as this victory adds another W to Lawrence’s already impressive rookie season.
A potential championship win in 2024 would mark his third consecutive title—and seven across his entire career—following his Pro Motocross win in 2023 and the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship title.
All eyes are on Denver, as the racers head to the penultimate race in the Mile High City on Saturday, May 4th.
Cover: Jett Lawrence clinches a comfortable lead after an impressive night in Philadelphia. | Via: Team Honda Racing Corporation (HRC)
Will Burgess is a journalist with Adrenaline Powersports Mag
Adrenaline Powersports Magazine 