The Monster Energy Supercross Series season wrapped up in Salt Lake City with a dramatic finale that not only concluded the racing calendar but also ignited a flare-up of tensions that had been building throughout the season. The AMA issued penalties following aggressive maneuvers involving Jason Anderson and the Lawrence brothers, Hunter and Jett, highlighting the intense rivalry and physical racing that marked the event.
Jason Anderson was given a written warning for “Aggressive/Reckless Riding” by the American Motorcycle Association after an incident where he aggressively rode Hunter Lawrence wide on Lap 2, resulting in Lawrence crashing into the Tuff Blox. Anderson’s move, which seemed to disregard the proximity of other riders, particularly Hunter’s brother, Jett, who was immediately behind them, stirred significant controversy.
During the post-race news conference, Jett Lawrence commented on the incident, suggesting that Anderson might have forgotten that two Lawrences were in the race and noting, “Guys like him need a hit in the mouth sometimes… so it is what it is.” The rivalry escalated further when, on the following lap, Jett retaliated by making contact with Anderson as they vied for fourth place. This maneuver saw Jett nearly losing control, although he managed to continue without crashing.
Despite the heated exchange, Jett Lawrence was not penalized for his actions. He subsequently moderated his pace and finished seventh, securing the Supercross championship in his rookie season—a remarkable achievement amidst the intense competitive environment.
Hunter Lawrence, too, found himself in the stewards’ notes when, late in the race on Lap 19, he collided with Anderson while being lapped. Though this action did not result in a crash, it led to Hunter being fined and receiving a written warning for a “Code of Conduct Violation,” underscoring the ongoing tension between him and Anderson.
Reflecting on his actions and the public perception, Anderson took to Instagram to voice his stance, stating, “I could give you more insight into my life and more interviews to persuade you I’m a good person but screw that, that ain’t me. On the track, I try my hardest and I don’t take s*** from nobody so if the sport needs a villain then f*** it I’ll play that character. But for me, I leave the race with close ones, crush some drinks, get a little fried to celebrate a healthy season and the successes we had!”
The unfolding drama sets the stage for a highly anticipated Pro Motocross season, with all eyes on the upcoming races at Fox Raceway in Pala, California, on May 25, 2024. The continued rivalry between Anderson and the Lawrence brothers promises to add an extra layer of intrigue and excitement as the motocross season gets underway.