Photos by: Ray Archer
Suzuki factory rider Hunter Lawrence has really started showing great speed in the MX2 world championship. The young Aussie—who rode the EMX series in 2016, and has already made a podium in this year’s MX2 series—wants much more.
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Jeff Leisk, Andrew McFarlane and Chad Reed, who all finished runner-up in their attempts to win world titles, but this Aussie wants dearly to do what none have done before him, and finish as world motocross champion.
A determined character—and one with big goals. Down in 8th place in the series points, Lawrence has made big progress in the last couple of months.
After a strong start in the opening round in Qatar, the Aussie dropped off a little, finally finding his feet in Valkenswaard with a top ten result. Then a podium finish in Germany.
Already with six top five moto finishes and closing in on Spaniard Jorge Prado and American Thomas Covington for sixth and seventh place in the points, our man at the Grand Prix of Russia, David Bulmer, caught up with the friendly Australian.
Hunter, can you tell us about your season so far?
So far, the season started off ok in Qatar, then it went down a bit. In Valkenswaard, I went 10-5 and that was my first top ten overall. Arco, I had a bike failure in the second moto. Latvia was coming better but a big crash, and Germany was good on the podium. Then France, fourth overall. Sure, we have had some frustrating days, but it’s all good for next year, learning thing. Get times on the tracks before we race them next year.
How did you feel Russia went for you?
The first race wasn’t too bad. The skies opened up before the race and we were getting hammered on the track—the rain really was unbelievable. I was able to finish fourth, though, which after starting off well down the field is really a positive thing. The speed is definitely there and I didn’t mind the conditions, but then it got much worse for the second moto. Again, I wasn’t off to a good start. Thomas Kjer Olsen hit me from behind in the first corner but it’s always chaos in the first turn so I can’t really blame him. After finally getting going, I got back up to fourth very quickly and was riding well. Then, another rider was crashed in the main rut that I was using and it was just unbelievably muddy and sticky out there. I dropped it there and then had to pick up my bike which was just so, so heavy with all the mud on there. I finally got the bike up, but it was just so hard to twist the throttle with all the mud on the bike. I kept riding though and eventually came home in 11th place, but I definitely feel it could have been better.
Obviously, you showed a lot of your speed early in the season, and now you are getting the results. Are you satisfied with how it’s gone?
Yes, for sure it’s starting to come together bit by bit, but we still haven’t won yet, so there is more to come. We keep working, chipping away and hopefully the puzzle can start to put itself together. The results will speak for themselves. I can’t tell you what I can get, I have to show it.
The MX2 class has a lot of good riders. One bad start or a crash and it’s hard to come through.
That is for sure. In qualification on Saturday in Russia, I was 12th or something, and it felt the same as being in sixth or seventh like I was in Germany and France. It’s crazy, some days you can be in one corner and you don’t feel the rhythm and it can really stuff you up. From first to 20th there are some days four seconds and some days three seconds between them. It is so tight, and I guess that is what makes it a world championship.
You talk world championship. How has the traveling been for you? We are in Russia now, but how cool has it been for you doing all the traveling?
It’s cool for sure. I mean Russia, when you say we are going to Russia and what you imagine in your mind, you know, Russia. But we came here with an open mind to see what it is like and, honestly, it’s so beautiful. I think it’s like every country you go to. Some have beautiful spots and some not so nice. Here in Russia we are in a nice spot right on the beach. It’s cool. I am happy to come here.
In terms of the team, Jeremy [Seewer] is fighting for the championship. How good is it to have somebody like that. To have somebody who can help you with the speed, the lines and that type of thing?
He’s useless. I don’t really like him (laughs). No, it’s great. We have a good relationship and he has a lot of experience. He doesn’t just help with racing, but also away from the races with foods and bits and pieces that all add up, which is cool.
So, 2018 you want to go for the title?
For sure, one year to learn. That is the goal: to be a title contender next year. We will keep working and see how it goes.
You are the only Australian in the MX2 class. How hard has it been to adapt to coming to Europe?
The weather was something we had to adapt to first of. It’s cool, we are here over a year and it’s cool. I miss Australia, but we have good people around us, and I think if you have good people around you, you can be anywhere and its ok.
