Daytona Dreams
Eli Tomac’s streak of five-straight 450SX wins at AMA Supercross in Daytona snapped by rookie Jett Lawrence
Monster Energy Star Racing’s Eli Tomac’s half-decade of AMA Supercross dominance at Daytona International Speedway came to an end on Saturday, March 2, as rookie Jett Lawrence of Team Honda HRC claimed the third 450SX win of his career.
Although Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton secured the holeshot and led for the first four laps, Lawrence passed the defending 450SX champion during the fifth lap and never looked back.
“It felt great. I felt good all day, but like I said, we came here for business… I’m just happy to come out of here with a win,” Lawrence said. “The first time coming here and already winning a Daytona, it’s awesome. It’s like a home race for me. [I’ve] got to thank the crowd, they’re wild.”
Despite the end of his five-race winning streak in Daytona Beach, Tomac still found himself on the podium with a second-place finish while Sexton took third.
Lawrence’s victory extended his lead in the overall standings, pushing him to 160 points and up 10 points on second-place Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb. Sexton, despite being the only racer in the top six without a win, holds third place in the overall standings with 147 points.
While Lawrence returned to the top of the podium for the third time this season, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle earned his first-career AMA Supercross victory in the 250SX East class. Vialle’s victory came on the heels of his first-career podium finish during the previous round in Arlington, Texas.
“It’s nice to grab that win. I had my first podium last weekend and first win today in Daytona,” Vialle said. “It’s amazing to win and I want to thank everyone — my team, everyone who works with me during the week, my trainer — really everyone who supports me; and all those fans, it’s amazing to ride here in Daytona, so thank you everyone.”
Vialle was joined on the podium by Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s duo of Cameron McAdoo and Seth Hammaker, who collected 22 and 20 points respectively.
The Frenchman’s victory moved him to fourth place in the overall 250SX East standings, with 49 total points, while Fire Power Parts Honda Racing’s Max Anstie holds first place with 52 points. McAdoo and Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS’ Pierce Brown are tied for second place with 51 points each.
For the second time this season, the 250SX Futures class took to the track and Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Drew Adams emerged victorious. Troy Lee Designs GASGAS’ Cole Davies finished in second, while Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran rounded out the podium.
The 2024 AMA Supercross season shifts to Birmingham, Ala., for its ninth round on Saturday, March 9. The festivities are set to begin at 7 p.m. EST and will be streamed live on Peacock.