Eli Tomac and Jett Lawrence go two-for-two to open the 2023 AMA Supercross season
January 23, 2023
By Keaton Maisano
The long layoff due to Round 2’s postponement did not cool off Eli Tomac or Jett Lawrence as the riders defended their opening round performances with main event wins at the San Diego round of AMA Supercross.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Tomac, who dominated much of the 2022 season on his way to the 450SX title, is once again putting distance between himself and the field following his second win of the 2023 campaign. For Factory Honda HRC’s Lawrence, the Southern California success continued as he notched his second win in as many tries to begin his pursuit of the 250SX West title.
Tomac, who overcame adversity in his Round 1 victory, had to fend off a persistent Cooper Webb. The Red Bull KTM rider remained on the heels of Tomac for the majority of the main event, but the defending champion held on to claim victory.
Webb took second position on the podium while Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia fought off relentless pressure from Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen to round out the podium.
The night appeared to be promising for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Malcolm Stewart, who claimed the fifth heat win of his career, but multiple crashes in the main event continued his early season woes.
In the 450SX standings, Tomac holds a 6-point lead over Webb.
For Lawrence, his repeat came by way of a San Diego trifecta: top qualifier, heat winner and main event winner. In the 250SX West main event, Lawrence jumped out to first and never looked back to claim the first San Diego win of his career.
Through two rounds, Lawrence holds a 6-point advantage over Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire in the 250SX West standings.
The AMA Supercross season continues Saturday with the Anaheim 2 Round.