Source: Supplied.

Team Australia’s Hunter Lawrence led the majority of the MX2 qualifying race as the 2017 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXoN) opened on Saturday on his way to second position.

The factory Suzuki grand prix regular starred in his first nations appearance, passed by American champion Zach Osborne on the final despite putting up a convincing challenge.

“I got an awesome start with my RM-Z250 on this BMX-style start straight”, said Lawrence. “I pulled another holeshot, which obviously I was really happy with and then I put my head down to build a good lead. I tried and gave everything I had but I’m a bit annoyed to have lost it on the last lap.

“I almost made the pass back right at the end but I couldn’t get it done. Zach Osborne was riding really well though and fair play to him. I hope tomorrow I can go out and ride like I did today and give team Australia a good couple of results.”

Lawrence’s result, combined with the fourth position of KTM’s Kirk Gibbs in the Open qualifier, saw Australia ranked third on day one. Reigning MX Nationals champion Dean Ferris rode his CDR Yamaha to P7 in MXGP.