Team Australia may have ended up sixth overall, however it was the heroics of debutant Hunter Lawrence that will long be remembered at this year’s Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXoN).

Lawrence piloted his RM-Z250 to the overall victory in MX2 after carding a 4-8 scorecard, despite crashing from third late in his second moto.

In what were tough, muddy conditions, Lawrence showed great speed against many 450-mounted rivals, grabbing strong starts and making passes on riders much more experienced than himself.

“The day started off really well, with a good start on my RM-Z250,” Lawrence reflected. “It was a good race with the 450s and I ended up fourth which was really cool, finishing ahead of some top quality riders and I was the first MX2 rider across the line.

“It was a short break between the two motos and I didn’t get as good of a start in the second race and I had to work my way through the pack. There was so much mud on my helmet and I had to take the goggles off, but I was riding well and making passes.

“I took a rock to the eye at one stage and that hurt a lot, but others were making mistakes and I kept charging and eventually got up to third. Unfortunately, my helmet was falling down across my eyes and I couldn’t see so well and I crashed a couple of laps from the end.

“Obviously it was a massive let down for myself as I ended up finishing eighth after that mistake. I still won the MX2 class and won the Ricky Carmichael award for best young rider so I’m really happy with that and with helping Australia to a sixth overall.”

The Ricky Carmichael Award is presented to the ‘best young rider’ of the event, with MX2 World Championship rookie Lawrence honoured topping American champion Zach Osborne and Thomas Kjer Olsen on the class podium.