Tomac, Lawrence Ride 2022 Success into 2023 AMA Supercross Opener

Eli Tomac claims 450SX main event while Jett Lawrence takes the 250SX win in Anaheim

January 9, 2023

By Keaton Maisano

Despite the year change, the winning riders at the end of AMA Supercross Round 1 in Anaheim, Calif., were the same men that frequented the top of the podium in 2022.

After claiming the 2022 450SX title, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac showed no signs of a championship hangover as he dashed to a dramatic victory Saturday. In the 250SX main event, Factory Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence, who won the 250SX East title last year, took his momentum west as he cruised to the win, jumpstarting his 2023 campaign.

After grabbing the 38th heat win of his career, Tomac faced adversity in the 450SX main event when a mishap on the bridge dropped him out of the top spot. Forced to chase the leaders, Tomac found his rhythm and climbed back into contention before passing Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton with two minutes left to notch the first Anaheim 1 victory of his career.

Tomac’s victory gave him 26 points to open the 2023 season. Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb collected 23 points for finishing second while Sexton rounded out the podium in third with 21 points.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Malcolm Stewart showed promise throughout the main event, but despite holding the lead for a moment and being in the top 3 late, a crash ultimately soured his night.

Lawrence opened his night with a poor start in his heat race, but the Florida rider stayed composed and secured his spot in the main event by finishing second.

When the lights were the brightest, Lawrence did not miss a beat as he took the victory in the main event to claim the 26 points in the 250SX West title race. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo rounded out the podium to collect 23 and 21 points respectively.

The show goes north for Round 2 Saturday in Oakland, Calif.