Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1507502
ROUND 1 / SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 ZMAX DRAGWAY / CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA MOTOCROSS I SUPERMOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP P78 small mistake in the turn and lost some positions," Ferrandis said. "Then, it was a little bit tough physically for me. I think the fact that I didn't really train after my crash at Ironman, I paid for it a little bit today with a little bit of lack in my fitness." Lawrence's perfect season on the 450 came to a crashing halt in moto one, but even before his small crash, Lawrence didn't look like the same rider. He later revealed his bike's suspension was not dialed in properly for the hybrid track. His Honda HRC Team, however, found better settings between motos, and he looked much better in the second moto. Unfortunately for Lawrence, another bad start prevented him from challeng - ing Sexton, though he was able to come up through the pack, something he couldn't do in race one. Not only was a 7-2 not nearly good enough for the win, but it also wasn't even good enough to get him on the podium (he ultimately placed fourth overall). Until this race, Lawrence had won every 450 race, which set him up nicely for the day's overall. But he didn't get the start he wanted in moto two. A hard-fought fourth in race two tied Ferrandis in points at six with Roczen, but the tie - breaker went to the German, Roczen, with the better second- moto performance. Still, it was a good day for the Frenchman, Ferrandis. "In moto two, it was a good start again, but I just made a seventh to third in race one, bat- tling his way into a podium spot. He then led more than half of the second moto and looked to be running away as he opened a six-second lead. He said a vision issue with his goggles hampered his race, allowing Sexton and Lawrence to catch and pass him. Roczen crossed the finish in third, his 3-3 good enough for second overall. "I feel like a completely dif- ferent person from last year," Roczen said. "I didn't make it a big deal that I haven't raced in some time. I felt aggressive, and it was right back to business. We led some laps again today, and I'm just proud of the team." Dylan Ferrandis (Monster En- ergy Star Racing Yamaha) got on the box in third. The French rider, whose contract is up at the end of the playoffs, put in a fantastic ride in the opening moto to grab second after getting a good start. He held off Roczen in the final stages of the 22-minute 2023 Charlotte SuperMotocross Video Highlights It was not a great day for Jett Lawrence, who suffered his first defeat (ever) on the 450.