JETT & HUNTER LAWRENCE JOIN NEW HRC HONDA 250 PROGRAM FOR 2021

TORRANCE, Calif. (December 1, 2020) – American Honda confirmed today that its official squad—Team Honda HRC—will comprise four riders campaigning two classes for the 2021 AMA Supercross/AMA Pro Motocross season. As previously announced, Ken Roczen and Chase Sexton will compete aboard the all-new 2021 CRF450R in the 450 class. In addition, Hunter and Jett Lawrence join the team to race the CRF250R in the quarter-liter division.

A three-time AMA champion and one-time FIM champion, Roczen won four AMA Supercross rounds last season and finished third in the final points standings before sitting out AMA Pro Motocross to focus on recovering from the effects of the Epstein-Barr virus. Meanwhile, Sexton successfully defended his AMA Supercross 250 East Region crown with the Factory Connection squad before advancing to the premier class with Team Honda HRC for AMA Pro Motocross, in which he won the final round.

Jett Lawrence’s new HRC Honda CRF250. This was the first image we saw of his new number 18 on the factory CRF250. Ken Roczen shared an instagram video from the test track a few weeks ago before Jett’s HRC deal was made official. 

The Australian Lawrence brothers both rode for Factory Connection in 2020, with Jett winning the final AMA Pro Motocross round and earning the Marty Smith Rookie of the Year Award. In recent seasons, Team Honda HRC has focused on the 450 class, but with the recent dissolution of the Factory Connection Race Team following a long and successful collaboration with Honda, the 250 effort is being absorbed into the in-house project for 2021. Factory Connection will continue to work with Team Honda HRC in various capacities.

Jett Lawrence grabbed his first Pro win at the final race of his rookie season, the 2020 Fox Raceway National. 

“The 2021 season will be upon us soon, and our team is working hard to prepare,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Advertising and Motorcycle Sports at American Honda. “While we were sorry to see Factory Connection’s race team shut down, we’re pleased to continue a relationship with their company, and we’re excited to have such a talented rider lineup for both classes. When you also factor in our solid team structure, there’s every reason to expect a positive performance from Team Honda HRC next year.”

Hunter Lawrence showing off his new Alpinestars gear. Both Hunter and Jett will wear Alpinestars from head-to-toe in 2021.

JETT & HUNTER LAWRENCE THANK THE GEICO HONDA TEAM

Jett and Hunter Lawrence talking before their qualifying session at the RedBud National. 

Both of the Lawrence brothers took to social media to proclaim their gratitude for the Factory Connection Geico Honda team. Hunter said: “I am beyond Grateful for the opportunity and time Jeff and Ziggy gave us at @Fchonda and giving us the chance to come and pursue our dreams in the land of opportunity, Thank you for believing in us. We had some damn good times along the way thats for sure. Thankyou a million times Jeff and Zigg and the whole @fchonda team! You guys are amazing people!”

Jett posted: “I wouldn’t be in the position I am today if it wasn’t for jeff Majkrzak and Rick Zielfelder.
They believed in me and my brother before anyone in america really knew who we were.
I’ll never forget what you guys have done for me and my family.
I wish I could have rode for you guys my entire career, Regardless you guys will always be in our corner.
#bestguysinthepits”