20th Annual Thunder Valley Pro Motocross Championship
Round 3 of the Pro Motocross Championship returned to the mile-high track of Thunder Valley MX, just outside of Denver at the base of the Rocky Mountains. We had quite the weather this weekend from high temperatures to huge gusts of wind and dust that even lifted some team's canopies away. Quick bursts of rain and lightning strikes just miles away caused some short delays just before the first gate drop of the day. The weather held out and it wasn't long before we were back to racing.
450s kicked off the first moto of the day. Justin Cooper grabbed the holeshot and stretched his lead out by nearly 8 seconds by around the halfway point of the race. Jason Anderson put the charge on early battling with Justin Barcia. Anderson had the fans in awe when we launched off a roller, leaping past Barica, and landing in the breaking bumps. The Lawrence brothers picked up their pace in the final 10 minutes eventually catching and passing Cooper with just a few minutes to go. Hunter Lawrence held the lead for his first 450 moto win of his career. Followed by his brother Jett and Cooper.
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250 Moto 1 started with Haiden Deegan grabbing the holeshot followed by Tom Vialle putting the pressure on early. Chance Hymas was just behind in third. Deegan and Vialle would continue to battle throughout the moto finding themselves within just a couple of seconds of each other. Navigating through lapped riders Vialle was still putting the pressure on Deegan. Vialle was able to make the pass for the lead due to Deegan sliding out and going down briefly. He was able to quickly get back up and on his bike and remain within striking distance of Vialle. It was a great battle and the fans were loving it! As they came to the white flag Deegan made the move on the inside and pushed Vialle wide. But it wasn't over yet, Vialle retaliated and attempted another pass on the final lap which put him on the ground after contact was made allowing Deegan to take the moto win.
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Justin Cooper took the lead early again after grabbing another holeshot in Moto 2. Chase Sexton, who finished 6th in Moto 1, was determined to get out front and put the chase on Cooper for the first 10 minutes. Sexton edged his way up to Cooper and attempted a pass on the inside over the tunnel of the final corner before the finish line. Coming in a little too hot Sexton goes down losing multiple positions. Hunter and Jett Lawrence take the 2nd and 3rd positions behind Cooper with still 10 minutes to go. Hunter begins to fall back a little which allows Jett to pass. The brothers navigate the track learning and watching each other's line choices and together were able to catch Cooper in the last 5 minutes and both pass him. Jett takes the win and the overall with his 2-1 finishes. Followed by Hunter who went 1-2 and Cooper with 3-3.
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The 250 class saw a new face take the Moto 2 holeshot, Chance Hymas. Following the rookie was Deegan and Levi Kitchen. Hymas leading the pack took advantage of the clear track and was able to put a solid 5-second lead over Deegan in the first 10 minutes. Kitchen suffered a mishap that allowed Jalek Swoll to take third before being passed by Vialle around the halfway point. Vialle himself then had a brief crash allowing Swoll to reclaim third. Jo Shimoda was able to gain some time between the tip overs of the riders ahead and battled his way to third, where he would finish the race. Hymas out front never looked back. Taking the holeshot and leading the entire race Hymas crosses the finish line, 3.8 seconds ahead of the 38 of Haiden Deegan. His first-ever moto win. Deegan's 1-2 finish gives him the overall starting his new winning streak in the great outdoors.
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