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But really tho. Reliable sources saying he's been seen testing on a geico honda in so-cal recently at a completely private facility
The Shop
Lawrence ended his rookie MX2 season by winning the final MX2 moto of the year, and took podium finishes in two of the last three races. He finished the season with a brilliant performance at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, taking the individual MX2 class overall.
"To join GEICO Honda and their list of riders past and present is an honor," says Lawrence. "My family gave up a lot to get me to this point so the decision to sign with GEICO was a big one for us. They felt like family from the minute we started talking and are giving me support next year with 114 Motorsports Honda to win a World Title. Then I will make the move to the U.S. full time in 2019."
"We've been talking to Hunter and his family for some time, even well before his strong performance at the USGP in Florida," says GEICO Honda Team Manager Dan Betley. "His talent is obvious, and in the second half of his rookie season in MX2 you could really see him spread his wings and start running up front. Hunter and his family expressed the desire to stay in the GPs for one more season with the goal of winning the World Championship, following in the footsteps of other Australians like Chad Reed, who spent time winning races and battling for a title in the GPs before coming over here. We have watched Hunter ride and feel he will be more than ready by the time he comes here in 2019, and while we haven't seen him ride supercross yet, we believe he has the talent and skills to excel there, too, and with this deal, also plenty of time to prepare."
I don't know when exactly this deal was done but the fact that JGR didn't get Lawrence(did they even try?) is a big minus for them.
Pit Row
Good for Hunter! Wonder Why HRC Honda with HSF didnt pick him up..
So Gariboldi will start a new MX2 team with Lawrence and probably also Beaton or Vlaanderen. Also Vaessen will be on Honda next year is the rumor. Gariboldi the Italian saw also the opportunity to work together with Livia Lancelot (the number 114 you know?!). Because she has also a lot of loyal sponsors and who wanna keep doing things in the sport. So they will work together start one team and Livia will lead it. Both teams will see what sponsorships are able to fuse together and tada you have one very strong set up with Honda bikes for little Japanese Money.
The rumor goes by the way that Vaesen dad, a rich Dutch industrial will also start a Honda team with big support so Honda gives twice full support but it is still cheaper than keeping HRC into the MX2 business. On the other hand the rumor goes now also that Suzuki would talk with Vaesen but that are silly rumors I guess.
For all people who think that HSF will run the HRC MX2 team, that will not be the case! HSF shuts down his operation and will only be a sponsors from now on. This because rich people always draw the attention of leeches and that made the operation fall into pieces. That is what been told to me. So long story short. HRC (Martin) Honda closes the doors and two Honda teams will be born: 114 Honda and Vaessen Honda.
Snatching up Lawrence damn quick
The interest in him obviously boosted his confidence somewhat to help elevate his performances later in the season along with I'm guessing some more equipment for his B spec bike when compared to Seewers, which he was slated to take over next year if still at Suzuki World. He was obviously also riding Seewers bike over the weekend which you can see by his and Seewers performance this year is a very good package. Suzuki just dropped the ball again when they had all their balls in a row for success. How many good riders have they let go by closing their wallet? Those guys baffle me.
I think Suzuki just shot themselves in the foot with this. Either they didn't offer enough , or didn't offer him anything , as it sounds like their full factory support is basically shutting down world wide , except for JGR. Which is really freakin' sad.
Any news on Jasikonas? That kid is a super big talent too( no pun intended ) , so hoping some team with some smarts picks him up!
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