Honda HRC Progressive’s approach to the 2026 AMA Supercross season opener at Anaheim, California’s Angel Stadium was defined by strategic patience, with the team focused on capitalizing on opportunities while minimizing unnecessary risk. That mindset paid off in the main events, as Hunter Lawrence and Chance Hymas delivered strong, measured rides to earn fourth- and second-place finishes, respectively.
Lawrence got a strong second-place start in the 450SX main event, and although the race was halted by a lap-1 red flag, the restart saw him start well again, in third. He slipped back two positions early on and spent the bulk of the race trying to get around Jason Anderson. After recovering from a scary off-track excursion in a rhythm section with just a few minutes remaining, he made a pass stick and challenged the third-place rider before ultimately ending the race fourth.
Hymas barely missed out on the 250SX main-event holeshot and ran second to Ryder DiFrancesco in the early going. A fierce battle for second with Cameron McAdoo and Max Anstie ensued, and although Hymas slipped to third in the middle part of the race, he ultimately finished a solid second behind Anstie.
NOTES
- Hunter Lawrence and Chance Hymas were featured in Friday’s pre-season press conference, and afterward the Honda HRC Progressive teammates both participated in a riding session on the new track.
- Huntington Beach Honda, a popular Southern California Powerhouse dealer, set up a pop-up activation booth in the Honda HRC Progressive pits, where they displayed a pair of CRF dirt bikes and engaged with fans and customers.
- Although Jett Lawrence and Jo Shimoda are currently recovering from off-season injuries, both riders attended Anaheim 1 and participated in NBC interviews during the pre-show. Jo also took part in the autograph session with Hunter and Chance. Jett and Jo’s CRF450RWE and CRF250RWE were on display as well.
- John McGuinness, one of the most successful Isle of Man TT road racers ever (third on the all-time win list–many of those victories coming with Honda Racing UK), paid a visit with Hunter and Chance in the Honda HRC Progressive pits.
- A special gift from American Honda was unveiled in the A1 pits to show appreciation to the Lawrence brothers, in the form of two customized Talon 1000R sport side-by-sides, which were displayed throughout the race weekend. Fans still have the chance to vote here for which of the two is their favorite.
- Hunter was seventh in the combined 450 times during the qualifying sessions. Other Red Riders included Quad Lock Honda Racing’s Joey Savatgy (12th), Shane McElrath (13th) and Christian Craig (19th), as well as McGinley Clinic’s Zack Williams (36th).
- Hymas was third-quickest in combined 250 qualifying–best of the Red Riders. SLR Honda’s Justin Rodbell was 19th, with Western Honda’s Hunter Schlosser two spots back. SLR’s Matti Jorgensen was 27th, Ty Freehill Racing’s Ty Freehill was 32nd, Lasting Impressions’ Ronnie Orres was 37th and Next Level’s Colby Copp was 41st.
- In the second 450SX heat race, Hunter Lawrence made decisive passes early on, climbing from fourth to second by lap 2 and maintaining that position until the checkered flag. Also advancing was McElrath, while Savatgy made it through from heat 1.
- The second 250SX heat race saw Hymas nearly take the holeshot before he drifted a bit wide in turn 1 and lost some positions. He steadily worked his way forward from seventh, making a pass on Hunter Yoder for third just before time ran out. Rodbell also advanced from the same heat race.
- Along with the other 250 podium finishers, Chance participated in the promoter-organized new-format post-race press media availability.
- Despite his fourth-place finish, Hunter sits third in 450SX points (four behind second), thanks to a penalty to Jorge Prado for failing a post-race sound test. Hymas is second in 250SX West points, three behind leader Max Anstie.
- Next up for Honda HRC Progressive is AMA Supercross round 2 this Saturday in San Diego.
Hunter Lawrence 96
“That was my best A1 to date. I said to myself that I’d be content with a top-five finish. I really wanted to get the win, but we’re still working, chipping away. I think we’re in a great spot to make progress where we want to and hopefully get that worked out. But I’m okay with tonight, for sure; this is one of my worst venues if you look back over my career, so I’m happy to move forward.”
Chance Hymas 29
“The first round at A1 was really good for me—third overall in qualifying, third in the heat race, second in the main was really good. I wanted some consistent laps; I made a few mistakes, but we’ll clean it up for next weekend.”
Lars Lindstrom
Team Manager
“This was for sure one of the smoothest A1s that we’ve ever had as a team, and for me as the team manager. We all came in prepared, and from parking the trucks to pulling out at the end of the night, everything went to plan; I’m proud of the team for that. I’m also really happy with our results; we wanted to get through the first one safe and get some good points, which we accomplished. I’m super stoked for Chance. It was his first race back since knee surgery, and he showed he is one of the top guys in SX, not only MX. Before the 450 race, we talked about a top-five, with a hopeful podium, so we can’t be disappointed with a fourth, especially since the last two A1s have been a bit tough for Hunter! He didn’t ride to his full potential, so that makes me excited for the rest of the series, since he tends to improve throughout the season.”
