Denver 2024
RD 16 | Empower Field at Mile High
Nicknamed the Mile High City because of its elevation above sea level measuring exactly 5,280 feet, Denver’s Supercross history didn’t begin until 1996 and didn’t continue until 2019. In ‘96 it was a mid-May season finale and since its return to the schedule, it has been a late season event.
Jett Lawrence’s quest to win the 450 Supercross title in his rookie year continued, with his 8th victory of 2024 in Denver.
Lawrence tied fellow Aussie Chad Reed for the second most wins by a premier class Supercross rookie and tied defending champion Chase Sexton, Ron Lechien, and Jimmy Ellis for 25th on the all-time wins list. History was also made as older brother Hunter Lawrence finished second (and led his first traditional main event laps).
The Lawrences are first pair of brothers to finish 1-2 in 450 Supercross history. Jett’s victory put him 20 points clear of 2-time champion Cooper Webb heading into the final round. Webb took 5th after aggravating a torn UCL in his thumb, which he revealed he suffered way back at round 9 in Birmingham.
For the first time in three years, Jo Shimoda took the victory in a 250SX main event. The Honda HRC rider won his heat race and led every lap to take his first victory since Salt Lake City 1 in 2021.
Shimoda held off a hard charging Levi Kitchen, who will enter Salt Lake City next week tied for the points lead with RJ Hampshire. Kitchen and Hampshire completed the podium and enter the final round of the season even with 186 points each.
Jordon Smith and Shimoda both have a mathematical chance to win the title, but will each need a miracle as the pair sit 21 and 23 points back of the lead.
