Lawrence hits a power chord in Nashville

Hunter Lawrence won the 450 Main Event in “Music City” and tightened his grip on the 2026 title fight with just 4 rounds remaining

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship made its anticipated return to “Music City” for Round 13 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship, as a packed Nissan Stadium hosted the latest twist in a three-way 450SMX fight that has been among the tightest the class has seen. When it was all said and done, Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence produced a decisive performance to take ownership of the championship momentum, winning the Nashville Main Event and moving into outright possession of the points lead with four races remaining.

Nashville also marked the championship’s first visit back to the city since the 2024 season, adding extra weight to a round that quickly delivered the drama it promised.

In the premier class Main Event, Quad Lock Honda’s Shane McElrath grabbed the holeshot before the lead changed hands in the opening phase, with Team Tedder Racing KTM’s Justin Hill emerging at the front ahead of Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki’s Ken Roczen and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado. Lawrence placed himself inside the top five as Roczen ramped up the pressure and took control at the head of the field. Behind that group, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac, who entered Nashville as a championship co-leader, found himself buried outside the top 10 early.

Roczen’s pace set the tone, but Lawrence worked forward to second and looked the fastest rider on the track. The front pair then began to edge away, holding a small but stable gap as the race moved into its middle stages. With a little over eight minutes left, Roczen lost traction ahead of a triple jump and Lawrence capitalised, getting through to take the lead and then stretching his advantage. Roczen tried to respond but could not immediately counter, and a subsequent fall dropped him back to fourth.

That opened the door for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb and Hill to fight over the remaining podium positions, while Roczen regrouped and moved back into the top three with Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Chase Sexton applying pressure from behind. Up front, Lawrence stayed clean and consistent, never looking threatened as he broke the field and rode away to his fourth win of the season.

At the flag, Lawrence topped the 450 Main Event ahead of Webb and Roczen, with Sexton fourth and Hill fifth. Tomac endured a rough run and ended the night 12th, despite showing early speed in qualifying and his Heat Race.

With four rounds still to run, Lawrence now holds a 10-point lead over Roczen, who climbs into second in the standings, while Tomac drops to third and sits 15 points back after sharing the red plate entering Nashville.