Shortly after wrapping up his successful amateur career, Jason Lawrence burst onto the pro scene at the 2005 Southwick National - coincidentally also known as MX 338. The Rockstar Suzuki-mounted rider turned some heads in the first moto, finishing seventh in the strenuous sand. Moto two of the day was not as kind to Jason, as he could only muster up a 28th-place finish, leaving him with a disappointing fourteenth overall for the day. The remainder of the ’05 outdoor series saw a rollercoaster of results from Jason, with three top-ten-overall finishes and two finishes outside the top 20. By the end of the 2006 Supercross series, he had finally shown the glimpse of the greatness many expected of him. Jason landed two top-five finishes, but with bad luck in a few rounds, he fell just outside the top ten for the series. As the ’06 outdoors rolled around, Jason and his team were still having trouble putting it all together.

A few top tens reminded fans that Jason had the speed, but with misfortune following, he was only able to land fourteenth in the championship. Things were looking up for Jason at the start of 2007 with a new Boost Mobile/Yamaha of Troy ride. He challenged former amateur rival Ryan Villopoto in all eight rounds of the 2007 Supercross Lites West Coast Series and earned himself a respectable runner-up finish followed by a fourth outdoors. Jason had certainly begun to make a name for himself on (and off) the track. His eccentric personality and aggressive riding style won over thousands of fans, but also led some to question his dedication and integrity.

Jason finally lived up to his potential in 2008, clinching the AMA West Coast Lites SX Championship, and proving to his critics that, contrary to popular belief, he is for real. At the dawn of the ’08 outdoor season, Jason secured the win in the first moto of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship, becoming an early threat to the Lites crown. As the summer heated up, questionable behavior by Jason landed him on probation, followed by his suspension from AMA Pro Racing. Jason Lawrence is taking the necessary steps to clean up his act and reputation, but the future of his career is still uncertain, as the AMA will not reconsider his status until the close of 2008.

Amateur Career

Like many amateur motocross phenoms, Jason Lawrence got his break riding for Kawasaki Team Green. In 2001, he captured the 85cc Stock (12-13) title at Loretta Lynn’s. When Jason graduated to big bikes, he continued his winning ways as a rider for American Suzuki, bringing home two B-class titles in 2004, and then besting Ryan Villopoto in 2005 for the 125 A Pro Sport crown, establishing himself as a true up-and-coming racer.

Personal

Jason Lawrence may very well be the poster child for living life to the fullest. Though his family and many close friends reside in New Jersey, the 21-year-old now calls Southern California home. He spends most of his free time with fellow Yamaha pilot and best friend, Josh Hill, working hard, playing hard, and truly living up to his rockstar reputation.

Contributors: Alissa Gilligan , Andrew Fredrickson