Tim Gajser on Finally Reacts to Jett Lawrence Pass: “Maybe He Didn’t Expect Me to Come So Hot Into the Corner!”

Tim Gajser on Finally Reacts to Jett Lawrence Pass: “Maybe He Didn’t Expect Me to Come So Hot Into the Corner!”

The 2023 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) delivered plenty of thrilling battles, but one moment stood out: Tim Gajser’s aggressive pass on Jett Lawrence. The Slovenian rider, known for his smooth and calculated style, shocked fans with an intense move that caught Lawrence off guard. In the aftermath, Gajser reflected on the pass, revealing how much the race meant to him and how he pushed beyond his usual limits to secure the position.

Gajser’s comments highlight the strategic thinking behind his move. “You could see he was a little bit hesitating, go more inside or open up, (wondering) how close I am,” he explained. With Lawrence leaving just enough space, Gajser seized the opportunity, diving in from the outside with precision. His ability to read the situation and commit fully made the pass not just possible, but spectacular.

While motocross fans are used to seeing aggressive moves, this one had an extra edge. “Maybe he didn’t expect me to come so hot into the corner,” Gajser admitted. The element of surprise played a crucial role, as Lawrence likely assumed he had a better defensive line. But Gajser, knowing this was his only real chance, executed a bold move that would be talked about long after the race ended.

Jett Lawrence, a rising star and one of the sport’s most technically gifted riders, had been in control before the pass. He had already shown his ability to close gaps effortlessly, catching Gajser off guard. “I was not really riding 100% (when) Jett caught me, I was surprised,” Gajser confessed. But once the battle intensified, both riders pushed beyond their limits.

That moment shifted the entire race. “When he passed me, we raised that level and we were going 100% or maybe a little bit above,” Gajser noted. It was no longer just about strategy—it became a pure test of skill, aggression, and determination. With national pride on the line, neither rider was willing to back down.

Gajser’s pass was more than just a highlight-reel moment; it was a statement. “I know how well I ride. I know on a good day it is not easy to beat me, especially on a track I really like.” This confidence fueled his decision to take risks, proving that he could match the best in the world when it mattered most.

Many were taken aback by Gajser’s level of aggression. “I haven’t seen myself with that much aggression in a pass,” he admitted. Fans and even fellow riders were surprised by his intensity, with some commenting that they never expected to see such a bold move from him. This wasn’t just about defending his position—it was about proving a point.

The reaction from the paddock confirmed just how significant the moment was. “Everyone was coming to me after saying, ‘that was aggressive, we didn’t know Tim Gajser was like that.’” While he is typically known for his controlled riding style, this pass revealed another side of him—a willingness to take risks when victory is on the line.

For Gajser, the move symbolized the sheer will to win. “That just shows how much it means to me to win that race,” he stated. The MXoN is unlike any other event in motocross. It’s not just about individual success—it’s about representing your country. That extra motivation pushed Gajser to ride with more intensity than ever before.

While some debated whether the pass was too aggressive, most agreed it was a defining moment in the race. In motocross, the line between aggressive and reckless is thin, but Gajser’s move was executed with precision. He didn’t just barge through; he calculated the risk, trusted his ability, and made it work.

Jett Lawrence, to his credit, took the move in stride. As a rider known for his sportsmanship, he understands that racing at the highest level sometimes means getting out-maneuvered. This battle was a reminder that in motocross, respect is earned through tough competition, and Gajser certainly earned it that day.

Ultimately, this moment at MXoN will be remembered as one of the most electrifying battles of the event. Gajser’s bold move on Lawrence was a testament to his skill, determination, and the raw unpredictability of motocross racing. Whether you saw it as aggressive or simply brilliant, one thing is certain—it was a move that defined the race and solidified Gajser’s place among the sport’s elite.