Image: Supplied.

Geico Honda’s Hunter Lawrence endured a luckless return from injury at Budds Creek’s penultimate round of the 2019 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, the Australian being involved in two first turn pile-ups.

Lawrence, who broke his collarbone in a practice crash last month, overcame the early incidents in both motos, charging to a 10-13 scorecard for 12th overall.

“Gnarly day at Budds,” Lawrence stated. “I was already facing a tough day coming from two weeks of no riding and limited off bike training so the two first turn pile-ups I was involved in really weren’t the cherry on top that I was looking for.

“We did our best and learned a lot for next year about the track. I’m safe and healthy which is good and just building each time I am on the track! Looking forward to ironman. Also, I have to give it up to the team for dealing with the heat and humidity – that was gnarly.”

Despite missing two rounds, Lawrence is ranked 10th in the 250MX championship standings as the Pro Motocross series wraps up this weekend at Ironman.