Aussie Lites champion PJ Larsen had the speed in Hoston, but no luck on his side come the main event. Image: Hoppenworld.com.

Current Pro Lites Australian Motocross and Supercross Champion PJ Larsen says he’s determined to redeem himself after experiencing bad luck in Houston’s AMA Supercross East Coast Lites main event last Saturday night.

The JDR/J-Star/KTM rider made his much anticipated return to racing in the U.S. after a successful season in Australia, logging a top time in timed qualifying before going on to score second in his heat race.

“I was happy with my heat race result,” Larsen commented. “I didn’t get that great of a start but I was able to make up for it within the first few laps. I was glad to run with [Dean] Wilson and am looking forward to the main event.”

That’s when the evening turned pear-shaped for the talented 20-year-old American, tangling with Malcolm Stewart – brother to James ‘Bubba’ Stewart – and going down on the opening lap.

“When I recovered from the crash with Stewart, I realised real quick that my rear brake lever had been smashed in the crash,” Larsen continued, rejoining the race in 17th. “I tried to ride a few laps before pulling off the first time to fix it.”

After pulling into the mechanics area on lap five, Larsen’s brake lever came off altogether, forcing him to finish the race without any brakes at all.

“It was so hard to ride without the brakes but I wanted to stay out there as long as I could to try to salvage any extra points possible,” he said, eventually taking 18th position for the round.

“I’m definitely disappointed that I crashed in the beginning of the race, but its all part of racing and now I am just looking forward to redeeming myself at the next round.”

Larsen’s teammate Tye Simmonds, also endured a difficult round in the 450 class after suffering from bronchitis during the week and not being able to ride in the lead-up to Houston. Simmonds didn’t qualify for the main event.