The Most Infamous Moto Brawl of All-Time? | RV vs. JLaw 2007 Hangtown

by Vurbwes Chilidog June 2, 2026, 5:22 pm

What started as practice-day tension between Jason Lawrence and Ryan Villopoto quickly escalated into one of the most talked-about rivalries of the late 2000s motocross era. Following their heated altercation at the opening round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship at 2007 Hangtown, both riders faced fines, penalties, and a packed media room eager to hear their side of the story.

In this classic Racer X Motocross Show archive, Jason Lawrence and Ryan Villopoto address the incident, discuss the penalties handed down by AMA officials, and share their thoughts on one of the sport’s most memorable rivalries. Love him or hate him, Jason Lawrence always knew how to command a room. And Villopoto? Cool, calculated, and already showing the mindset that would eventually make him one of the greatest racers of all time.

From the Racer X Motocross Show Archives with Photos by Simon Cudby

Written by Vurbwes Chilidog

Been 'round these parts making dirtbike movies since '02; a weathered veteran with moto and camera related back issues, the hearing equivalent to my great-great grandfather's, and a dirt tan that will literally never come off. But I'm still in way better shape than every other dog in this joint, but that's because I use Chili and no slaw.