Words and images from AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team
The 2025 AMA Supercross Championship came to a thrilling conclusion at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, marking the finale of a roller-coaster season. As the third and final East/West Showdown of the year, this round brought together the very best riders for one final battle. The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team was out in full force with their three-rider lineup of Lux Turner, Avery Long, and rookie CJ Bernard, all eager to make their mark in this high-stakes race.
QUALIFYING
Lux Turner set the tone for the team by clocking his fastest time in the West qualifying session 1 with a solid 11th place finish at 49.463. He followed that up with a 15th place in session 2, ultimately landing 19th overall in the combined East/West qualifying standings out of 47 riders.
Avery Long started the day in West qualifying session 1 with a 19th-place finish but showed improvement in session 2, jumping to 13th with a 50.283, securing the 29th spot in the combined standings.
Rookie CJ Bernard, in only his second Supercross appearance, was consistent in his qualifying efforts. He finished 15th in session 1 and 16th in session 2, with his fastest lap coming in session 1 at 50.775, entering the night show in 32nd overall.
WEST HEAT
The West Heat was a solid effort for the AEO team. Lux Turner got off to a good start, sitting in 7th after lap 1. He maintained his position throughout the heat and finished in 7th, securing a spot in the main event.
Avery Long was right behind Lux, holding onto 8th place on lap 1, with CJ Bernard sitting in 10th. However, the final lap brought some drama as both Avery and CJ got bunched up with Marchbanks and Shimoda, who overtook them in the closing moments. Avery finished 10th, while CJ ended up in 11th.
LCQ
The LCQ was a packed race with both East and West riders fighting for the final spots in the main event. Avery Long had a solid start, grabbing 5th on lap 1 but dropped to 6th and was unable to transfer to the main event.
CJ Bernard, after a less-than-ideal start, was in 12th on lap 1 but showcased his grit by moving up to 10th by lap 2. He continued to push forward, overtaking another rider to finish 9th. While it wasn’t enough to make the main event, CJ’s resilience in the final LCQ of the season was a testament to his determination and progress as a rookie.
MAIN EVENT
Lux Turner entered the main event as the lone AEO rider. He was aiming to end the season on a strong note and finish inside the top 10 in the 2025 Supercross standings. Lux got off to a mid-pack start, sitting in 15th after lap 1. However, the East/West shuffle caused him to drop a few spots, and by lap 2, he was in 18th place. Lux continued to battle throughout the main event, moving between 18th and 16th as the laps went by. In the end, he crossed the finish line in 16th place, securing 10th overall in the final 2025 Supercross standings.
OVERALL SEASON STATEMENT
The 2025 season was filled with challenges, but it also highlighted the resilience and growth of the AEO KTM Racing Team. The season began on a difficult note in San Diego, with all three riders experiencing hard crashes. Talon Hawkins suffered the most severe injury, breaking his femur and ending his Supercross season early. The team quickly rallied to support Avery Long, who sustained a concussion, and together they navigated a tough season.
Rookie CJ Bernard showed great promise in his debut season, qualifying into the night show at both Denver and Salt Lake City, despite only racing in two events. This accomplishment was a significant achievement for the young rider.
Although the crew was relatively new, the energy and passion within the team were undeniable. Their determination and commitment to moving forward kept the momentum going, despite the obstacles faced.
Looking ahead, the AEO KTM Racing Team is excited to shift focus to the outdoor season, with the opening round at Fox Raceway in Pala, CA just around the corner in two weeks.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of the team’s sponsors who made the 2025 Supercross season possible. Their support, providing top-tier equipment and products, allowed the AEO KTM Racing Team to continue pushing forward throughout the season. Here’s to a strong finish to the Supercross season and an even more exciting outdoor campaign ahead!
OVERALL POINTS STANDING:
Lux Turner
Race Results: 16th
Overall Points Standing: 10th
Avery Long
Race Results: N/A
Overall Points Standing: 21st
CJ Bernard
Race Results: N/A
Overall Points Standing: 37th
