Words and images from AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team
Round 1 – 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship | Fox Raceway
The 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship kicked off under sunny skies at Fox Raceway, and the AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team laid down a solid foundation to build from this season. With a three-rider roster featuring returners Lux Turner and Avery Long, alongside rookie CJ Benard making his pro motocross debut, the team was ready to take on a stacked 250 Class field that saw 78 riders in combined qualifying.
Qualifying:
The team qualified solidly in the mid-pack, showcasing the competitive depth of the class. Lux Turner led the charge in 22nd, Avery Long followed closely in 24th, CJ Benard rounded out the team’s efforts with a respectable 29th in his first pro national.
Lux Turner:
Lux came into Round 1 with solid preparation and showed that with two strong starts—launching off the gate inside the top 10 in both motos. However, holding that pace proved to be the challenge. Mistakes mid-moto saw him slip back, but Lux showed resilience, mounting late-race charges each time. Despite battling through a field packed with over 20 Factory-supported riders, Turner’s consistency earned him a top-20 spot to open the season.
Avery Long:
Avery had to fight hard at Fox Raceway. His day started off tough with a crash early in Moto 1, leaving him deep in the pack at 34th. But he showed grit, charging up 13 positions to finish 21st. In Moto 2, he got off to a much better start, sitting 17th early and pushing into 14th. Unfortunately, a run-in with a deep rut bent his shifter, severely limiting his performance and forcing him to limp home in 29th. Despite the adversity, Long proved he has the pace and determination to climb through the field.
CJ Benard:
Rookie CJ Benard took his first steps into the outdoor pro ranks, and showed promise as he focused on learning and logging race laps. Moto 1 proved difficult with early vision issues and a lost rear brake that derailed his momentum. He dropped from 23rd to 32nd and held on from there. In Moto 2, CJ bounced back with a better start and solid pace, jumping up from 28th to finish just outside the points in 21st. Benard’s progression throughout the day showed he’s adapting quickly, and his Moto 2 performance points to a steep upward trajectory.
Looking Ahead
Round 1 at Fox Raceway gave the AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team a clear picture of the season ahead: a competitive class, lessons learned, and plenty of promise. With each rider showing moments of strength and potential which will be carried into Round 2 at Hangtown and throughout the season.
OVERALL POINTS STANDING:
Lux Turner
Race Results: 19 | 18
Overall Points Standing: 20th
Avery Long
Race Results: 21 | 29
Overall Points Standing: 24th
CJ Bernard
Race Results: 34 | 21
Overall Points Standing: 23rd
