Words and images from AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team
Round 2 – 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship | Hangtown
The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team battled through extreme heat and tough track conditions this weekend in Northern California for Round 2 of the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Hangtown.
Qualifying:
With temperatures already pushing 90 degrees by the time the riders hit the track, it was a true test of endurance from the start. Lux Turner set a solid pace in Qualifying 1 with a 17th seeded time of 2:01.130. Avery Long was not far behind in 20th, and CJ Bernard rounded out the trio in 25th. In Qualifying 2, Avery managed to better his time to a 2:00.778, despite the deteriorating track and elevated heat.
After combining both sessions, the riders were seeded as follows:
- Avery Long – 28th
- Lux Turner – 31st
- CJ Bernard – 49th
Lux Turner
Coming into the weekend nursing a sore hand from a sprain sustained at Round 1 in Pala, Lux focused on riding smart and maintaining consistent positions. In Moto 1, he started just behind teammate Avery Long and steadily progressed, clocking his fastest lap on Lap 4. He moved from 30th up to 25th and continued charging forward to finish 21st. In Moto 2, a stronger gate drop saw Lux inside the top 20 early, crossing Lap 1 in 19th. The high heat began to take its toll, but Lux held on and finished once again in 21st, matching his Moto 1 result.
Avery Long
Avery came into Hangtown determined to improve from Round 1, showing promising speed in qualifying and both motos. Starting Moto 1 in 29th, he fought hard through the pack. By Lap 7, he had climbed to 22nd and later secured two more positions to finish 20th. While his pace was strong, a few mistakes limited his overall gain. Moto 2 started much stronger, as Avery slotted into 17th by Lap 4. A slip-up cost him momentum, dropping him to 25th, but he rallied and crossed the line in 19th, showing grit and late-race intensity.
CJ Bernard
The rookie of the team, CJ Bernard, showed flashes of promise and fight, despite facing a tough day in the California heat. A rough start in Moto 1 had him in 34th after Lap 1. He charged hard, reaching 26th by Lap 4, setting his best lap in the process. Unfortunately, a crash dropped him back to 32nd, but he clawed back to a respectable 25th by the checkered flag. In Moto 2, CJ got tangled early and suffered a crash on Lap 3. Prioritizing safety and health, the team made the call to end his day early — a wise move for the rookie adapting to the grueling outdoor schedule.
Next Stop: Thunder Valley – Round 3
With California behind them, the team heads to the higher elevations and clay-based soil of Thunder Valley in Colorado. The focus heading into Round 3 will be on improving starts, reducing race-day mistakes, and adapting quickly to the changing dirt and weather conditions. As the terrain changes, so too will the opportunity for each rider’s unique strengths to shine.
The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team remains committed, focused, and ready for more.
OVERALL POINTS STANDING:
Lux Turner
Race Results: 21 | 21
Overall Points Standing: 22nd
Avery Long
Race Results: 20 | 19
Overall Points Standing: 23rd
CJ Benard
Race Results: 25 | DNF
Overall Points Standing: 27th
