Words and images from AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team
Round 3 – 2025 AMA Pro Motocross Championship | Thunder Valley
The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team showed promise and focus in their second motos on the mountainside of Thunder Valley. With conditions changing throughout the day, the team worked hard to adapt, with all three riders emphasizing improvement, consistency, and learning from each lap.
Qualifying
Thunder Valley delivered a deep, rutted track that tested both rider skill and bike setup. The track developed heavily throughout the day.
All three riders set their best qualifying times in Q2:
- Lux Turner – 2:20.128
- Avery Long – 2:23.231
- CJ Benard – 2:24.543
Lux Turner
Lux had a solid showing in qualifying and carried that momentum into Moto 1. After a mid-pack start, he worked his way forward, going from 24th on lap 1 to a strong finish in 17th by the checkered flag—displaying both pace and racecraft. In Moto 2, Lux grabbed an impressive start and was running in 6th early, battling up front with some of the top factory riders. Unfortunately, contact with another rider caused a tweak to his back, and he wisely pulled off to avoid further injury.
Avery Long
Avery’s Moto 1 showed heart and grit. After a tough jump off the gate left him in 34th on lap 1, he clawed back to 22nd by lap 4. A small tip-over shuffled him to 28th, but Avery never gave up—mounting a late charge to finish 20th. Moto 2 began with an excellent start, where Avery launched into 8th and pushed forward into 6th, setting his fastest lap of the day at 2:15.718. Unfortunately, his charge was cut short by a mechanical issue that forced a DNF, robbing him of what could’ve been a career-best moto.
CJ Benard
CJ, the rookie, used this round to gain critical experience on the national stage, making his first appearance at Thunder Valley. In Moto 1, he started 27th and finished 28th as he learned the tough layout. Moto 2 showed major improvement. Though he started 36th, CJ rode smart and steady, working his way through the field and finishing in 21st—his best moto finish of the season so far, a sign of continued progress and adaptation.
Next Stop: High Point – Round 4
The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team made great strides in adapting to the unique conditions of Thunder Valley compared to the hardpack tracks in California. The riders showed they can charge through the field and run with strong company when they get good starts and minimize mistakes.
We now head east to Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, for Round 4 at High Point, where the team looks to build on the gains made in Colorado and keep the momentum rolling.
Overall Points Standing:
Lux Turner
Race Results: 17 | DNF
Overall Points: 21st
Avery Long
Race Results: 20 | DNF
Overall Points: 25th
CJ Benard
Race Results: 27 | 22
Overall Points: 30th
