Words from AEO Powersports – Imaged by Michael Lindsay/Vital MX
The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team lined up in Houston for the first Triple Crown of the 2026 Supercross season, where three shortened main events meant triple the intensity and zero room for mistakes. With higher stakes and rapid-fire gate drops, the night demanded strong starts, quick decisions, and relentless effort.
The team showed clear improvement right out of the gate, with stronger starts and better early positioning across all three motos. In the Triple Crown format, every start mattered, and AEO Powersports KTM riders were locked in for an all-out sprint each time the gate dropped.
Qualifying
Carson Mumford: 8th – 49.081
Avery Long: 13th – 50.470
Carson Mumford
Carson Mumford came into Houston motivated and determined to prove himself, and he did just that with noticeable improvements off the gate. Despite battling illness throughout the day, Mumford showed speed, toughness, and racecraft across all three motos.
- Moto 1: Mumford launched well and crossed the holeshot line in 11th before charging forward early. By the end of the opening lap he was up to 8th, continuing his push into 6th by lap six. He rode strong and consistent through the middle of the race, ultimately surrendering just one position late in the moto to finish inside the top seven.
- Moto 2: Fighting through the effects of being under the weather, Mumford crossed the line in 13th. After starting 11th on lap one, he kept his focus on cracking the top ten and made it happen by lap three, moving into 9th. He held that position with determination, refusing to give up ground despite fatigue setting in.
- Moto 3: Starts were again a strength, as Mumford rocketed to 4th off the gate and into turn one. Unfortunately, the physical toll of illness hit hard in the final moto. After getting caught up in an early shuffle, he dropped outside the top ten midway through the race and ultimately finished 15th. While the result didn’t reflect his early potential, the speed and starts showed what Mumford is capable of when fully healthy.
Avery Long
Avery Long showcased flashes of speed, resilience, and race intelligence throughout the Triple Crown, overcoming adversity and continuing to build consistency.
- Moto 1: Long got an outstanding start, crossing the holeshot line in 4th. After a few small mistakes, he was shuffled back to 9th by lap four. On lap five, a crash cost him his seat, but rather than pulling off, Long showed determination by remounting and finishing the moto.
- Moto 2: Avery ranked 2nd in Hard Charger ranking, making up eight positions during the race. After starting well outside the top ten, he steadily worked forward, coming agonizingly close to a top-ten result by lap nine while running 11th. He ultimately crossed the line in 11th, with the charge highlighting his persistence and race pace.
- Moto 3: With a top-ten start, Long focused on riding smart and consistent, understanding that the overall result wouldn’t be decided in a single moto. He maintained solid lap times and remained inside the top ten for all but two laps, delivering a composed and calculated ride to close out the night.
The Houston Triple Crown showcased the AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team’s progress, particularly in starts and early-race execution. With improved positioning, flashes of front-running speed, and undeniable grit from both riders, the team leaves Houston motivated and focused on building forward as the Supercross season continues.
Results
Avery Long
Race Result: 21-11-10
Overall: 14th
Carson Mumford
Race Result: 7-9-15
Overall: 10th
