Words and photos from Gizmo Racing Yamaha
The 250SX East season opener featured Valentin Guillod, Bryce Shelly, and CJ Benard lining up for the team, while Ty Masterpool and Patrick Murphy were sidelined due to injury.
In the premier 450SX class, Freddie Noren continued to showcase his trademark “Fast Freddie” speed and determination. Following qualifying, Noren and Benard each secured 18th overall in their respective classes. In the 250SX division, Shelly qualified 27th overall, with Guillod 34th overall heading into the night program.
As the Heat Races began, the team was focused and ready to put in the work. Unfortunately, Noren, Shelly, and Benard were each involved in separate Heat Race crashes, forcing them to charge forward from deep in the field. The incidents left them with less-than-ideal gate picks for their LCQ appearances.
In the LCQ, Shelly executed a strong start and immediately put himself in transfer position. Meanwhile, Noren and Guillod both suffered crashes after poor starts, ending their nights early. Benard battled through the pack but was unable to advance into a transfer spot. Shelly capitalized on his opportunity, finishing an impressive second in the LCQ to secure his spot in the Main Event.
In the Main Event, Shelly was caught in a first-turn crash but remounted quickly and pushed through the pain of exhaust burns and road rash to finish 20th overall, earning two championship points for his determined effort.
The team will regroup and look to build momentum heading into the next round at Daytona International Speedway.
Freddie Noren #63
Freddie said, “Speed is definitely coming around which I’m happy about, made a couple good passes on opening laps in Heat Race and was in a good transfer spot when I then washed my front out. LCQ, unfortunately, another wash out around the second corner and couldn’t make it back to a transfer spot. Speed is plenty to transfer though Heat Race, so need to work on my consistency! Bike and Team are doing a good job so I know it’s there and looking forward to Daytona!”
Valentin Guillod #63
Valentin had this to say after his first Supercross, “I didn’t imagine my first ever Supercross race in the way, but it’s like this. I’m lucky to be healthy after a rider landed on my arm in the LCQ race. Everything was new for me, now I know what to expect, race format, track…Thanks to the Team and sponsors.”
Bryce Shelly #80
“I had a solid LCQ to put it in the Main Event, but I was involved in a crash on the start in both the Heat Race & Main Event which made it a tough night. I’m happy to score a couple points and onto the next round”, said Bryce after his opening round of 2026.
CJ Benard #775
“First one out of the way and I felt solid in qualifying, in the Heat Race I collided with another rider on the first lap, which set me way back. That put me on the outside of the gate for the LCQ and just didn’t execute the start and with that short of a race I can’t be doing that, so I’ll take the positives and learn from it and be better!” is what CJ said after the 1st round of his Sophomore Pro Season.
