Words and images courtesy Gizmo Racing Yamaha
The Monster Energy Supercross Championship made its stop in Denver for Round 16, where the margin for error proved to be as thin as the Mile High air. The day delivered a mix of adversity and achievement, showcasing both the challenges and resilience of the team.
The weekend began on a difficult note, as Ayden Shive suffered a hard crash during Friday’s press day, resulting in a dislocated wrist. On-site medical staff were able to reset it immediately, but despite a determined effort to compete, limited grip strength forced him to exit early from the Heat Race on the demanding track.
Freddie Noren showed promising speed and comfort on the hard-packed surface throughout the day. However, he narrowly missed advancing, finishing just one position short in both his Heat Race and the LCQ.
The standout performance of the weekend came from Keegan Rowley. Rowley established momentum early, posting strong qualifying times and securing a spot in the night show. After a solid start in the Heat Race, he slipped back to 10th—just one position shy of a direct transfer to the Main Event. In the LCQ, Rowley regrouped with a determined ride, working his way forward from a mid-pack start to claim the fourth and final transfer position. He carried that momentum into the 250 Main Event, where he finished 18th, marking a career-best result.
The team now turns its focus to Salt Lake City for the final round of the 2026 Supercross season, looking to close out the championship on a strong note.
Freddie Noren #63 – Freddie said, “Frustrating weekend for sure, I feel like I rode well but didn’t execute the starts like I need to do. Was sitting in a good spot in the lcq to make the transfer but unfortunately got some help to get bumped off the track but it’s part of racing and we’ll be back for next weekend to finish strong”
Ayden Shive #137 – Ayden’s had this to say, “I felt really good on Friday during press but unfortunately had a pretty rough crash landing on my right back forearm and wrist and it swelled up bring big and I tried my best on Saturday but I had 0 grip strength causing me to forfeit on the night , we will be back for the last round. Thanks team!”
Keegan Rowley #900 – CJ said this after the event, “It was a dream come true. I made the main. The first one I got lucky but this weekend in Denver I actually made it happen. Was a little upset with being one spot out in the heat but we made it happen in the lcq and then just raced my race in the main.”
