Words and photos from Gizmo Racing Yamaha
Competition transpired for the Hangtown Motocross Classic on Saturday, and the Gizmo Racing Factory Yamaha team excelled, for round two of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship. The team was phenomenal through all aspects of the race weekend, and as the checkered flag waved, many successful results were generated.
Switzerland’s Valentin Guillod was spectacular when speeding across the hillside of the Hangtown track, and his talent translated to remarkable performances in each race of the afternoon program. For the entirety of 450SMX competition, Guillod powered to the front of the pack – displaying tremendous vision while navigating to the finish line. As final results were established for each moto, Valentin earned scores of fourteenth (in 450SMX Moto One) and eleventh, in 450SMX Moto Two, for twelfth overall.
Keegan Rowley’s talent was exhibited throughout the California racetrack, and after putting forth a multitude of strong laps in qualifying, he advanced to the 250SMX LCQ. Within the four-lap format, Keegan was motivated to move forward – and his consistent passing efforts, led to an admirable sixthplace result being obtained at the finish line.
Freddie Noren’s momentum was undeniable as he accelerated throughout the course, and upon transferring to the 450SMX Moto’s, the determination of the veteran was displayed. After speeding from the starting line, Noren maneuvered his way through the layout with explosiveness on the motorcycle. His abilities were superb, and ultimately led to finishes of seventeenth (in 450SMX Moto One) and twentythird, in 450SMX Moto Two, being secured – which equated to twenty-third in the final standings as well.
Arizona’s CJ Benard displayed exceptional velocity through all segments of the Hangtown circuit, and his ambition was sustained through each lap of competition in the 250SMX afternoon program. With the California course continuously amplifying with demand, Benard’s prowess on the motorcycle remained at an elite level. He was proficient from start to finish, for each race, and after assembling a pair of scores consisting of a thirtieth (in 250SMX Moto One) and a twentyfourth (in 250SMX Moto Two), CJ was propelled into thirtieth on the overall leaderboard.
With competition in California concluded, the Gizmo Racing Factory Yamaha team will travel to Colorado, to race amongst the third round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Attention now shifts to the Thunder Valley event – where the attributes and foundation of this world-renowned team are destined to translate to outstanding results in Lakewood.
