Words from AEO Powersports – Imaged by Michael Lindsay/Vital MX
The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team continued to show its determination and resilience at Round 4 of the Pro Motocross Championship at High Point Raceway, overcoming adversity throughout the day and ultimately delivering the team’s strongest outdoor moto performance of the season.
Both Carson Mumford and Avery Long qualified directly into the motos despite facing challenges during the morning sessions. Mumford posted qualifying finishes of 14th and 11th in the two sessions, while Long recorded 33rd and 30th. Long suffered a heavy crash during the opening qualifying session that left him shaken but was able to regroup and secure a direct transfer into the motos.
Moto 1 brought an early setback for the team when Mumford experienced significant mechanical issues and was forced to retire after just one lap, resulting in a DNF. With only a short break between motos, the AEO Powersports KTM crew sprang into action, completing a full engine swap and preparing Mumford’s KTM for the second moto.
Long put together a determined effort in Moto 1. Starting 27th, he worked his way into 22nd by Lap 11 before suffering two crashes that dropped him back to 28th at the finish.
The team’s hard work paid off in Moto 2 as Mumford delivered one of the standout rides of the day. After crossing the opening lap in 20th position, he charged forward quickly into the top ten and began battling with several factory-backed riders. Mumford spent much of the race fighting inside the top five, showcasing impressive speed, grit, and determination. After pushing hard early and riding aggressively to maintain position, fatigue began to set in during the latter stages of the moto, causing him to surrender a few spots. However, Mumford dug deep in the closing laps and executed a last-lap pass to secure an impressive seventh-place finish.
Long faced another challenge in Moto 2 after crashing in the first turn and completing the opening lap in 40th position. Refusing to quit, the young KTM rider mounted a strong comeback ride through the field, advancing 17 positions to finish 23rd.
One of the biggest highlights of the weekend came from the AEO Powersports KTM mechanics and support staff, whose quick preparation and flawless execution of the between-moto engine change allowed Mumford to return to the gate and ultimately produce the team’s best outdoor moto result to date.
Results
Carson Mumford – 14th
Race Result: DNF | 7th
Points Standing: 11th (Tied in points with 10th Overall Points)
Avery Long – 27th
Race Result: 28th | 23rd
Points Standing: 35th
