Words from AEO Powersports – Imaged by Michael Lindsay/Vital MX
The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team continued its positive momentum at Round 5 of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship at the legendary Red Bud MX, with both Carson Mumford and Avery Long showcasing determination, speed, and progress throughout the day.
Carson Mumford continued his steady upward trajectory with another impressive performance, demonstrating the speed and race craft needed to battle inside the top ten. Meanwhile, Avery Long displayed remarkable resilience and fitness, overcoming adversity in Moto 1 with one of the most impressive charges through the field despite challenging circumstances.
Qualifying saw both riders post encouraging times. Mumford secured 16th gate pick with a best lap of 2:26.167, while Long recorded his strongest qualifying performance of the 2026 Pro Motocross season, earning 24th with a lap of 2:28.691.
Moto 1 presented immediate challenges for Long after becoming caught in a first-turn pile-up that left him crossing the holeshot line in 37th position. Refusing to give in, Long put together an outstanding comeback ride, charging through the field to finish 20th. His 17-position gain earned him the Hard Charger honors, recognizing the rider who advanced the most positions during the race.
Mumford once again put himself in contention from the start, beginning the opening moto just outside the top ten in 13th. Consistently turning fast laps, he advanced to 11th by lap eight and maintained the position through the checkered flag.
Moto 2 proved to be the highlight of the weekend for Mumford. Launching another strong start in 12th, he quickly showcased his speed on the rough, technical RedBud circuit. By lap three, after posting his fastest lap of the race, Mumford had climbed into ninth before continuing his charge into seventh. Battling with factory-supported riders throughout the moto, he held strong to secure an impressive seventh-place finish.
Long’s second moto unfortunately ended early after a crash forced him to retire following 10 laps, cutting short what had the potential to be another strong performance.
The Red Bud weekend further highlighted the continued progress being made by both AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team riders. Mumford’s pace against some of the sport’s top factory competitors reinforces that he is closing in on a top 10 position in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship standings. Long also enjoyed a significant breakthrough in fitness and confidence, with his Moto 1 performance demonstrating his ability to charge through the field and compete deep into the race.
The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team now looks ahead to carrying this momentum into the next round as the Pro Motocross Championship enters the heart of the summer schedule and onto sandy Southwick.
Results
Carson Mumford – 8th
Race Result: 11th | 7th
Points Standing: 11th
Avery Long – 22nd
Race Result: 20th | DNF
Points Standing: 31st
