Words from AEO Powersports – Imaged by Michael Lindsay/Vital MX
The AEO Powersports KTM Racing Team faced a challenging weekend at Round 10 of the AMA Supercross Championship in Birmingham, Alabama, as the highly anticipated East/West Showdown brought together competitors from both coasts.
Entering the weekend short handed, the team made the strategic decision to support rookie Kyle Wise in sitting out the round as he continues to rebuild strength in his leg. Carson Mumford was also sidelined due to ongoing arm issues that have impacted his performance in recent weeks. The team continues to work closely with him to identify the root cause, with the goal of returning to competition at the next Showdown in St. Louis.
That left Avery Long as the sole representative for AEO Powersports KTM Racing in Birmingham.
With the East Coast series having been underway for the past four weeks, Long entered the weekend facing a gap in race conditions. The primary focus was to regain race pace and rhythm against a stacked field.
Qualifying proved to be a hurdle, as Long finished 37th overall in combined times, putting him in a tough position heading into the night program. In his heat race, Long showed early promise by positioning himself in 8th place on the opening lap. However, as the race progressed, he was shuffled just outside of a transfer position and ultimately missed advancing to the main event by one spot.
In the Last Chance Qualifier, Long faced additional adversity with a last-place start. Despite his efforts, he was unable to work his way through the pack to secure a transfer position to the main event.
While the results were not reflective of the team’s expectations, the weekend provided valuable track time and insight as Long continues to rebuild race intensity. The team now shifts its focus to the upcoming round in St. Louis, where they aim to return stronger and, pending recovery, welcome Carson Mumford back behind the gate.
