Words and photos from Gizmo Racing Yamaha
As the twelfth round of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship unfolded
on Saturday, the Gizmo Racing Factory Yamaha team delivered a strong showing while
competing in St. Louis. The assembly of athletes and crew members thrived in all aspects
of the 250SX East/West Showdown, and they embraced the challenge while speeding to the
finish line in Missouri.
CJ Benard instantly adapted to the demanding, St. Louis course, across practice and qualifying
circuits. His lap times were a clear representation of undeniable momentum, and after charging
through the earliest sequences of the Eastern Divisional 250SMX Heat Race, Benard would ultimately
soar to a final finish of eleventh. In the 250SMX LCQ that followed, CJ accelerated forward with
determination, and concluded the contest with a result of seventh.
Ayden Shive’s focus on the Missouri racetrack was phenomenal. The talented competitor sped
throughout the layout in qualifying, and he progressed to the Western Divisional 250SMX Heat Race.
Once there, Shive’s precision was displayed through countless laps of competition – and translated to a
score of eleventh, being obtained at the Monster Energy Finish Line. In the 250SMX Last Chance Qualifier,
Shive sprinted ahead with exceptional technique – and when action ceased, Ayden secured a result of
seventeenth.
Keegan Rowley’s unbelievable style was continuously presented as he carved through the Missouri soil in
practice. Rowley conquered each rhythm lane with confidence, and earned atremendous gate choice
within the Western Divisional 250SMX Heat Race. In the laps that followed, Keegan battled with the
utmost effort – and earned an achievement of fourteenth, before exiting the raceway. As competition
then took place in the 250SMX LCQ, Keegan exhibited remarkable race-craft from start to finish – earning
twelfth-place, when crossing the Monster Energy Finish Line.
With Saturday’s, St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Race in St. Louis now complete, the
Gizmo Racing Factory Yamaha team will travel to Nashville for the next round of the 2026
Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. The momentum of the premier-level
unit continues to increase, and they’ll certainly ascend as racing transpires in Tennessee
as well.
