Words and photos from Gizmo Racing Yamaha
As the third round of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship took place, the Gizmo Racing Factory Yamaha team established phenomenal results through every segment of competition. The athletes and crew members of the premier-level assembly excelled – exhibiting a determined outlook through the finish line of the Thunder Valley event.
Valentin Guillod displayed an extraordinary output of speed across the Colorado course and his efforts translated to strong showings within each race of the afternoon program. Throughout all laps of 450SMX racing, Guillod battled with remarkable intensity – and after earning scores of seventeenth (in 450SMX Moto One) and fourteenth (in 450SMX Moto Two), Valentin secured fourteenth overall as well.
Keegan Rowley established a multitude of strong laps in practice, and after progressing to the 250SMX LCQ thereafter, Rowley continued to ascend amongst the field. His efforts equated to a notable sixth-place score – and amongst the two-moto format that followed, Rowley’s combination of results (i.e. forty-first in 250SMX Moto One and thirty-third in 250SMX Moto Two), his overall finish of thirty-seventh, would be a remarkable feat to build from.
The number sixty-three of Freddie Noren was sensational throughout each lap of qualifying, and his momentum was sustained as the green flag waved for competition in the 450SMX category. After charging throughout the elevation changes of the Lakewood layout, Freddie soared over the finish line jump to secure results of sixteenth (in 450SMX Moto One) and nineteenth (in 450SMX Moto Two), for eighteenth in the final standings.
CJ Benard presented an incredible level of talent amongst the earliest laps of Saturday’s practice sectors, and in the 250SMX afternoon program that followed, he continued to thrive. After accelerating through the challenging Thunder Valley circuit, Benard’s accumulation of scores (i.e. twenty-fourth in 250SMX Moto One and twenty-eighth in 250SMX Moto Two), translated to twenty-seventh on the overall leaderboard.
France’s Stephen Rubini exhibited remarkable prowess on the motorcycle, and his velocity throughout practice was among the best in the division. Stephen’s intensity propelled him into the 450SMX afternoon program, and after competing across every lap with exceptional technique, Rubini secured results of thirty-second (in 450SMX Moto One) and twenty-ninth (in 450SMX Moto Two), for thirtieth in the final standings.
With racing in Colorado now completed, the Gizmo Racing Factory Yamaha team will prepare for next Saturday’s competition in Pennsylvania. The team is eager to excel at the High Point venue, and will be contending for superb finishes, within the fourth round
of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship.
