A pivotal third round of the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship is in the books, with Thunder Valley providing another intense day of racing across both the 450MX and 250MX categories. Our Captured feature revisits the defining moments and key points from the weekend in illustrated form.

450MX rookie Haiden Deegan took additional steps forward at Thunder Valley, which was especially the case in the opening moto. He was later docked seven positions [one position per track infringement] after crossing the line in fourth, and you wonder how much of his off-track excursions – which were evidently faster – contributed to his competitiveness in the race? Moto two was a tougher encounter, as he claimed third by a distant 32-second margin, although signs were pointing in the right direction, progress-wise.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Nick Romano earned a career-first 250MX podium after being without a ride to open the 2026 season. The New Yorker’s stock is rising, and no doubt he is doing all he can to earn a full-time contract for 2027.

Worlds collided when MXGP championship leaders Lucas and Sacha Coenen lined up for their first Pro Motocross race at Thunder Valley, and any questions surrounding their competitiveness in the United States can be put to bed. 2-2 for Lucas earned second overall in 450MX, as well as a second race victory for Sacha in 250MX, showing their readiness to contend with America’s finest.

We’ll have double red plates underneath the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rig at High Point next weekend, as both Levi Kitchen and Seth Hammaker draw level atop the series with 117 points apiece exiting Colorado.

Welcome back to the winners’ circle, Jo Shimoda! It’s been a tough run of injuries for the Japanese rider since his Monster Energy SMX World Championship triumph last year in the 250 division, so Thunder Valley’s overall must feel special. He’s one of those riders who can catch fire when momentum is on his side, so watch this space.

The same cannot be said for Honda HRC Progressive teammate Chance Hymas. The title hopeful recorded just 20-13 moto scores in Colorado for 18th overall, and is now ranked ninth in the points standings – 50 points from Pro Circuit duo Kitchen and Hammaker out front.

The alien Jett Lawrence was up to his old ways again. Just when you think he was on the ropes in moto one, he successfully fends off challenges from Deegan, Hunter Lawrence, and Coenen late in the race. A holeshot in moto two was the end of the day for the competition, as Lawrence hopped around the racetrack to a 9.635s victory margin over Coenen.

Both Hunter Lawrence and Jorge Prado also received penalties for course-cutting in 450MX moto one – Lawrence was docked one position, while Jorge was relegated from fifth to seventh in the race.

The Coenens paid homage to racing legend, fellow Belgian, and motorsport director of KTM and Husqvarna North America, Roger De Coster, with this throwback kit by FLY Racing. A neat addition to their cameo!

After a tough start to Pro Motocross for Monster Energy Kawasaki – thanks to what appears to be a strained Chase Sexton relationship – Garrett Marchbanks is proving to be their knight in shining armour, as he was oh so close to a maiden 450MX podium at Colorado. He finished P4 via a 3-6 scorecard and is seventh overall – not bad considering the depth of the field.

Speaking of Sexton, we lost him due to a big crash on Friday’s press day, where he went over the bars in spectacular fashion. Further evaluation on a sore knee was the update, although not much has been said since. It leaves us again wondering where this partnership goes in the future.