The third round of the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship arrives at Thunder Valley Motocross Park in Lakewood, Colorado, with the first major gate drops scheduled for a high-stakes afternoon of racing. Fans at the mile-high track and watching from home will see the sport’s biggest stars launch into battle under the Colorado sun.
Thunder Valley always delivers a unique test. The altitude saps power from engines and lungs alike, while the technical layout rewards precise lines and smart pacing across two motos per class. With Hunter Lawrence leading the 450 standings and his brother Jett right behind him, the stage is set for fireworks once the gates fall.
Date, Time & Venue
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Venue: Thunder Valley Motocross Park, 701 South Rooney Road, Lakewood, Colorado
Local Time (MDT): Opening ceremonies around 2:15–3:00 PM, followed by gate drops starting approximately 3:15 PM for 450 Moto 1.
The full program runs through the evening with 250 and Women’s Motocross motos wrapping up later. The event operates rain or shine, though typical June weather brings warm days and the chance of late-afternoon mountain storms.
Live Streaming & Telecast
Viewers in the United States can catch key segments on NBC, with additional coverage and full motos available via the official Pro Motocross Video Pass and Peacock streaming service. Live timing and scoring run throughout the day on promotocross.com and the series app. International fans often access the Video Pass for complete on-demand and live options.
Track Report & Conditions
Thunder Valley sits at roughly 5,400 feet elevation. The thinner air forces teams to adjust jetting, gearing, and suspension for the day. The track features big step-ups, rolling hills, and sections that rut quickly once racing begins. Morning qualifying sessions give riders a feel for the dirt, but conditions evolve fast once the motos start and the sun sits higher.
Expect a fast, physical layout that punishes mistakes and rewards riders who manage energy across the 30-minute-plus-two-lap motos. The red dirt can get loose in high-traffic areas, setting up dramatic passes and potential comebacks in moto two.
450 Class Championship Standings (Entering Thunder Valley)
| Position | Rider | Hometown | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hunter Lawrence | Landsborough, Australia | 94 |
| 2 | Jett Lawrence | Landsborough, Australia | 88 |
| 3 | Chase Sexton | Temecula, CA | 75 |
| 4 | Aaron Plessinger | Hudson, FL | 63 |
| 5 | Justin Barcia | La Moille, IL | 61 |
Injury Updates & Rider News
Both Lawrence brothers looked sharp in qualifying sessions, with Jett and Hunter locking in strong starting positions. Reports from the paddock indicated Jett was managing a minor foot or ankle issue from earlier in the week but showed no major limitations once on track. The rest of the top 450 group reported clean bills of health heading into the motos.
Young talents such as Lucas Coenen and Jorge Prado have also impressed in practice, adding depth to an already stacked field. In the 250 class, riders like Levi Kitchen, Julien Beaumer, and Cole Davies continue their strong campaigns.
Key Rider Battles to Watch
The headline matchup remains Hunter Lawrence versus Jett Lawrence. With only six points separating them, every position matters. Chase Sexton will look to split the brothers and steal maximum points. Haiden Deegan and other aggressive riders add chaos that could shake up the podium order.
At Thunder Valley specifically, past results show that starting position and the ability to adapt mid-moto often decide the overall winner. Riders who conserve energy early and attack late tend to come out on top when the second moto rolls around.
Race Predictions & What to Expect
Expect a tight 450 overall. Hunter Lawrence enters as the points leader and has shown consistency all season, but Jett has looked hungry in recent sessions and knows how to win at altitude. Sexton remains dangerous on any given weekend and could steal a moto win if the Lawrences swap positions or make small errors.
In the 250 class, the battle for supremacy looks wide open. Whoever manages the technical sections and the altitude best across both motos will likely take the overall victory and valuable championship points.
Records & Milestones
Thunder Valley has produced legendary moments since joining the schedule in 2005. Multiple-time champions have used strong performances here to build title leads. The Lawrence brothers already own multiple wins at the venue across their careers. A victory for either this weekend would further cement their status as the dominant force in 2026.
Fantasy Team Tips
In fantasy motocross formats, stacking the Lawrence brothers plus Chase Sexton gives a solid foundation. For differential picks in grand leagues, consider riders who qualified well but sit just outside the top five in points — they often deliver strong results on tracks that reward aggression. Small-league players can safely lean on the proven top guns for consistent scoring.
Press Conference & Rider Outlook
Riders spoke of the unique demands of Thunder Valley during media day. The altitude changes everything from bike setup to riding style. Several noted that the track rewards patience early and aggression once lines develop. The Lawrence brothers both expressed confidence after strong qualifying, while Sexton emphasized his team’s preparation for the thinner air.
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