The 2026 Thunder Valley National brings Round 3 of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship to Lakewood, Colorado, on June 13. This mile-high showdown tests riders and machines like no other stop on the calendar. Fans catching Race Day Live coverage around 9:30 pm IST will see the Lawrence brothers and a stacked field battle through the thin air and brutal hills that define this legendary track.
Date, Time & Venue
June 13, 2026 Thunder Valley Motocross Park Lakewood, Colorado (just outside Denver, ~5,500+ ft elevation)
Local MDT schedule highlights:
- Race Day Live / Qualifying coverage begins midday
- Gate drops for motos in the early afternoon local time
The high altitude creates a unique challenge. Bikes lose power, riders fight for oxygen on climbs, and teams spend hours dialing jetting and maps. The track itself rewards aggressive lines and strong starts.
Live Streaming & Telecast
United States
- Peacock: Full Race Day Live coverage (qualifying and beyond) plus main program motos starting around 3 p.m. ET
- NBC: Live two-hour window at 4 p.m. ET featuring select motos (typically first 250 moto and second 450 moto)
International
- SuperMotocross VideoPass or regional partners for live and on-demand
Audio options include SiriusXM for race day commentary. The production delivers multiple camera angles on the massive hills and step-ups that make Thunder Valley special.
Championship Standings (After Round 2)
Hunter Lawrence holds a narrow lead after strong opening rounds. Jett Lawrence sits close behind and loves this track.
450 Class Top Standings
| Position | Rider | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hunter Lawrence | 94 |
| 2 | Jett Lawrence | 88 |
| 3 | Haiden Deegan | 75 |
| 4 | R.J. Hampshire | 63 |
| 5 | Chase Sexton | 61 |
Key Rider Battles & Storylines
The Lawrence brothers headline everything. Hunter leads the championship, but Jett has owned recent Thunder Valley results and will push hard to close the gap.
Haiden Deegan continues his rise and brings aggressive style that shines on technical tracks. Chase Sexton and R.J. Hampshire lurk in the top five, ready to capitalize on any mistakes. International riders like Jorge Prado add depth and speed.
Watch for riders who adapt fastest to the altitude. Some thrive in the thin air; others fade on the final laps of long motos. The track’s big climbs and step-ups punish anyone who doesn’t manage energy perfectly.
Track Report & Weather
Thunder Valley features steep hills, technical sections, and elevation changes that punish the unfit. The dirt usually offers good bite early but can get loose and dusty as the day progresses.
Expect warm June conditions in Lakewood — highs in the 80s with a chance of isolated afternoon storms typical for the area. Morning sessions often run cooler and smoother. Teams will monitor track evolution closely between motos.
Injury Updates & Team News
Most top riders enter healthy, though some are managing minor early-season niggles. Teams focused heavily on altitude-specific bike setup this week — jetting, mapping, and suspension tweaks matter more here than almost anywhere else. Expect smooth operations from the factory Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and KTM squads.
Records & Milestones
Jett Lawrence has dominated recent editions at Thunder Valley, winning the 450 class in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The track has produced legendary battles over the years. Today’s results could add another chapter to the Lawrence family legacy or hand momentum to the next generation.
Race Prediction
Hunter Lawrence takes the overall win and extends his championship lead. Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan will pressure him hard in both motos. Expect tight racing early and possible shake-ups on the final laps when fatigue hits in the thin air.
The 250 class should deliver fireworks too, with young talents looking to make statements.
Fantasy Team Tips (Expert Picks)
Focus on consistent scorers who handle altitude well:
- Must-start: Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence
- Value plays: Haiden Deegan and R.J. Hampshire
- Sleeper: Keep an eye on strong starters who can grab holeshots and build early points
Build your squad around riders proven at technical, high-elevation tracks. Avoid overthinking — the Lawrence brothers remain the safest floor.
Quick Takeaways for Race Day
The mile-high air turns Thunder Valley into a different sport. Riders who manage their bodies and bikes best will rise to the top.
Tune in early for qualifying on Peacock, stay locked for the motos, and enjoy one of the most unique atmospheres in American motocross. The championship feels wide open after two rounds — today could reshape the entire summer narrative.
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- Ends ■
