Jorge Prado secured second overall at the RedBud National on Saturday, marking a strong performance for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing during Round 5 of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship. The four-time world champion posted 3-2 moto finishes at the iconic Buchanan, Michigan facility over the Fourth of July weekend.
Prado qualified fourth fastest aboard his KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition with a 2:18.172 lap time before grabbing the holeshot in the opening moto. The Spanish rider led the early stages before settling into third position after a hard-fought battle with his rivals.
The second moto saw Prado once again launch to the holeshot and lead the majority of the race. He ultimately crossed the line in second place, earning enough points for second overall on the day. The result keeps him fourth in the championship standings with 164 points, 63 behind series leader Hunter Lawrence.
“First of all, it’s always crazy to race here at RedBud! Thank you to all the fans who made it super special,” Prado said. “We used the weekend off to make some improvements, and today during the day we kept searching for that feeling, which helped me feel really comfortable in the second moto. We’re getting closer – laps led and a couple of holeshots – so I’m happy with the progress.”
Prado’s 450MX teammate Aaron Plessinger faced a difficult day at RedBud. After qualifying ninth fastest on his KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition, the American’s race ended prematurely following a first-turn crash in Moto 1. Further medical evaluations will determine the extent of his injuries. Plessinger had entered the round fresh off a season-best fifth-place finish at High Point.
In the 250MX class, Julien Beaumer struggled to find his rhythm aboard the KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition. The 20-year-old qualified seventh fastest but suffered crashes in both motos, finishing 15th and 18th respectively for 18th overall. Despite the setback, Beaumer remains fourth in the 250MX standings heading into Southwick.
“It was just one of those days at RedBud for me,” Beaumer reflected. “The riding was great, but I put myself in bad positions – I was at the back in both motos, and really had to work hard to salvage what I could. I’m happy with the way that I am riding and the things I’m doing – I just need to put myself in better positions, which we’ll clean up for next weekend.”
The 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship continues next Saturday, July 11, at Southwick in Massachusetts for Round 6 of the 11-round series.
Photo: KTM Media
