Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Red Bull/KTM’s Riders Look to Back Up Season-Best Performances in Colorado

Leading the team with his second career podium, Nelson also added a holeshot award to his season resume. It didn’t take long to back up his first career podium, which he claimed at the penultimate round last season in Crawfordsville, Indiana.“It’s great to feel like the momentum is in my favor,” said Nelson. “I am happy I was able to put Hangtown behind me and get a podium at Glen Helen. Last year at Thunder Valley, I didn’t miss the podium by much and really would love to go back-to-back this weekend.”

While Nelson tied his best finish, teammate Shane McElrath has been able to capitalize on a healthy start to the season. His previous best was 11th at Miller Motorsports Park last season after coming back from injury, and he improved that result greatly by finishing sixth over the weekend with a 9-3. Because of injuries last season, this weekend will be McElrath’s first trip to Thunder Valley.“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of racing at altitude,” said McElrath. “I know there are some other tracks that have some altitude like Utah, which is where I had my previous best finish, so we’ll see if I can break into the top five.”

Also making his Thunder Valley debut this weekend is Oldenburg. The newest team member has quickly adapted to the KTM 250 SX-F machine and posted his career-best finish of 12th this past weekend with a 10-15 moto result. Oldenburg is focused on breaking the top-10 barrier this weekend.