The Next Gen MotoTrials Youth and Women’s Western Regional Championship brought the 2026 Next Gen season to a fitting close in Hualapai, Arizona, July 18-19, where riders faced a weekend defined by challenging terrain, steady progression, and relentless weather.
By Steph Vetterly
The Arizona venue offered a classic trials mix: grippy rocks paired with slippery dirt, forcing riders to stay precise with throttle, balance and line choice. The sections were set at an appropriate level and length for each class, giving competitors a meaningful challenge without overwhelming the developing riders who make the Next Gen events such an important part of the sport.
Weather became one of the biggest storylines of the weekend. Rain fell every day, with thunderstorms rolling through during competition on both Friday and Saturday. Sunday finally offered a brief window of relief, with the rain holding off until after the event was complete. The conditions added difficulty across the board, changing traction and forcing riders to adapt quickly from section to section.
At the front of the premier classes, the battles were strong all weekend. In youth competition, TRS USA’s Thomas Keady and Beta USA’s Bennett Hubner pushed each other throughout the event, continuing a rivalry that has helped define the Next Gen season. In the women’s ranks, Trial Store USA’s Kylie Glueck and Beta USA’s Abigail Buzzelli delivered another standout matchup, with both riders showing the skill and composure that have made the Sportswoman class one of the highlights of the championship.
When the final scores were settled, Hubner and Glueck emerged as the overall winners, each earning the coveted Ram trophy.
Beyond the results, the weekend showed the continued growth of the program. Multiple young riders moved up into harder classes, taking on new challenges and proving the value of the Next Gen platform. Despite the rain, the atmosphere stayed positive, closing the season with progress, competition, and plenty of smiles.
2026 Next Gen MotoTrials Arizona Results
YOUTH A ES
SATURDAY (Top 5)
- Bennett Hubner (Bet) 24
- Thomas Keady (TRS) 28
- Brody Vankirk (Bet) 80
- Gage O’Niell (Bet) 100
- Shane Bower (Bet) DNF
SUNDAY (Top 5)
- Thomas Keady (TRS) 15
- Bennett Hubner (Bet) 18
- Brody Vankirk (Bet) 39
- Gage O’Niell (Bet) 74
- Shane Bower (Bet) 80
