LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS
Today marks the beginning of the 2010 Amateur National Motocross Championships, taking place in Hurricane Mills, TN. Amateur riders, both young and old, have converged on Loretta Lynn’s ranch 90 minutes southwest of Nashville this week for the 29th consecutive year, dating back to 1982. The track is nestled on the sprawling land of country music legend Loretta Lynn, and is occupied by her stable of horses much of the year leaving it untouched by a dirt bike until race week. With the track under water as recently as May due to heavy flooding, there was skepticism that the race would even run in 2010. However the dedicated track crew worked arduously over past three months to be ready for this week. The track is in phenomenal shape and prepped for racing, evidenced here in an iLap by our good friend Davey Coombs.
For those young riders looking to become the next greatest professional, The Ranch serves as the final stop and ultimate test of their capabilities. Succeed here and they could find themselves on a factory ride for 2011. Fail, and their pro dreams may crash here. For the older riders, the nostalgia and pride fuels their passion for racing. Veteran and Master classes are filled with the aspiring youth of yesteryear who still consider dirt bike racing their life’s passion, although now just a hobby. Young or old, everyone at Loretta’s this week has endured rigorous regional qualifiers throughout the summer and across the country to earn a spot on the starting gate.
Over the years, the winners leaving The Ranch as decorated amateurs have gone on to become some of the greatest racers in the world. Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Mike Alessi, Damon Bradshaw, Jeff Emig and Travis Pastrana (to name a few) all grew up winning championships on this hallowed ground. Loretta Lynn’s is a revered race and because of the memories and opportunities it’s provided, it’s not uncommon to find past champions returning year after year to reminisce as well as scout their future competition. The next few generations of Motocross and Supercross stars are here this week. While nervous and excited they’re ready to show they have what it takes on Amateur Racing’s biggest stage. As a true motocross fan, you have to appreciate the purity of this week and what it means to the world of motocross. One track, no advantages, all throttle.
Stay tuned to allisports.com/motocross this week for updates and video highlights from Loretta’s as each day’s results are tabulated. Can’t wait that long? Click here.
For more information and details on the Amateur National Motocross Championships, visit the race homepage here.
