Cycle News Staff | August 3, 2011
The 2011 Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship presented by AMSOIL kicked off its 30th year celebration of amateur motocross at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Tuesday’s racing could not have made for a more exciting opener as the best riders in the country lined up together on the historical Loretta Lynn race track for a shot at the coveted AMA Amateur National Championship title.
The track crew made a few minor changes that proved to be a hit with the riders as they brought in more sand to add into the loamy dirt mixture. “They put a lot of sand down before practice; I liked how the track developed,” said Adam Cianciarulo. “I know some of the sand is going to be gone by tomorrow and I really like it so I’m bummed to see it go.”
The 2011 course also debuted the brand new tunnel jump, which serves not only as a safe place for infield members to cross, but it also as a gnarly dragon-back obstacle for riders to master.
Monster Energy Kawasaki’ Cianciarulo had no problem conquering Tuesday’s track as he posted two moto wins in the Supermini 1 and 2 classes, putting him once step closer to another championship title. Cianciarulo didn’t have a desirable year at Loretta’s in 2010, so the Kawasaki rider is looking to seek redemption this year.
Adam Cianciarulo is hoping for a better year this time at LL. So far so good.
“AC” wasn’t the only rider to capture multiple wins on the day; Alabama’s Clark Stiles went two-for-two in the Junior 25+ and Vet 35 Plus classes, beating out stiff competition like KTM’s Michael Sleeter and Robbie Reynard.
The 250 B Stock class kicked off racing action on Tuesday morning. This is a class to follow all week long, as it hosts some of the heaviest hitters in amateur racing. Minnesota’s Jeremy Martin got off to a bad start in moto one, but the Extreme Team Rockstar Suzuki rider worked his way up to a respectable fourth place in moto one. Martin went on to claim a second place finish in the 450 B Stock class later in the day. Canada’s Cole Thompson had a stellar day in the B classes, taking home third in 250 B Stock and winning the 450 B Stock class aboard his Honda machine.
Oklahoma’s Justin Bogle on his Amsoil Factory Connection Honda is favored to take home an A class championship this week before he makes his pro debut at round nine of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Unadilla. Bogle battled with Iowa native Gavin Faith early in the moto, but a couple of small mistakes by Faith gave Bogle a comfortable lead. Jacob Hayes of North Carolina, put in a valiant effort at the latter part of the first moto, eventually passing Faith for the second spot. If there was a comeback award for this moto, though, Jessy Nelson would be the recipient after crashing on the first lap, falling far outside the top twenty, and making his way back up to sixth.
Justin Bogle pulled off an early win.
Kasie Creson dominated the Women’s (14+) class after getting around MotorcycleSuperstore.com Holeshot winner Jennifer Burton for the lead. Creson settled into a pace that never let up as she hammered through moto one, finishing half a minute ahead of Burton. Florida’s Leah Cantrell put in a solid ride as well, taking a fourth in moto one behind Honda rider Serratia Gonzalez.
Wednesday’s racing action includes the highly anticipated 85 (9-11) Modified, 250A, and Schoolboy 2 first motos as well as the beginning of the second set of motos. You can follow along LIVE on www.lorettas11.tracksideresults.com.
